Fashion is known as one of the most notoriously transient industries in the world, but Yorta Yorta man Rhys Ripper has defied the odds racking up more than twenty years working in the industry.
The creative director, art director, casting director, model scout and founder of Cobber Magazine has worked with some of the most iconic names in the fashion game both in Australia and abroad. Country Road, Aje, RM Williams and Emporio Armani, just to name a few on the creative genius' resume.
Most recently, Ripper curated the Future/History exhibition partnered with Melbourne Fashion Festival and Mob In Fashion and showcased in Museum Victoria.
The exhibition thoughtfully put together by Ripper used three collections by three locally and internationally recognised First Nations designers, Lillardia Briggs-Houston, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and Cassie Leatham. His goal to elevate First Nations designers in the fashion industry while paying homage to Country.
"We have 3 stages of Future/History, one was the Runway Event in October, then the exhibition with Melbourne Museum and the final instalment is the photoshoot. The exhibition allowed the public to see this beautiful collection of works up close and personal." Ripper said.
"Future/History was us slowing down the process, focusing on the beginnings of how we create and then taking some steps forward, it's not about jumping hard into Fashion Weeks without building the skills as a brand/business first."
It is with this approach in mind, cradled by his wealth of knowledge and experience that Ripper has continued to champion First Nations representation in the industry, long before the recent trends.
Working alongside GQ Model of the Year and Wadjuk model Nathan McGuire in founding and building the Mob In Fashion program, the duo work to equip First Nations creatives with learning and training placements, networking and relationship-building opportunities, and pathways to paid work and scholarships.
Importantly, Ripper and the team at Mob In Fashion are reminding the industry that First Nations people are not just the subjects of stories, but the original storytellers and belong in every part of the fashion system.
"We (Mob In Fashion) hope that designers and other creatives see space within the industry that is more aligned with who we are as people, that then can be applied to how the fashion industry operates," Ripper said.
Ripper's other projects include continuing to develop his online magazine Cobber and build his already established father agency Mate Model Management.
