Australia and New Zealand’s leading fashion and lifestyle platform, THE ICONIC, in partnership with First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), a national voice for First Nations creatives, is proud to announce the launch of a new collection from three First Nations brands, that are now exclusively available on THE ICONIC.

The collaboration stems from THE ICONIC x FNFD Incubator Program, which kicked off in April 2023,  marking a significant milestone in THE ICONIC’s commitment to supporting First Nations fashion. The designers include Gungganji designer Elverina Johnson, the creative force behind the label Pink Fish, Mt. Isa designers Glenda McCulloch, Jaunita Doyle, Dale Bruce, and Cheryl Perez of the label Myrrdah and Kuranda-based designer Briana Enoch of label Jarawee. 

Over the course of the nine month program, the designers immersed themselves in a series of four chapters, engaging in workshops, tours, and experiences guided by cultural peers and curated by industry experts and educators. The chapters were designed to unlock industry opportunities for First Nations designers and covered key aspects such as brand development, merchandising and marketing, providing the designers with the tools to successfully commercialise their brands.

Gayle Burchell, THE ICONIC’s chief commercial and sustainability officer said, “It has been a privilege to co-design THE ICONIC x First Nations Fashion Design Incubator program in partnership with FNFD and we are so excited to welcome Pink Fish, Myrrdah and Jarawee to THE ICONIC. Over the course of the program we have witnessed incredible talent, drive and dedication from these gifted designers and we’re proud to bring this extraordinary collection to our customers across Australia and New Zealand.

We extend our gratitude to all participants, mentors and partners who have contributed to the success of this industry-first initiative. It is extremely important to us at THE ICONIC to share our business learnings and expertise on e-commerce, tech and retail with growing businesses. It’s equally important for us to seek out opportunities to learn from First Nations designers to ensure we can play a role in better facilitating the economic empowerment of First Nations business owners. Throughout the program we’ve been fortunate to learn more about First Nations cultures and how these three designers’ have successfully overcome some of the common challenges faced by any new designer looking to scale in the modern retail ecosystem.”

Grace Lillian Lee, FNFD’s founder and chair said “The partnership has given the designers a new platform to showcase their incredible work and FNFD is thrilled to see the collections launched on THE ICONIC. It is through these initiatives that we can continue to support the self-determination of First Nations Peoples within the industry, and assist them in further developing skills to grow their businesses.”

Each designer has infused their designs with a distinctive creative vision. Briana Enoch, the owner and creative of Jarawee, ignites the imagination with her bold prints and vibrant colours showcased inher designs. Elverina Johnson of Pink Fish encapsulates a spirit of boldness, vivid colours, and draws inspiration from the reef, rainforest, and her upbringing in Far North Queensland. Myrrdah, the brainchild of four sisters—Glenda, Jaunita, Dale, and Cheryl—features incredible designs inspired by the sunsets, rock faces, clay, and landscape that surrounds their Kalkadoon home in Northwest Queensland.

These unique designs were consulted on, digitised and printed by Epson Australia via Epson digital printing solutions as part of Epson’s landmark technology and sustainability agreement to support FNFD as print and projection partner.

This extraordinary collection of pieces from Myrrdah, Pink Fish and Jarawee are now available to purchase on THE ICONIC.

Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)