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.
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- 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
Where to next? 
Nice model, it looks so lively
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I’d love to wear any of these outfits.
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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
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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.
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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
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I haven’t booked anything yet. Just a possibility. 🙂
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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.
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Thanks Kristine. I’m sorry your personal items were criticised. I’d love to see them. Let’s have lunch sometime soon.
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Fantastic exhibition! I love the colours of these prints.
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I wish it was all still on display. Maybe one day.
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I’ll have to keep an eye out and see if it ever comes Perth way
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Oh yes, maybe it will go west.
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They’re beautiful and I love how colourful they are.
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So glad you like them.
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Great to see more of this happening. The wedding dress is amazing, love the design.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m pleased to have a few pieces of clothing with Indigenous designs.
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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.
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The positive changes and recognition are long overdue.
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Beautiful & vibrant textiles. The few souvenirs that I’ve never regretted buying are aboriginal prints. Thank you for sharing.
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I’m pleased I finally got it posted. I’ve been thinking about it for almost a year.
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Gorgeous prints. Thanks, Peggy continue…
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You are most welcome.
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I wish this exhibit would travel to my part of the globe. The designs are fabulous.
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I’ll let you know if it ever travels.
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Very striking indeed.
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The fabrics are so wonderful.
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Such beautiful clothes! I am full of admiration for the colours and the motifs. Thank you for sharing this, Peggy.
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You are most welcome. Our First Nations art is so amazing.
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Yes, it is. So much creativity there, it is fantastic.
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It is so encouraging to know that this happens – and you have photographed it well
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It is so very encouraging. I’m pleased that I got around to sharing it.
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These are nicely done, both style and use of color. Maybe not quite like someone in the US would expect. 😎
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You’re right. These are very much First Nations Australian motifs.
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So vibrant, and wonderful details!
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All so wonderful. Impossible to pick a favourite.
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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.
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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.
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Beautiful 🙂
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So glad you like them. Me too!
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World class fashion and inspiring.
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Yes and yes!
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Stunning.
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Thanks Dave. Hope you are keeping well.
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Well done Peggy. It is good to see how much acceptance these designs are getting.
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I have a couple of pieces with similar designs and I love them.
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Wow though not a surprise. What talent!!
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Fabric can be wonderful pieces of art.
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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.
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Thanks Tony, I’m hoping the Uluru State from the Heart gets adopted soon.
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Gorgeous!
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So glad you like them.
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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
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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.
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Good to hear that.
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Indigenous art – wow never seen before. Thanks.
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Glad you like it. Their art is very distinctive.
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Wow!
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They deserve a Wow!
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They do indeed!
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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🔥🔥🔥🙌🙌
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So glad you like them. A truly magnificent collection.
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Dress’s are sweet man I like the patterns
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The patterns are very much Indigenous designs.
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Looks Great I would get if I had the money
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I don’t think any of these are for sale, so we can just enjoy looking at them.
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Welcome Back. What beautiful clothing designs. Thanks for bringing them to us. The colors and patterns of the fabrics are lively and refreshing.
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It’s good to get going again. Hope I can maintain. Glad you like the fabrics.
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These are fantastic creations – love the natural colors.
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I so love these Indigenous designs.
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Thanks for sharing these. I’ve always been a fan of the art of Australia’s Indigenous people.
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Their art is truly unique.
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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!
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Thanks so much for your kind comment. I so love Indigenous art and culture. Glad you are appreciating it too.
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Absolutely love this! How stunning is the first, third and fourth outfit.
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They are stunning. I’d love to wear any of them.
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Me too!
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Just wow.. Both the colours and the designs are beyond stunning… Thank you for sharing…
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My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed the fashions.
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WoW…WoW..
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I know. I know. Thanks for stopping by.
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It’s my pleasure!
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What beautiful fabric!
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It’s hard to choose a favourite.
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Wow, I really enjoy these models, thank you for great sharing
Kisses
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You are most welcome.
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Wow! Love the strong colors!
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Me too.
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Waiting for new post, have agreat day. Kisses.
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Thanks Anita. I need to get busy. Gros bisous.
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Eye-catching fashions. Unique. First Nations people in North America have suffered hideous wrongs too. Will enough ever be enough to make things right?
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Sadly enough will most likely never be enough.
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Impressive creativity on display here.
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And so colourful.
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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
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Thanks. Recognition has been a long time coming.
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Stunning!
Have I never visited your blog before?
Robert.
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I think you have. Welcome anytime.
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ta. 🙂
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WOW, love this post. Great stuff!
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So glad you like it.
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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
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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/
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Beautiful designs, styles, and patterns.
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I’m so glad art by our First Nations people is getting much more exposure.
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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.
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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.
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Fantastic exhibition
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Glad you liked it.
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