First Nations Excellence in Fashion

By Marley Morgan
Published
November 29, 2022
July 9, 2024
Last Updated
December 12, 2022
Contributors
Written by
Marley Morgan
she/her
Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay
Written by
she/her
Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay
Written by

Photographer Marley Morgan takes us to Melbourne Fashion Week 2022.

Mob in Fashion was founded by Nathan McGuire in 2022, and exists to elevate First Nations voices and representation behind the scenes in the fashion industry.

Designer Cassie Leatham with founder of Mob in Fashion Nathan McGuire.

Mob in Fashion had their first runway show at the Melbourne Fringe Festival in Naarm. True to the name, the entire production was brought forward by an all-Indigenous team and talent. In the capable hands of Rhys Ripper behind the creative direction, the showcase presented fashion incorporating wearable art with stories tied to Country and culture. 

Model Lucas Schober practices before Mob in Fashion runway.

Behind the stunning pieces is an impressive line-up of knowledgeable and talented Blak women, and world-class designers with strong ethos and commitment to sustainability and storytelling – Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Cassie Leatham and Lillardia Briggs Houston. All three women live and work on their Country and practice traditional ways such as sourcing materials for weaving and creating, natural dye methods and art that reflects locational landscapes and ecosystems.

Models Ane Faaui and Ruby Lucas wear designs by Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.

The incredible garments were worn by an all-Indigenous line-up of models taking centre stage while Kambarni artworks and illustrations made an illuminated backdrop.

Model Savannah Kruger wears designs by Lillardia Briggs Houston.

Melbourne Fashion Week also platformed Blak excellence. The Urban Garden Show opened the annual event and included a feature of the Honey Bee Collection by Gomeroi designer Aunty Colleen Tighe Johnson from Buluuy Mirrii (meaning black star in Gamilaraay language). A follow-on from her highly sought-after Honey Ant Collection, the runway featured a diverse array of talent modelling the collection, from experienced to up-and-coming faces. The Honey Bee Collection was met by an eager and impressive turnout, and was a resounding performance to close The Urban Garden Show. It served as another reinforcer as to why Aunty Colleen is an essential figure in the international fashion world.

Model Shamaiah Sullivan wearing designs by Buluuy Mirrii for Melbourne Fashion Week Urban Garden.
Model Nelson Baker wearing designs by Buluuy Mirrii for Melbourne Fashion Week Urban Garden.
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