A remote arts centre in Ramingining, East Arnhem Land has staged its inaugural fashion week, providing an opportunity to celebrate local Aboriginal artists, models and community. The event, held in July 2026, comprised workshops, a runway show and a photoshoot on location, showcasing garments featuring artworks by local Yolngu artists and worn by local models, many for the first time.
Community celebration of Yolngu design
The Ramingining fashion parade saw about 200 people attend, many to support family and friends modelling the garments and the 19 artists whose works featured on handpainted fabric panels, screen-printed fabric and woven pandanus accessories. The week included a one-week modelling and wellbeing workshop with Tiwi Islands model Cassie Black, focusing on confidence building, self-expression and walking the runway in front of the camera. Twenty-four local models participated, including Jasmane Garrawurra, who was supported by Cassie Black during her first location shoot.
Collections from Bula'bula Arts and Black Cat Couture
On the runway, models showcased 30 looks from two collections: Ḻomuyirr (Soar), the 2024 collection, and Garkambarryirri (Daybreak), the 2025 collection. Both were created by Bula’bula Arts artists and Darwin-based Black Cat Couture NT, debuting at Country to Couture in 2024 and 2025. The garments featured handpainted designs such as Lidji Lidji (Crimson Finches) by artist Andrew Wanamilil, Bonba (butterflies) by artist Lidji Lidji, and Gumang (Magpie Geese) by Angela Malibirr.
Artists and elders take centre stage
Senior weaver and Bula’bula Arts artist Evonne Munuyngu opened the fashion parade, modelling a cape from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak). The cape featured handpainted panels by Bula’bula artists including Joy Burruna, depicting the Banumburr (Morning Star story). Evonne also modelled with four of her granddaughters, all five women participating in the 2026 parade. According to the event organisers, the fashion week provided an opportunity for the remote Arnhem Land community to celebrate garments and local models, many of whom had never modelled before.
