Territory rig
A FASHIONABLE FUTURE Eyes on the Territory industry leaders of tomorrow through the impending Young Achiever Awards
AS with any industry, the future sits in the hands of the next generation. Fashion is no different. The Young Achiever Awards, conducted annually since 1989, champion achievements of young Australians. The Territory’s chapter of the awards this year has selected three local fashion industry starlets as its finalists for the Fashion Award.
Former Victorian turned Territorian Tillie Morgan has created And. M label.
Living and working between Darwin and Indonesia, Tillie’s socially conscious label pairs contemporary design with textiles of age-old art styles including batik.
Tillie collaborates with local artisans in Indonesia, hand-selecting the print style, colours and fabric for every piece she crafts.
Every ready-to-wear garment purchased provides a donation to help Indonesian girls with their education.
Ally Pettifor hand crafts headwear under her label Alea, and sources products locally to adorn the stylish heads of racegoers across the world.
Her popular designs were an instant hit, and the tooled leather and a minimalist approach have played right into the seasonal trends for the track. Crafting for a cause, Ally released a range of headwear to raise money for her friend Stevie, who had cancer.
Maggie McGowan’s label Magpie Goose describes itself online as “bold fashion and powerful social impact” and that sums the endeavour up in a stylish stride.
Magpie Goose works directly with indigenous art centres and communities, turning the bold textiles into women’s, men’s and kids’ wear. The label’s commissioning of textile designs directly from the art centres means direct economic impact and certainty for the localised operations. Established less than two years ago, the style and approach has been a hit, and the brand is currently embarking on a pop-up shop and market roadshow across Australia, with great success.
Last year, the Fashion Award was won by Darwinbased couture designer Matilda Alegria. Her fashion label of the same name launched Darwin’s first theatrical showcase A Minute’s Warning in 2012, for which she turned heads nationally. Matilda’s creative focus is on bespoke bridal wear and special event attire, and this year, she is a finalist in the Young Achiever Small Business Achievement Award.
The Territory’s Young Achiever Awards will be presented on April 13.