FIRST NATIONS ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

In 2025, leading design and property firms Architectus and Slattery came together to support our First Nations Engagement Programme, providing a unique platform for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander fashion designers, artists, performers and professionals to showcase their talent, build their careers and connect with larger audiences.

SUPPORTED BY:

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Central to this Programme is the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival x Mob in Fashion Pathways Programme, which creates paid placements for First Nations creatives and event professionals across the Festival. In 2025, these roles included: assistant stylist, Grace Evans-Craig; makeup artist, Louise Stuart; journalist, Kimberley Lovegrove; assistant stylist and costume designer Renee Henderson.

Participants from the Pathways Programme were instrumental in delivering one of this year’s most powerful shows, the Back in Blak Runway curated by Mob in Fashion, whcih also featured musician Jada Weazel performing pre- and during the runway and multi-media artist ENOKi who designed the bespoke runway carpet with Godfrey Hirst.

With the support of Architectus and Slattery we proudly showcased 14 First Nations designers across our whole Premium Runways Series: Banbu, Corin Corcoran, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Gali Swimwear, By Josh Deane, Kaninda, Lychee Alkira, Miimi & Jiinda, Take Pride Movement, Yapa Mali.

“Supporting First Nations designers has been the highlight of our four-year partnership with the Festival, and the Back in Blak runway is a firm favourite on our yearly calendar.”

— Ruth Willson, Chief Customer Officer and Sector Lead Public, Architectus

HEAR FROM THE PARTICIPANTS

“We’re proud to have supported PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s First Nations Engagement Programme for four consecutive years. Partnerships like this play a powerful role in driving lasting change – by celebrating culture through design, amplifying First Nations voices, and creating real pathways for emerging talent.”

— Sarah Slattery, Director, Partnerships and Innovation, Slattery

BACKSTAGE: BACK IN BLAK RUNWAY