Australia Set To Launch Indigenous Fashion Week

September 3, 2012, 2:52 pmmarie claire

Australia is set to launch Indigenous Fashion Week, which will showcase the work of 30 Aboriginal designers and artists.

Fashion

Read more about

Rating:

Rate it:Sign in to rate

Samantha Harris For AIFW

Another important date is about to be printed on the illustrious Fashion Week calendar – Australian Indigenous Fashion Week (AIFW).

Organised by Sydney based indigenous-owned events company All The Perks, AIFW is a chance for the nation’s brightest indigenous fashion designers to bring their creations to the world stage.

According to AIFW, one of its main objectives is to “improve the economic status of Aboriginal people by brokering relationships with local and international buyers”.

Australian Indigenous Fashion Week spokesmodel Samantha Harris, now one of Australia’s most successful models, says she hopes the launch of AIFW will help the rest of the world stand up and take notice of the country’s unique heritage.

“We are an old culture that is very rich in the arts, sports and fashion,” said Harris. “I want the world to know how talented the Australian Aborigines are.”

Although details of the week are so far scarce, it’s reported that AIFW will take place in September 2013.

“I think people will be blown away by this project,” hinted Harris. “I haven’t seen all the designers and artwork that will be involved yet, but from what I have seen I can say there is so much talent, and I just can’t wait for everyone else to see what I have witnessed already.”

Aboriginal artistry hit the world headlines last year when Rodarte famously incorporated indigenous prints into its fall collection.

“Rodarte properly licensed the textiles that they used and proceeds went to the artists involved, but it still angered Aboriginal law professor and member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Megan Davis,” commented Fashionista.