Banjima designs on display at Karijini Experience

The emerging industry of Indigenous fashion was on display in the heart of the beautiful Karijini landscape. The fashion show was held in Kalamina Gorge on April 9 as part of the five-day Karijini Experience. Models showcased a variety of Indigenous-designed clothes, from everyday wear to ball gowns, while the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s string quartet provided background music. Show curator Emilia Galatis said it was a surreal experience to witness the show come together. “It's so hard to envisage what an event like that’s going to look like when you're so worried about getting garments, fitting models ... and it blew my expectations,” she said. Ms Galatis said she was focused on ensuring there was a variety of Banjima clothing and models taking part in the show. “Seeing everyone’s family there really was probably one of the most magical things I've seen,” she said. Junction Co. executive director Katie Evans said the event had the highest number of Aboriginal participants and viewers. “The purpose of it was to be able to connect a broader audience with an emerging market and to get a broader cross-section of the community engaged,” she said. “To hear the models’ feedback from their experience and how they were proud to be Banjima community members on Banjima country showcasing Banjima clothes ... there was a real sense of pride.”