Country to Couture 2025: A Decade of First Nations Fashion Excellence
The Country to Couture runway celebrated a powerful milestone this year, marking ten years of groundbreaking First Nations fashion on Larrakia Country. Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects, the event showcased more than 25 brands and over 80 creatives, artists, and designers in a stunning display of cultural strength and artistic innovation.
Held in Darwin, the dual runway shows were nothing short of extraordinary.
Show 1: Threads of Country honoured the deep, living connection between First Nations people and their land, fusing traditional techniques with contemporary silhouettes in collections that told stories from sunrise to sunset.
Show 2: Rising Colours: The BLAK Party brought boldness, brilliance and unapologetic celebration to the stage. Vibrant designs lit up the runway as designers celebrated a decade of excellence in Indigenous fashion.
From first-time designers like Rowena Morgan (Nangarri Designs) to long-standing favourites like Nagula Jarndu, this year’s line-up reflected an ecosystem of growth and resilience. Models, mentors and stylists, including Head Stylist Lindyn Rowland, worked collaboratively to elevate each garment’s story and meaning.
The night closed with artist Barkaa igniting the crowd, performing in her mother’s design, as the audience rose to celebrate a movement far beyond fashion. What began in 2016 as a modest runway has evolved into the nation’s leading platform for Indigenous fashion innovation.