Ramingining, a remote community in East Arnhem Land, held its first-ever fashion week, showcasing Yolngu culture and design through garments featuring artworks by local artists and worn by local models. The event, organized by Bula'bula Arts and Black Cat Couture NT, included workshops, a runway show, and a photoshoot on location.
Inaugural Event Highlights
The fashion parade featured 30 looks from two collections: Ḻomuyirr (Soar) from 2024 and Garkambarryirri (Daybreak) from 2025. These collections, created collaboratively by Bula'bula Arts artists and Darwin-based Black Cat Couture NT, debuted at Country to Couture in 2024 and 2025. About 200 people attended the show, many supporting family and friends who modeled the garments and the 19 artists whose works appeared on handpainted fabric panels, screen-printed fabric, and woven pandanus accessories.
Community Participation and Empowerment
Twenty-four local models participated in a one-week modelling and wellbeing workshop with Tiwi Islands model Cassie Black, focusing on confidence building, self-expression, and walking the runway. Models like Jasmane Garrawurra and Sebina Durrurrnga experienced their first location shoots, with support from Black. Senior weaver and Bula’bula Arts artist Evonne Munuyngu opened the parade, modeling a cape from the Garkambarryirri collection featuring handpainted panels depicting the Banumburr (Morning Star story).
Cultural Significance
The event provided an opportunity for the remote Arnhem Land community to celebrate Yolngu art and fashion. Models showcased outfits with handpainted designs such as Lidji Lidji (Crimson Finches) by artist Andrew Wanamilil, Bonba (butterflies) by Lidji Lidji, and Gumang (Magpie Geese) by Angela Malibirr. The week also highlighted the work of senior weavers like Evonne Munuyngu, who modeled alongside four of her granddaughters.
