Post by : Meena Ariff

New Delhi recently hosted a striking presentation of Australian First Nations fashion, bringing Indigenous art and contemporary style to the capital. The event was staged by the Australian High Commission in partnership with Kirrikin and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), showcasing the creative ties between Australia’s Indigenous designers and India’s fashion community.

The evening opened with a powerful Aboriginal dance, a cultural practice stretching back more than 60,000 years. Performers moved to patterns and rhythms that referenced native animals such as the kangaroo and emu, offering a living glimpse into the narrative traditions central to First Nations communities. The performance established a ritualistic, storytelling mood that carried into the runway presentation.

Central to the show was Kirrikin — whose name in the Wonnarua language means "Sunday’s best clothes" — the luxury label founded by Indigenous designer Amanda Healy. Kirrikin is known for reimagining original First Nations artwork as high-end textiles; the collection on display translated those visual stories into contemporary garments. Designs were created in Australia and produced in Noida, reflecting an emerging production partnership between the two countries.

"Fashion has always been a bridge and this showcase is a true meeting of cultures," said Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, underlining the growing international recognition for Indigenous craftsmanship and storytelling.

The event also marked Kirrikin’s 10th anniversary and its first runway showing in India. Titled 'Evoke', the collection included tailored blazers, flowing wrap dresses, soft crepe skirts and structured trousers — pieces that brought First Nations motifs into modern silhouettes. Drawing inspiration from the Noongar people of southwest Western Australia, the garments used fine viscose crepe and featured hand-painted prints that reflected the region’s landscapes, spirits and oral histories.

Healy praised India’s textiles and manufacturing strengths: "I chose India as my major supplier because of the sheer fabulousness of your fabrics," she said, noting the evening served as both a fashion milestone and an exchange of cultural expression, turning ancestral traditions into globally resonant designs.

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