Celebrating Kirrikin and a New Chapter in Australia–India Creative Collaboration
It was an evening where fashion met heritage, and storytelling transcended borders. The Australian High Commission, in collaboration with Kirrikin and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), hosted a landmark fashion showcase in New Delhi on 28 October, celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural depth of First Nations Australians.
The evening marked the Indian debut of Kirrikin, an Indigenous Australian fashion label founded by Amanda Healy, a proud Wonnarua woman and social enterprise leader. Known for its distinctive designs that translate hand-painted First Nations artworks into contemporary luxury clothing, Kirrikin brought to the Indian runway a vivid expression of Australia’s Indigenous art — intimate, layered, and deeply connected to the land.
Designed in Australia and crafted in Noida, India, the collection stood as a striking symbol of cross-cultural collaboration made possible under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. Each piece told a story — of resilience, kinship, and identity — while highlighting how art and trade can together build bridges between cultures.
The showcase drew members of the diplomatic community, cultural representatives, and leaders from the fashion and design industries, all united in witnessing a moment of meaningful cultural exchange. Adding to the atmosphere was a stirring Didgeridoo performance by First Nations artists — a soundscape that carried the heartbeat of Country, weaving ancient rhythms through the modern venue.
Reflecting on the occasion, Australian High Commissioner to India, H.E. Philip Green OAM, said, “This event is a powerful celebration of the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Kirrikin’s journey exemplifies the strength of trade and cultural exchange under the Australia–India partnership. We are proud to bring their designs to the runway in Delhi in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India.”
Amanda Healy, founder of Kirrikin, shared, “Celebrating this collaboration with the Australian High Commission and FDCI is a proud moment for us. Bringing First Nations fashion, art, and storytelling to India is an honour. This showcase highlights the creativity and powerful voices of Indigenous Australian designers.”
FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi noted that the council is proud to partner on an initiative that brings fresh perspectives to Indian fashion while celebrating the artistry and storytelling of Australian First Nations communities. “Fashion has always been a bridge, and this event is a true meeting of cultures,” he said.
Echoing that sentiment, Swati Dave, Chair of the Centre for Australia–India Relations, added, “The Centre is committed to supporting First Nations businesses like Kirrikin to increase trade and investment with India. This showcase celebrates First Nations creativity and entrepreneurship — a powerful way to share their stories with Indian audiences through art and design.”
As the evening drew to a close, the event stood as more than a showcase of style — it was a celebration of connection, sustainability, and shared creativity. It signaled the beginning of a new chapter in Australia–India cultural relations, where fashion becomes not only an expression of beauty, but also a conversation between worlds.
