First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds | Grace Lillian Lee
First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds might appear to be a fashion show, but beyond the glitz and glamour is a powerful production that melds unique outfits, music, dance, and storytelling into a celebration of culture.
Performed on Meanjin, Grace Lillian Lee and everyone involved have created an original show to highlight garments and textiles created by First Nations designers. Labels and designers such as Elverina Johnson, Magpie Goose, Jarawee, Fiona Wirrer-George, Paul McCann captivated the audience with a selection of high-quality clothing rooted in First Nations culture.
The fashion itself was a combination of multiple designs from swimwear to striking dresses, more traditional garments to business outfits and a range of multiple styles.
The selection from the Murrii Quu Couture label was the standout for me. Their designs only use black fabric and materials with a vintage feel. There was a simplicity to it, but it was still elegant and bold. That’s not to say I wasn’t impressed by the other designs on display, but it should be noted that I am not an expert in fashion.
I loved how each label and designer had the same amount of time to show us their skills in design, as well as how each outfit had a deeper meaning. It never felt like there was competition, but rather a respect between all and an understanding of the greater importance an event like this can bring.
Images provided by Brisbane Festival.
The multimedia aspect to the show was a nice touch and brings the various components together. From the footage that unfolded on the big screen backed with music from First Nations artists to the models that were taking the stage, and the dancers that would intertwine at different points with the models, it resulted in a piece that transcended a fashion show into performance art.
As someone living with a disability, it was particularly powerful seeing Quaden Bayles appear during the show and seeing him play a key role in it was evident that this is a performance that won’t allow any discrimination and could continue to break down the old guard and push more innovation and forward thinking that can allow an environment of authentic change rather than tokensim.
Brisbane musician Kayla Truth performed live. A Meerooni artist of the Gurang nation, Kayla confidently shares her truth telling in the words she sings, and the introduction of rap made the event feel relevant, raw, and become something that wasn’t afraid to challenge and reimagine what a fashion show can be.
As the show ended, everyone involved in the production and those who performed made their way back out and received a deserving standing ovation.
I think anyone with an appreciation towards fashion will gravitate towards this, but even if you’re someone that doesn’t care too much about clothing, the performance side to it and the cultures on display allow a wider range of audience that should be able to find enjoyment from it.
Ultimately, First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds succeeds in creating something that stirs emotions, restores power, speaks truth, celebrates culture while displaying First Nations fashion labels. It decolonises an industry that is ripe with racism, classism, and sexism, and replaces it with a sense of hope and harmony. It provides a glimpse into the changing of the fashion industry with more focus on marginalised communities and a greater platform for diverse designers to bring their creations to life.
First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds was held on 5 September 2021 as a part of the 2021 Brisbane Festival.
