When Nat Dann started his Ihraa brand last year, his goal was to showcase his designs as part of New York Fashion Week.
In exactly two months, the dream of the woman Bardi, Nyul Nyul and Nyikina will come true when her swimsuit will come out on the roof track of the Varick Street building in New York.
She is not the only designer from Western Australia, with her Pilbara and Ngarluma creative partner Kariyarra, Nyul Nyul and Yawuru woman Bobbi Lockyer also choosing to show off her clothes.
For Ms. Dann, the opportunity to showcase her Pilbara and Kimberley-inspired designs on the international stage is synonymous with the growing popularity of Indigenous fashion abroad.
European impact
Wonnarua women’s label Amanda Healy has had an impact in Europe.
His business model is based on buying aboriginal works of art and transforming them into printed fabrics.
Amanda Healy has worked with about 16 Indigenous artists since founding her company in 2015. (ABC Kimberley: Abby Richards)
“It’s important that our people are seen and heard,” he says.
Over the years, Ms. Healy has worked with more than 16 artists, with the money she earns returning to the community.
Request from BLM
Perth-based indigenous designer Teagen (TJ) Cowlishaw has family ties to the people Nyikina, Bardi and Nyul Nyul. Its label, AARLI, a bardic word meaning fish, has been in great demand in Australia.
TJ Cowlishaw says Indigenous fashion has grown over the past five years. (ABC Kimberley: Abby Richards)
Ms Cowlishaw says demand for indigenous designs has increased since the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Australian Fashion Council was unable to provide statistics on sales of indigenous designs, however, local designers say the anecdotal evidence speaks for itself.
“It has increased absolutely especially in the last five years,” Ms. Cowlishaw says.
“It can be seen not only with the collaborations that come out weekly, but also this yearning not only from the industry but from consumers for First Nations content.”
Nat Dann uses indigenous art to tell stories about his culture. (ABC News: Claire Moodie)
Confidence enhancer
For Nat Dann, New York Fashion Week is a big boost to her confidence as a relatively new designer.
“I have my moments of doubt … if what I’m doing and what I’m putting in there is good, but seeing it be noticed is just a confirmation that my work is good,” he says.
“I’ve made myself and my family proud and I also want to be able to put Kimberley and Pilbara on the map for that.”
The two Western Australian designers will showcase their Indigenous art designs on Flying Solo’s “Ones to Watch” runway in front of an audience of 16 million people, both online and offline.
Indigenous designers are seeing more demand for their work abroad. (Photography: Nat Dann / Lucas Dawson Photography)
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