Bringing culture and country to catwalks
FROM Queensland’s biggest catwalk to showcasing alongside pop icons, Kuranda designer Briana Enoch is bringing her culture to the main stage.
Her latest project reflects the ocean and eucalypts of Quandamooka country, a tribute to her father who died suddenly last year.
“My dad was a big factor in why; he gave us the love for our culture,” Ms Enoch said.
“Everything that I’m doing at the moment – the Quandamooka collection – is based on Dad’s culture.”
Ms Enoch’s label Jarawee took its blend of high-end couture and traditional art to the Brisbane Fashion Festival catwalk last month, chosen from entrants across the country.
Ms Enoch said it was important to see the industry embrace more diversity.
“It was really great to see First Nations models at the festival, it was the first year they did that,” she said.
“I told the models, ‘when you’re wearing my designs you’re actually carrying a bit of my country with you, so walk loud and proud’.”
This Friday, Jarawee is heading to Perth for this year’s Indigenous Emerging Business Forum, where Jessica Mauboy will also perform.
Since beginning her fashion journey aged 15, Ms Enoch’s designs have captured the attention of fashion icon Jimmy Choo, been worn by premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, and short-listed for the National Indigenous Fashion Award.
Ms Enoch hopes to help upcoming First Nations designers and models, offering mentoring and a safe place to learn in the “cutthroat” industry.
The name “Jarawee” was one given to Ms Enoch as a baby by Kuranda elder Lalfie Thompson, meaning “pretty little bird”.