As part of International Women's Day 2021, Ragtrader is celebrating the incredible women who make up Australia's fashion industry. Here, five Indigenous designers share their vision and what's on the horizon for their brands in 2021.
Simone Arnol
As 2021 is the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, my label’s vision is to further bring awareness about being environmentally conscious and practicing the production of sustainable fashion.
I will continue to use upcycled material and traditional dyes and use my designs as a canvas to pass on cultural stories and messages.
Desgined by Simone Arnol and Djunngaal Elders Group
Lynelle Flinders
My vision is to supply a unique product to a clientele that appreciate the handmade design and individual manufacturing.
My label will be based on collaboration and advocacy for other Indigenous designers and artisans who want to achieve their goals in this arena.
I will assist and inspire Indigenous communities towards greater economic freedom.
Partnering with First Nation Fashion and Design, my label will be accessible to those with a discerning eye and appreciation for contemporary Indigenous artefacts.
Designed by Lynelle Flinders, Sown in Time
Nicole Chatfield
I look forward to creating more pieces with a vision of being recycled, repurposed and reimagined.
I come from a strong family of Aboriginal woman and I create to stay grounded and continue the proud connection to my Aboriginality.
I am a proud Yirrganydji women from Far North Queensland (Cairns to Port Douglas) and Nughi from Moongalpin (Moreton Island) and have strong family kinship to Minjerriba (North Stradbroke Island).
I do also acknowledge my other connections to Kalkadoon (Kalkatungu/Gangalidda, KuKu Typan, Umpila and Kaanju People).
I am Goompi’s Girl. The name “Goompi” was proudly handed down to me by my Dad, who was given this name by his Elders on North Stradbroke Island.
Desgined by Nicole Chatfield
Siobhan Batt for Hopevale Arts Centre
In 2021, we are planning to continue our collaboration with the QUT fashion design students.
Our focus is on sustainability and creating zero-waste designs which also incorporates jewellery and accessories made from found materials.
In the coming years, the art centre will focus on youth engagement, and promoting the creative arts and design industries as a viable career option.
To support this, we are hoping to involve local youth heavily in the design process for our 2021 collection.
Desgined by Hopevale Arts Centre
Vikki Burrows for Wujal Wujal Art Centre
We don’t really have a vision for our brand, this year we want to move on and recover from our floods in 2019, and COVID.
The artists have only just come back to the art centre after being away during 2020.
We will spend time going out on country to get inspired and get ideas.
The artists collaborate with Lynelle Flinders, an indigenous designer from Cairns who comes up to our art centre and we do textile workshops, which involves painting and designing the kaftans.
Designed by Wujal Wujal Art Centre - image credit, Vikki Burrows