Guest edit: Artist Nina Fitzgerald shares the local labels on her radar

Eyes on.

The fashion landscape is ever-changing, but spotting the most exciting and original designers requires a certain type of alchemy, one that Nina Fitzgerald has an eye for. A proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, Nina is a creative director based in Darwin.

She runs multidisciplinary creative hub Laundry Gallery, creative studio and consultancy Going North and recently, she opened the doors to Printshop NT, a screenprinting and textile manufacturing hub that’s entirely Indigenous-owned and the first of its kind. As someone with deep roots in both the fashion and art landscapes, we were curious to know what she has on her radar.

For more shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

Right now in fashion

I love Jordan Gogos for the imaginative and out-of-this-world pieces he is creating, and the shows he has delivered. Also, Alémais always has such a fun, vibrant and creative take on fashion. Lesleigh Jermanus is a powerhouse and a beautiful soul and I am inspired by the work she does, it just makes you smile.

Jewellery well-sourced

Photography by Daphne Nguyen

If you check out one thing from this list, let it be this. Love Well is impeccable vintage and antique jewellery sourced from across the world – it’s honestly incredible. I love that each piece has a history and a story. The jewellery she finds always blows my mind.

In my wardrobe

Image via St Agni

St. Agni is a staple, the brand has the most beautiful quality pieces. So much of my wardrobe is Lee Mathews, they’re such gorgeous and reliable pieces, I know the fit and I love the quality. Ellery is, of course, a forever favourite of mine. I hunt for pieces on Depop (Kym, the creative director, is a genius).

For summer

Photography by Morgan Pilcher

I know we’re coming into summer down south and I always come back to Aussie label Matteau for quality dresses. They’re perfect for Darwin’s year-long summer.

Dearly beloved

Image via Lola Varma

If you’re in your wedding era, take a look at Lola Varma, the Australian bridalwear label from the divine Courtney Illfield. Her vision and her style for the brand are inspiring, I absolutely love what she does.

Coming soon in fashion

Image via Nina Fitzgerald

I’m working with some master weavers from Peppimenarti and other regions in remote Northern Territory, learning about their natural dyes and how we can expand the use of natural dyes in the Australian textile industry. We’ve also just launched a screen printing and textile hub here on Larrakia Country in Darwin, called Printshop NT. Watch this space!

Keep up with Nina here.