TRANSCRIPT
Australia House is the place where Australians in London come to renew passports and vote in elections.
On the 14th of October, it will be the single busiest polling station in the world for Australians voting in the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
It has also been a movie set for the Harry Potter movies and Wonder Woman.
But during London Fashion Week, Australia's High Commission has been transformed into an international fashion destination.
In a landmark event, six Indigenous brands have taken to the runway to showcase their looks.
Amanda Healy, who founded luxury resort brand Kirrikin, says the First Nations Fashion Show and Aboriginal Art Exhibition is a unique event.
Since 2022, the Kirrikin Foundation has collaborated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to make Indigenous fashion brands more commercially viable.
"We're opening up doors for Aboriginal businesses to be seen on an international stage, and the High Commission here is providing the opportunity for that. Which is fantastic, it's like, you know, what more can you ask."
Guests at the show included designers, influencers, a writer from British Vogue - and even a representative from Buckingham Palace.
Kirrikin C-E-O Shannon McGuire says it was an unforgettable moment.
"It was one of the most amazing experiences I've had in my modelling career. Which is a really long time now - I won't give away my age - but it's been, you know, a couple of decades maybe. That was amazing. To have international models on the catwalk, wearing Indigenous designs, was something really, really special."
Designer Naomi Collings showcased her label, Kamara Swim.
"To be honest it's quite unbelievable that I'm here, that the brand is here. What started as a little brand out of Townsville and North Queensland is now being showcased, it's commercial-ready, on an international stage."
Despite the distance, Kirrikin's Shannon McGuire said she has felt the love from home.
"The biggest question I've had from mob is 'how do I start working with you', 'can I carry your bag', 'when are you going, sis'? Look, it's been amazing. And there's been so much support from home, you know. Mob really get around each other and have each other's back when we need it. To have them cheering on and showing their support through just even social media has been a lot of fun."
For the Australian government, it's also serious business.
In 2021, Australia and the United Kingdom signed a Free Trade Agreement, which has only come into force in May this year.
High Commissioner Stephen Smith says it has important consequences for First Nations artists.
"So, it means that goods which we export from Australia become tariff-free and quota-free, so that's a big boon for people selling goods into Australia. But there's also specific areas of the Free Trade Agreement which help Indigenous artists and Indigenous designers. So, if you're selling Indigenous art in Australia, and it's subsequently resold in the U-K, then the artist gets the royalties. So, there's a very significant royalty benefit which flows from that."
Royalties have been a prominent issue for First Nations painters, whose works have long enjoyed popularity overseas.
Ms Healy says now there's a growing appetite for Indigenous fashion too.
"We know that there's an interest. It's just now starting that process of educating and building information about our products, about our fashions, about our styles, about our beautiful art - and our amazing stories."
Combining visual art, fashion and traditional Noongar dance, the show at Australia House has offered just that opportunity.
For cultural performer Ashley Penfold Garlett, it's been a joyous experience.
"Oh look, it's everything that I live for. I'm so passionate about sharing culture. So to have people not necessarily understand these type of dances - my job is to educate, so they have that perspective on it."
