Media Release
30 October 2023
Australia took to the runway at the prestigious Jakarta Fashion Week 2024 featuring the contemporary stylings of two Indigenous Australian labels Wa-ring and Yanggurdi.
Hosted by the Australian Embassy, in partnership with the Government of Victoria, these two Melbourne-based First Nation labels - luxury label Wa-ring by Annette Sax, and contemporary lifestyle brand Yanggurdi by Cassie Leatham, made their Indonesian runway debut on Sunday, 29 October.
“The Australian Embassy is proud to support Australian and Alumni designers and creatives at Jakarta Fashion Week 2024, helping to grow our creative economies and forge new pathways in local and international markets,” said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams PSM.
“Our line-up this year is culturally rich and showcases the amazing creative talent from both our countries, and shines a spotlight on sustainability,” she said.
Paying homage to their ancestral connections to land and country, both Wa-ring and Yanggurdi collections integrate cultural knowledge and respect through eco-friendly colour, textiles and designs. They ensure ethical production and sustainable practices are at the heart of their labels.
Wa-ring and Yanggurdi shared the runway with prominent Indonesian label Danjyo Hiyoji. The Jakarta-based designer and co-founder behind the Danjyo Hiyoji label, Dana Maulana is a proud Australian alumnus, having participated in an Australia Awards International Business Readiness Course for fashion and textiles at one of Australia’s world class institutions - Queensland University of Technology.
This is the sixth year that Australian designers have featured at Jakarta Fashion Week, with this year’s theme highlighting creativity and celebrating diverse communities.
An Australian Creative Industries delegation also visit Jakarta to experience Jakarta Fashion Week firsthand, meet with Indonesian creative industry stakeholders, gain local insights, explore market opportunities, and strengthen networks for export readiness. The delegation participated in a discussion with fashion and design students in partnership with LaSalle College Indonesia.
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Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kedubesaustralia/albums/72177720312300907