Decolonising Australia’s Fashion Industry By Maxi Sam-Morris

From designers to models, stylists to hair and makeup artists, the Australian fashion industry is getting bla(c)ker by the minute.

Indigenous creatives are taking centre stage around the nation, forging new narratives in fashion, and beyond.

Sianna Catullo is a proud Narungga woman and co-founder of Blackground Productions, with an expansive background in fashion business—formerly Brand and Marketing Manager at Clothing the Gaps.

Sianna Catullo is a proud Narungga woman and co-founder of Blackground Productions, with an expansive background in fashion business—formerly Brand and Marketing Manager at Clothing the Gaps.

‘I always use the analogy when working in fashion, “if you could only use your staff and your leadership team in your next campaign, is that still a diverse campaign, is that still inclusive?” And if it’s not then I think you really need to do some internal work in your businesses before “black clouding” your campaigns to look diverse,’ Catullo stated.

“In the words of Jeanine Leane, if non-Indigenous people are still only encountering Indigenous people via the works of non-Indigenous artists, then are they really encountering us at all?”

For proud Yawuru/Jara model, dancer and actor, Portia Talib, fashion has always been about reclaiming visibility. ‘I think it's a way of merging/keeping alive our ancestors’ stories, struggles and talents...being such a predominantly white dominated industry, I think it's a way to take back our power from those who once took it away,’ she said.

Talib’s journey into fashion started when she was just 15-years-old, after winning a modelling competition. ‘I’ve been modelling for almost six years now, however, it’s only been in the last three years that I’ve really come into my identity within the industry,’ she said.

According to Catullo, there is safety in numbers when it comes to navigating fashion. ‘I think the reason mob haven't been in those spaces for so long is because we haven't seen it's a safe space for us to be in...I think the biggest way of making sure a space is culturally safe is by growing the numbers.’

Proud Wiradjuri and Waiben man, Lindyn Rowland, is the Founder and Creative Director of ROWLAND VISION—a pandemic born runway staple. Rowland has walked for fashion weeks nationwide and recently took on the role of Head Stylist at the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway at Australian Fashion Week, 2024.

For Rowland, a strong network is an imperative, having collaborated with many industry-leading Indigenous creatives over the years. ‘I have so much respect for so many other Blak artists and creatives,’ he said.

Reflecting on her own path into the fashion industry, Catullo recalled, ‘it was always “tell us a sad story,” but I didn’t need to be helped [which was] never the conversation they wanted to hear.’

Deficit-based conversations remain a barrier to First Nations visibility within the arts, echoing a broader conversation being had by Blak creatives around the continent.

‘I believe we have something extremely special and unique to offer this industry. I hope that in the future we start to see more mob take up space solely because we deserve it, and not just because we’re filling a position,’ said Talib.