INSIDE OUR FIRST NATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMME
11 July 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival
For the third year in a row, leading property and design firms, Architectus, MPA and Slattery, have come together as a consortium to fund our First Nations Pathways Programme in collaboration with Mob in Fashion, supporting First Nations talent in the fashion industry.
The First Nations Pathways Programme equips First Nations creatives and event professionals with learning and training placements, networking and relationship-building opportunities, and pathways to paid work and scholarships at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, in collaboration with Mob in Fashion.
In 2024, with the Consortium’s funding support, the Festival expanded the breadth of roles offered by the Programme, and First Nations talent were employed in the following paid positions - media pit photographer, Kyle Archie Knight; behind the scenes photographer, Joshua Howlett; makeup artist, Kahealea Coleman-Wilson; assistant stylists, Grace Evans Craig and Renee Henderson; and front of house, Tarriaki Lee Duncan.
The Festival worked closely with Mob in Fashion, a First Nations owned and led creative agency and programme, on the development and execution of the Programme, as well as sourcing the talent.
Mob in Fashion and the First Nations Pathway Programme also played an important role in the delivery of one of our most exciting Premium Runways, the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujitsu. The designer talent lineup for the runway included artists Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Jasmine Craciun, Lychee Alkira, Yapa Mali; local Naarm designer Corin Corcoran; resort and swimwear labels GALI and Kirrikin; and sustainable jewellery makers Solid Ochre and Wagan Metals.
“Mob In Fashion sincerely values the ongoing support from the Consortium of the First Nations Pathways Programme. Our goal is to offer meaningful industry-level opportunities that will significantly benefit individuals participating in the program. This support directly influences our community members and profoundly impacts the lives and careers of the creatives engaged with the Festival.” - Nathan McGuire, Founder of Mob in Fashion.
“It’s our honor to support and uplift First Nations talent and voices throughout the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, and specifically the First Nations Pathways Programme, alongside Mob in Fashion and the Consortium. We acknowledge, embrace and celebrate the extraordinary First Nations creativity and talent in the Australian fashion industry and are proud to play a part in supporting and facilitating their growth.” - Caroline RalphSmith, CEO of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival
The designer talent lineup backstage at Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujitsu
The Consortium’s ongoing involvement in the Festival and continued support of the First Nations Pathways Programme is testament to their shared commitment to reconciliation and to the development, recognition and celebration of First Nations talent in the design and creative industries. Each firm in the Consortium is committed to Reconciliation Action Plans, with Architectus and Slattery achieving Innovate status and MPA achieving Reflect status.
“It’s wonderful to be able to play a part in recognising First Nations design professionals and the creatives working behind the scenes to deliver a major event which seamlessly merges the worlds of art, fashion, design, and culture.” - Ruth Wilson, Architectus, Principal Clients and Communications
“As a practice we recognise that meaningful change can occur through genuine engagement with people, their work, and their passions.” - Sarah Slattery, Slattery Managing Director
“The 2024 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival marks our third year partnering with Architectus and Slattery, awarding bursaries for First Nations creatives and their participation in the event. This solidifies our commitment to the ongoing development of the First Nations Pathways Programme, and the continuation of our support of opportunities for emerging Indigenous creative talent.” - MPA Client Relations Director, Sarah Hogan
This year, the Consortium’s support also expanded to fund the Festival’s Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at the entrance to the Fashion Forecourt supported by City of Melbourne, as well as the inclusion of First Nations entertainers, including 2Joocee, DJ Pgz and sovblkpssy, at the Fashion Forecourt’s live stage.
MEET ONE OF THE PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS
Hello, World!
Image provided by Grace Evans-Craig
As part of the 2024 Festival, Wiradjuri woman Grace Evans-Craig was an Assistant Stylist at the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujitsu.
1. Describe your role working with Mob in Fashion at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2024.
I was the Assistant Stylist at the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujitsu. Fortunately, I got to work around most of the major aspects of the show, from beginning to end. This included castings, fittings, lots of emails and lists! I was lucky to work alongside Mob in Fashion’s incredible team and designers, it was an amazing experience.
2. What new experiences or skills did you gain from working with Mob in Fashion at the Festival?
As the Assistant Stylist for the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway, I definitely gained new experiences and skills. For example, learning how to communicate with industry professionals and forming leadership skills under the guidance of Mob in Fashion Founder, Nathan McGuire, and Creative Directors, Rhys Ripper and Garth Ernstzen.
3. What was your favourite moment at the Festival?
There’s a photo of Rhys, Garth, Alice and me backstage watching the runway run-through and it captured such a great moment. The models gave it everything and it brought it all to life. We all couldn’t stop cheering and smiling - it was awesome.
4. How has your experience working with Mob in Fashion at the Festival supported your career ambitions?
It’s given me a lot of confidence in my skills that I can apply as I continue my journey. Knowing I have the support of Mob in Fashion is really comforting.
5. What advice do you have for other First Nations talent starting out in the fashion industry?
My advice is to just go for it. If it’s something you want to do or even try – just make it happen. There are so many incredible people and organisations, like Mob in Fashion, who will support you, so all you need to do is take the first step.
BEHIND THE SCENES AT EMERGING MOB IN FASHION RUNWAY x FUJITSU
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Architectus, MPA and Slattery recognise the First Nations People of Australia and celebrate their continuing cultural practice and Connection to Country. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respect to Elders past and present.