Australian Fashion Week (AFW) 2025 once again spotlighted the creativity and innovation of both emerging and established First Nations designers, underscoring their growing influence in the industry.
Curated and executed by the Australian Fashion Council—with key funding support from Destination NSW and Shark Beauty—this year’s streamlined five-day program ran from May 12 to 16, celebrating Indigenous artistry through a powerful showcase of culture, craft, and contemporary fashion.
The event featured prominent Indigenous labels including Liandra, Ngali, Miimi & Jiinda, Joseph & James, and Buluuy Mirrii. Notably, Joseph & James and Liandra held their own solo runway shows, marking significant milestones for their brands.
Joseph & James founder Juanita Page, a proud Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander woman, expressed her excitement at debuting a solo runway. “This isn’t just about the clothes—it’s about taking up space in an industry where First Nations menswear is still emerging,” she said. The brand’s journey from group showcase hopefuls to solo stars highlights AFW’s commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices.
Ngali designer Denni Francisco also showcased her latest collection, The Yawa: Journey Collection, which celebrates Indigenous storytelling through wearable art. Francisco described the collection as “deeply personal,” honoring culture, country, and community while weaving ancestral guidance into contemporary design.
On the runway, First Nations-owned agency Blaklist played a crucial role in representing Indigenous creatives. Led by founder Teagan Cowlishaw, Blaklist provided a platform for diverse talents including models, performers, and artists. Their Next Gen initiative grew from just three participants in 2024 to 15 in 2025, highlighting a promising future for Indigenous representation in fashion.
Model and Blaklist talent Ieesha Caton reflected on the importance of cultural representation and inclusivity, emphasizing the need for future generations to confidently showcase their heritage on global stages.
Veteran First Nations model Elaine George, a mentor within Blaklist, also walked the runway, reinforcing the blend of experience and fresh talent driving this year’s event.
Despite the departure of global sponsor IMG last year, the Australian Fashion Council maintained AFW’s status as a premier high-fashion event, demonstrating resilience and dedication to Indigenous inclusion.
While ongoing efforts are needed to expand First Nations presence in the industry, Australian Fashion Week 2025 confirmed that Indigenous designers and creatives are forging ahead with strength, vision, and undeniable impact.
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