My Spirit, My Country runway places emphasis on the elements

Emma Ruben Published March 14, 2023 at 1.25pm (AWST)

fashion

Models wear Indigenous designs from around the world at the My Spirit, My Country runway. Photo credit: Tamati Smith.

In Mount Duneed Estate in Waurn Ponds, just outside of Dijilang (Geelong), Melbourne Fashion Festival's first ever runway was walked outside of Naarm (Melbourne).

More than just a runway, local models participated in boot camp type training as preparation for the runway on Saturday afternoon.

Executed by the Global Indigenous Management, executive officer Tina Waru said this was so much more than just a runway.

"The Global Indigenous Runway celebrates the creativity of top Indigenous fashion designers from around the world," she said.

"More than just another runway, the designers will collaborate with artists and musicians to deliver a unique Indigenous cultural spectacular honouring their fashion stories.

"Indigenous Runway Project will run a program for Indigenous young people using fashion as a vehicle to reveal career pathways in the industry."

The Indigenous designers featured come from all over the world. From Samoa to New Zealand and even Indonesia.

After Uncle Glenn Shea opened the event, designs walked the runway on the backdrop of the runway inspired by all four elements.

Opening the show was Taungurung designer and founder of Wa-ring, Annette Sax whose final look included a wedding gown with a detachable train.

A model wears a Wa-ring finale wedding dress with a detachable train. Photo credit: Tamati Smith.

Designs by Deborah Beale on a model. Photo credit: Tamati Smith.

A model wears Jeanine Clarkin. Photo credit: Tamati Smith.

Founder and designer of Murrii Quu Couture, Cheryl Creed also presented an all-black collection of modest evening gowns from reclaimed fabrics and material.

While Indonesian designer Merdi Sihombing travelled all the way to present his latest collection out of eco-friendly ulos woven cloths in structured, workwear silhouettes.

A model wears Cheryl Creed. Photo credit: Tamati Smith.

A model wears a pantsuit by Merdi Sihombing. Photo credit: Tamati Smith.

New Zealand designer Cheremene Castle stunned audiences with her final two-piece gown, a cross-hatched bodice with a large tulle skirt overlayed.

Cheremene Castle's showstopping dress. Photo credit: Tamati Smith.

To end the runway, designers did their final walk alongside Tina Waru, makeup artists, stylists and other staff walked the runway.

Melbourne Fashion Festival concluded March 11.

The Indigenous designers who showcased their label at the My Spirit, My Country runway include, Annette Sax, Jason Hampton, Tito Schmidt, Cheryl Creed, Amber Bridgman, Jeanine Clarkin, Merdi Sihombing, Cheremene Castle, Deborah Beale.