First Nations designers and artists make history at Australian Fashion Week

GALLERY: The curated event presented the works of seven First Nations designers, worn by all-Indigenous models. Take a look at the deadly designs.

First Nations Fashion + Design - Runway - Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021

Models walk the runway for the First Nations Fashion + Design show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021. Source: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images

Sydney's iconic Carriageworks bore witness to history yesterday, as a spectacular celebration of Blak excellence hit the runway of Australian Fashion week.

It was an all-First Nations experience, as seven First Nations fashion designers presented their work on a line-up of Blak models.

They form part of First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), a collection of fashion designers, textile artists, jewellery designers, photographers, models and beauty specialists.

Designers showcased were Grace Lillian Lee, AARLI, Amber Days, Nungula Creative, Sown in Time, NGARRU MIIMI, Clair Helen.

The event went beyond the sartorial for an all-around expression of First Nations cultural achievement. Models, designers and members of the audience were moved to tears at the epic display of representation and the clear change occurring in Australia's fashion landscape.

One of the nation's foremost classical musicians, yikaki/didgeridoo artist and composer William Barton opened proceedings. DRMNGNOW appeared at the halfway mark to perform 'Indigenous Land', while Luke Currie-Richardson (alumnus of national dance company Bangarra) and Cleopatra Pryce responded in movement.

To witness it all was a who's who of the Blak firmament, including Jessica Mauboy, Nooky, Sam Harris, Nathan McGuire, Jojo Zaho, Ngaiire, BARKAA, DOBBY, Rachael Hocking, Kristel Kickett, Mahalia Handley, and Mitch Tambo.

Take a look.