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IMG has partnered with First Nations Fashion and Design for Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021

IMAGE VIA FIRST NATIONS FASHION AND DESIGN

WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE

An important partnership.

Here at Fashion Journal we’re big supporters – and proud partners – of First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD). If you’ve read any of the feature articles we’ve produced in collaboration with FNFD since our partnership first launched during NAIDOC Week 2020, you’ll be well aware of the immensely talented Indigenous creatives that it nurtures and supports.

FNFD is a space committed to increasing Australia’s awareness and understanding of our rich Indigenous heritage, while also making space for ongoing dialogue and carving out opportunities for Indigenous creatives and artists in the fashion industry. And now FNFD is solidifying its position in the Australian fashion industry, with a partnership with IMG to support Indigenous Australian designers and talent as part of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW).


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Taking place this year from May 31 to June 4 at Carriageworks, Sydney, and virtually at australianfashionweek.com, IMG and FNFD will collaborate on programming and events that will prioritise inclusion and representation by shining a spotlight on Indigenous Australian talent and designers.

The partnership will include trade showrooms, virtual content and programming and runway shows, beginning on May 31 with the official opening event of AAFW, a Welcome to Country curated and presented by FNFD.

FNFD will hold a dedicated space in AAFW’s onsite showrooms, The Suites, from May 31 through to June 2, which will provide Indigenous Australian designers the opportunity to meet with buyers and media. There will also be an FNFD runway on June 2 showcasing the collections of eight Indigenous Australian fashion designers and an FNFD talk on June 3 where FNFD’s founder Grace Lillian Lee will host a panel discussion focusing on the continued support and growth of Indigenous Australian models and designers.

“IMG is thrilled to announce our partnership with First Nations Fashion and Design. We are committed to playing an active role in the advancement of Indigenous Australian designers and leveraging our resources to amplify their voices in the Australian fashion industry and around the globe,” says Natalie Xenita, Executive Director of IMG’s fashion events group in the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking about the partnership, Grace Lillian Lee emphasised the importance of Indigenous Australian fashion and design to this country. “Our country has inspired the Australian fashion and design industry for over 200 years. Our practices and native landscapes have served as a great source of inspiration. Our people and our land continue to contribute to the growth and development of this nation.

“We aim to rewrite history by reclaiming our narrative of connection to country through fashion and design. Indigenous fashion is the future of the Australian fashion industry, and what an honour to be featured as the first Indigenous runway show at AAFW’s 25th Anniversary, amplifying Indigenous voices for the next generation and chapter in AAFW history.”

To find out more about Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, head here. To get acquainted with First Nations Fashion and Design, head here.

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