Fabulous fashions from Australia’s First Nations peoples

Towera (Fire) 2020 by Lyn-Al Young, made of silk and cord
NAIDOC Week is one of Australia’s most important celebrations of the year because it showcases the history, culture and achievements of the country’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Seedpods top and pants (2019) by Grace Rosendale
Australia has a sad history in terms of how it has treated its First Nations peoples. I won’t go into those shameful actions because you can search for the details. NAIDOC started in 1938 as a Day of Mourning, and became a week-long event only in 1975.

Dresses by Julie Shaw (2019). Accessories by Margaret Djarrbalabal, Evonne Munuyngu and Mary Dhapalany
These days, First Nations people are beginning to receive the honour, recognition and attention they deserve. This last week has served up a feast of their accomplishments, stories, art, performances, recipes and more.

Legacy dress and accessories by Peggy and Delany Griffiths, Anita Churchill, Kelly Anne-Drill and Cathy Ward
Today I want to share some of the magnificent fashions and textiles that made up Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion. The display was curated by Bendigo Art Gallery’s First Nations Curator, Kaantju woman Shonae Hobson, and featured about 60 works.

Wedding dress worn by Miranda Tapsell in the movie Top End Wedding. Created by Bede Tungatalum, Heather Wallace and Robyn Trott
I saw it last year at the National Museum of Australia. Shame on me for not sharing it then, but I couldn’t let NAIDOC pass without bringing it to you now.

