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 featured garments from the Lomuyirr (Soar) 2024 collection and Garkambarryirri (Daybreak) 2025 collection, created in collaboration between Bula'bula Arts and Black Cat Couture NT.
Community celebration with 200 attendees
About 200 people attended the fashion show, 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 comprised workshops, a runway show and a photoshoot on location, providing an opportunity for the remote Arnhem Land community to celebrate garments featuring artworks by local Yolngu artists and worn by local models, many for the first time.
Models and workshops
Model Cassie Black supported model Jasmane Garrawurra during her first location shoot. Jasmane was one of 24 local models who participated in a one-week modelling and wellbeing workshop with the Tiwi Islands model Cassie Black, focusing on confidence building, self-expression and walking the runway in front of the camera. Models also participated in rehearsals for the fashion show, featuring participants from Ramingining and surrounding outstations.
Collections and designs
On the runway, they showcased 30 looks from Lomuyirr (Soar) and Garkambarryirri (Daybreak) collections created by Bula'bula Arts artists and Darwin-based Black Cat Couture NT, debuting at Country to Couture in 2024 and 2025. Model Raina Gaykamangu wore an outfit from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak) featuring handpainted Lidji Lidji (Crimson Finches) by artist Andrew Wanamilil. Model Judy Yirrkili wore an outfit from Lomuyirr (Soar) featuring handpainted Bonba (butterflies) by artist Lidji Lidji and Crimson Finches by artists Lisa Gurrulpa and Sylvia Gurrulpa.
Senior weaver opens the parade
Senior weaver and Bula'bula Arts artist Evonne Munuyngu opened the Ramingining fashion parade, modelling a cape from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak). The cape features 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 modelled in the 2026 Ramingining fashion parade.
Other models and outfits
Model Leonie Malanygjuray wore an outfit from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak) featuring handpainted Lidji Lidji by artist Andrew Wanamilil. Model Samantha Lethwidge walked the runway in a dress from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak) featuring handpainted fabric panels by artist Andrew Malibirr with woven pandanus accessories by Margaret Malibirr. Cassie Black supported local model Sebina Durrurrnga during her first location shoot, who wore a dress from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak). Local model Jasmane Garrawurra wore a dress from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak) featuring handpainted Gumang (Magpie Geese) designs by Angela Malibirr.
The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Yolngu people and provided a platform for local artists and models to showcase their talents.
