Liandra Gaykamangu has returned to the Melbourne Fashion Week runway, showcasing her brand's latest collection.
After a busy few months evolving the brand's offerings, Gaykamangu shared how rewarding it feels to be back at Melbourne Fashion Week, alongside close friends and fellow First Nations designers.
"It feels really special to return, particularly as part of the Cult Status Runway," she said.
"Building an independent brand takes a lot of persistence and being included alongside designers with such distinct perspectives feels like recognition of what we've been working towards.
"LIANDRA is an expression of who I am, and my identity as a Yolŋu woman is part of everything I create.
"I'm proud to bring that perspective to the broader Australian fashion conversation. To do that through a runway celebrating individuality feels like a really natural fit for the brand."
Alongside her brand's new HELIX collection, the designer included a handful of both older and unseen garments.
"HELIX, our R27 collection, is the highlight, but we've also included some older favourites and a few new, unseen pieces," she said.
"I wanted to have fun with the styling and bring together different parts of LIANDRA.
"With HELIX, we're continuing to explore our hand-drawn prints through shape, colour and movement."
Gaykamangu shared how she wants consumers to be able to pair a piece they bought several years ago with something new and have it feel seamless.
"Something I think about a lot when designing is how each collection connects to what came before it," she said.
"I want someone to be able to pair a piece they bought several years ago with something new and have it feel seamless.
"That idea has shaped our approach to this runway. It's a blend of the brand, showing how our pieces can come together in combinations people might not have considered, with a little glimpse of what's ahead."
Looking at the broader fashion industry, Gaykamangu is eager to see the range of opportunities available to First Nations creatives continue to increase.
"It's encouraging to see First Nations creatives working across more parts of the industry. But I'm also interested in what happens beyond that first opportunity; Are people being paid properly, credited for their contribution and invited back? Are those experiences leading to ongoing work and relationships?" she said.
"I've never believed that talent is the problem. There is so much creativity, knowledge and capability in our communities, particularly in remote places.
"The industries we work in don't always know how to connect and work with that talent."
Gaykamangu has been striving to create more opportunities for First Nations creatives.
"Alongside the brand, I've been building ḺUNDU, a Yolŋu-led platform grounded in East Arnhem Land, creating opportunities for First Nations creatives in remote communities through paid work, mentorship and industry connections," she said.
"This work began through LIANDRA several years ago. Giving it its own platform allows us to build on those relationships and create opportunities beyond the needs of the brand.
"We bring people together through real productions, where First Nations creatives contribute meaningfully while building experience, income and connections.
"The exchange goes both ways. Experienced industry professionals also have a lot to learn from the creativity, cultural knowledge and leadership already here too.
"I think the next step is making those relationships an ongoing part of how the industry works."
Liandra Gaykamangu is eager to see the range of opportunities available to First Nations creatives continue to increase. (Image: Charlotte Van Stratum)
Looking ahead, the talented designer hopes to develop the brand's resort and ready-to-wear offering and continue to grow ḺUNDU.
"I'm excited to keep developing LIANDRA's resort and ready-to-wear offering," she said
"I feel clearer about the direction of the brand and how I want each collection to build on the last.
"I'm also continuing to grow ḺUNDU and the relationships that make that work possible. LIANDRA has shown me how much can come from one creative business.
"I'm excited to keep building the brand while helping create more ways for remote First Nations creatives to pursue their own ambitions."
For more fashion, arts, culture and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
