Bundjalung women fashion collective selected for national showcase

Women of the Rivers photography by Kate Holmes A fashion collective of three Bundjalung women artists and designers from the Northern Rivers has been selected to participate in a nation-wide showcase, Country to Couture. Arts Northern Rivers (ANR) said the collective will present their debut collection on the national stage at Charles Darwin University, Darwin, on Sunday 2 August. ‘Country to Couture is Australia’s largest showcase of Indigenous fashion, presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF). ‘Since its founding in 2016, the event has presented over 120 Indigenous fashion collections and more than 1,000 looks. It is widely recognised as the nation’s premier platform for First Nations fashion innovation and cultural storytelling. In 2026, the event expands for the first time to two nights, taking place on Larrakia Country at Charles Darwin University’s Danala precinct. Kylie Caldwell, Jasmin Stanford and Val Smith ‘Women of the Rivers is the creative collaboration of Kylie Caldwell, Jasmin Stanford and Val Smith; three Bundjalung women whose work draws on the waterways, weaving traditions and native landscapes of their Country. Their debut collection blends ready-to-wear pieces with standout couture creations, with every garment thoughtfully constructed with cultural and contemporary accessories. The collection has been developed with mentorship and strategic support from Arts Northern Rivers. ‘Being part of Country to Couture is an honour and a proud milestone for us as emerging designers. We feel overjoyed to share our work on this powerful First Nations showcase, celebrating the strength and future of our growing fashion and textiles industry,’ say Women of the Rivers. Women of the Rivers. Photo supplied Hannah Ranby, First Nations Program Coordinator, Arts Northern Rivers says, ‘The Northern Rivers has a rich and living First Nations cultural tradition and seeing that culture expressed on one of Australia’s most prominent fashion stages is a moment worth celebrating together.’ Val Smith, Women of the Rivers artist, says, ‘I feel my collection gives accolades to the women that raise and teach us. Country to Couture is the place to showcase our beautiful, strong women, and to be part of a creative, collective group of women that embody those same values is an opportunity I will be forever grateful for.’ Tickets are available via www.ifp.org.au/country-to-couture The post Bundjalung women fashion collective selected for national showcase appeared first on The Echo .