Proud Gurindji Waanyi woman Sarrita King has debuted her newest project via a fashion collaboration with Australian fashion brand, Edition.

Having worked as a practising contemporary artist for more than 17 years, King is thrilled to showcase her newest fashion art form in Darwin at Darwin Aboriginal Fair's (DAAF) Country to Couture runway.

With a passion for storytelling, finding connection through culture and landscape, King's collaboration with Edition reflects exactly just that.

Having previously worked with Edition founder Alice Sutton, the collaboration presents as a natural progression of friendship and a fusion of talent.

"I was inspired to apply to Country to Couture from the overwhelming love I've received for the garments I've created over the years for myself," King said.

"For close to over a decade I have collaborated with Alice from EDITION.

"We first worked together in 2014 in a small line of pieces focused on my element's series.

"From there, we worked on a series of one-off dresses. I have always loved Alice's designs and how comfortable, flattering and classic they are."

King said the fabric brings her hand painted pieces to life.

"Being an established artist for close to 20 years and bringing my designs to the Country to Couture show is another way for me to share my story, and my love for the land and country I call home," she said.

"With Country to Couture being on Larrakia Country, it's a great opportunity for me to showcase my designs in my own community.

"I think the audience will love the class of our pieces - some looks are street ready, and others are bold gala worthy gowns."

With smiles visible on audience member's faces, the new collection walked the runway while grabbing the attention of guests.

Showcasing a niche collection of screen printed garments, the duo proved the influence of Country and craft can be intertwined with yet a modern aesthetic.

"Our collection is a mix of screen printed and hand painted garments – all the artwork is reflective of land," King told Style Up.

"The colour palettes and textures we chose evoke the sense behind the painted stories themselves, of being close to country, feeling connected to land and at home in the environment.

"As with my artwork, my stories aim to evoke the feeling of connection, for people to sense the innate bond between land and Indigenous people.

"To connect them with their own ties to land, and their ancestral heritage (whether they be Indigenous or not) and to find common ground in the beauty of life and land.

"The rich metallics, linens and earthy tones will hopefully sing to the viewer and remind them of the beauty of our Top End home."

When speaking on collaborations, greater representation and the broadening of opportunities for First Nations creatives, King said she has noticed a shift in the level of opportunities, especially with Australian brands.

"There are a lot more opportunities now than there were 10 years ago," she said.

"With the rise of social media, Indigenous art - especially emerging art - has a ready-made platform.

"Australian brands have been given access to these creators like never before. These collaborations seem to be mutually beneficial, they're great and have their place.

"I am also seeing First Nations brands rising to that level, which is inspiring to see.

"Watching Indigenous creators backing themselves and growing their own brands to rival some of the larger companies, and then seeing them collaborate with more Indigenous businesses has been inspiring."

When considering how Indigenous fashion will evolve in the coming years, King is quick to confirm she is seeing more creatives take risks, in addition to an increase in the number of high-fashion First Nations brands and businesses.

"I see more risks being taken across the industry, and a real diversity across all genres coming through," she said.

"I see First Nations high end couture, streetwear, footwear, lingerie only growing from here.

"Great Indigenous businesses are leading the way for those entering the industry.

If we back ourselves and one another, Indigenous fashion can be as big as the Aboriginal art movement."

Despite a busy few months marking the beginning of 2024, King is looking forward to new opportunities, overseas exhibitions and more.

"I had an exhibition at the India Art Fair, presented by the High Commission of India and it was an amazing platform to showcase my art," she said.

"I flew to India in late January and the two weeks I spent on New Delhi opened my eyes to a whole different culture, and enabled me to share Aboriginal culture, find connections and share stories through art.

"Being in the Aboriginal art industry for this long has taught me to never stop evolving, my fine art career is always on the up,

"I have a couple of overseas exhibitions next year that I am building towards. I am busy building my own brand KingKing with my older sister Tarisse who is also an Aboriginal artist.

"I just started a local UV printing business King Print NT, and I look forward to that growing. Collaborating with EDITION has been amazing this year, we will see where this show takes us, and no doubt strengthen our partnership."

For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.