Dilly bag textiles. Selina Nadjowh on left. Priscilla and Sylvia Badari, Lynne Nadjowh and Katra Ngabjmirra
I totally loved this exhibition and I so wish that it had or will travel more widely than Bendigo and Canberra. It’s simply breathtaking. The colours, textures, designs and so much more are so indicative of First Nations creativity. I struggled to add captions to the pics below. Thanks WordPress for changing things. Both dresses are by Shannon Brett.
As a complete aside, if you are ever interested in viewing and/or purchasing Indigenous products, please check out this website. Lots of great products.
110 Comments
Leave a CommentTrackbacks
- Fabulous fashions from Australia’s First Nations peoples – EverythingSayer
- Fabulous fashions from Australia’s First Nations peoples — Where to next? – Kobcountrymusic
- Fabulous fashions from Australia’s First Nations peoples – Site Title
- Fabulous fashions from Australia’s First Nations peoples – Site Title
Nice model, it looks so lively
LikeLiked by 4 people
I’d love to wear any of these outfits.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love how fabric can tell a story! And it’s cool to see how the cuts of fabric combined with the right color combination–long and flowing, short ruffles–even help me feel different emotions. Thanks so much for sharing, Peggy! xxxxxxxx
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much Jean. I love fabric and have hoards of it that I have bought over the years. Do you want some? I might be coming to the US and could send.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s a wonderful offer, Peggy! Don’t worry about me, though. It’s just wonderful to hear you’re getting ready to travel once more! xxxxxxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t booked anything yet. Just a possibility. 🙂
LikeLike
They are all fantastic. When I was doing fabric printing (in 1987) I sometimes used aboriginal art as my inspiration. I made some up into casual wear for myself but got told that I should not be doing that. My prints were pretty basic compared to these beautiful designs.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Kristine. I’m sorry your personal items were criticised. I’d love to see them. Let’s have lunch sometime soon.
LikeLike
Fantastic exhibition! I love the colours of these prints.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I wish it was all still on display. Maybe one day.
LikeLike
I’ll have to keep an eye out and see if it ever comes Perth way
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, maybe it will go west.
LikeLike
They’re beautiful and I love how colourful they are.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you like them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to see more of this happening. The wedding dress is amazing, love the design.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m pleased to have a few pieces of clothing with Indigenous designs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this very interesting post. I haven’t seen these types of prints before. Many of the people I work with are Dene First Nation, and I’m so happy that life is changing positively for them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The positive changes and recognition are long overdue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful & vibrant textiles. The few souvenirs that I’ve never regretted buying are aboriginal prints. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m pleased I finally got it posted. I’ve been thinking about it for almost a year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous prints. Thanks, Peggy continue…
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are most welcome.
LikeLike
I wish this exhibit would travel to my part of the globe. The designs are fabulous.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ll let you know if it ever travels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very striking indeed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The fabrics are so wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such beautiful clothes! I am full of admiration for the colours and the motifs. Thank you for sharing this, Peggy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are most welcome. Our First Nations art is so amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is. So much creativity there, it is fantastic.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is so encouraging to know that this happens – and you have photographed it well
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is so very encouraging. I’m pleased that I got around to sharing it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are nicely done, both style and use of color. Maybe not quite like someone in the US would expect. 😎
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re right. These are very much First Nations Australian motifs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So vibrant, and wonderful details!
LikeLiked by 2 people
All so wonderful. Impossible to pick a favourite.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My third time around for this post and brilliant display of creative endeavour. There are so many messages, symbols and history embedded in the clothes that we wear. These events spark conversation on diversity as well as the definition of inclusivity and exclusivity.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You make excellent points. These clothes do a great job of featuring some of the messages, symbols and history that are important to our First Nations people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you like them. Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
World class fashion and inspiring.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes and yes!
LikeLike
Stunning.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Dave. Hope you are keeping well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done Peggy. It is good to see how much acceptance these designs are getting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I have a couple of pieces with similar designs and I love them.
LikeLike
Wow though not a surprise. What talent!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Fabric can be wonderful pieces of art.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice photographs Peggy! Looks like a great exhibition. Sorry, I missed it. You are right we need to see and do more to promote first nations people. Particularly, as it is an important 12 months for the new parliament and the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Tony, I’m hoping the Uluru State from the Heart gets adopted soon.
LikeLike
Gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you like them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, some of these are just gorgeous! I was out of the country a lot between ’75 and ’84 when I moved to Canada, but still, I’m amazed that I’ve never heard of NAIDOC until this year.
Alison
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m not surprised, Alison, that you weren’t aware of NAIDOC Week. It’s gained real exposure only in the last decade. This year there was quite a big (and deserved) deal about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indigenous art – wow never seen before. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you like it. Their art is very distinctive.
LikeLike
Wow!
LikeLiked by 3 people
They deserve a Wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow those dresses are on point. The designer really has an eye for detail: especially that dress with a hat just like the use of colors both on the dress and the background…
So Stylish and the designs from Australia’s best are mind blowing🔥🔥🔥🙌🙌
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you like them. A truly magnificent collection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dress’s are sweet man I like the patterns
LikeLiked by 2 people
The patterns are very much Indigenous designs.
LikeLike
Looks Great I would get if I had the money
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think any of these are for sale, so we can just enjoy looking at them.
LikeLike
Welcome Back. What beautiful clothing designs. Thanks for bringing them to us. The colors and patterns of the fabrics are lively and refreshing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s good to get going again. Hope I can maintain. Glad you like the fabrics.
LikeLike
These are fantastic creations – love the natural colors.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I so love these Indigenous designs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing these. I’ve always been a fan of the art of Australia’s Indigenous people.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Their art is truly unique.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read through your post and I think that it’s very well written and shares a great amount of Australian Indigenous culture through the photos and captions. I also like your perspectives on the exhibits. It made me very interested to see them in person one day, if I ever get the opportunity. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for your kind comment. I so love Indigenous art and culture. Glad you are appreciating it too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely love this! How stunning is the first, third and fourth outfit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are stunning. I’d love to wear any of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just wow.. Both the colours and the designs are beyond stunning… Thank you for sharing…
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed the fashions.
LikeLike
WoW…WoW..
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know. I know. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What beautiful fabric!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s hard to choose a favourite.
LikeLike
Wow, I really enjoy these models, thank you for great sharing
Kisses
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome.
LikeLike
Wow! Love the strong colors!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too.
LikeLike
Waiting for new post, have agreat day. Kisses.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Anita. I need to get busy. Gros bisous.
LikeLike
Eye-catching fashions. Unique. First Nations people in North America have suffered hideous wrongs too. Will enough ever be enough to make things right?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sadly enough will most likely never be enough.
LikeLike
Impressive creativity on display here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And so colourful.
LikeLike
Peggy, these are fabulous fabrics and beautiful fashion. Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are certainly talented, and it’s great to see them recognized for it. ~Terri
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Recognition has been a long time coming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning!
Have I never visited your blog before?
Robert.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you have. Welcome anytime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ta. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW, love this post. Great stuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you like it.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing and creating such a beautiful post. I am going to investigate the link you included to learn more about Naidoc and share it with my wife who identifies as Metis. Fashion is not really my thing but I still really appreciated the colour and fashions here. – Hugs ! – David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks David. Fashion isn’t really my thing either—I live in camping clothes—but these pieces are so striking. I’m glad Naidoc is receiving more attention these days. Sometime next year, Australians will be voting to add an Indigenous Voice to our constitution. Your wife might also be interested in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. https://fromtheheart.com.au/
LikeLike
Beautiful designs, styles, and patterns.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad art by our First Nations people is getting much more exposure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed seeing these fashions. They are stunning. I know very little about Australian Indigenous People and found this fascinating. I know very little about American indigenous peoples.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you like the fashions. They are a very contemporary take on sometimes ancient Australian Indigenous designs. America’s Indigenous people also have fabulous designs.
LikeLike