The ICONIC X First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD) Incubator Program successfully concluded in January 2024. This marks a significant milestone in THE ICONIC’s commitment to Indigenous Engagement and the next generation of First Nations fashion.

Over the course of the twelve month program, the designers were immersed in a series of four chapters, engaging in workshops, tours, and experiences guided by cultural peers and curated by industry experts. Designed to unlock industry opportunities for First Nations designers, and covered key aspects such as brand development, merchandising and marketing, providing the designers with the tools to successfully commercialise their brands.

Elverina Johnson is a Gungganji woman from the Yarrabah, situated in the South East of Cairns. Her brand, Pink Fish, is all about representing her community and the Gungganji people, and the stories that have been passed down from her ancestors. Elverina’s pieces encapsulate boldness, bright colours, the reef, rainforest and her life growing up in Far North Queensland.

Established in 2019 as a collective under Cungelella Art, Myrrdah started as a way of sharing culture through modern Aboriginal Art. Cungelella Art saw the expansion of the brand, when four sisters, Glenda, Jaunita, Dale and Cheryl, formed the collective, Myrrdah. Myrrdah’s collection consists of wearable art, taking artworks from canvas to fabric. The beautiful colours of Myrrdah’s prints are inspired by the sunsets, rock faces, clay and landscape of their traditional homelands on Kalkatungu Country in Northwest Queensland, which they grew up on and continue to raise their children on.

Briana Enoch is a Kuku Yalanji, Quandamooka and Kaantju woman who founded Jarawee (meaning: pretty little bird), a brand that started as a collection of hand-painted accessories. In 2021, Briana debuted a collection of high-end fashion at Australian Afterpay Fashion Week, including "The Quandamooka Collection". Following her debut, one of the dresses was included in the Powerhouse 'Eucalyptusdom' exhibition. Briana draws inspiration from storytelling, with her Eucalyptusdom dresses print inspired by elements of her father’s Quandamooka Country, healing stories on Stradbroke Island, the eucalyptus and its many uses and benefits.

Also on ground were the Incubator Program’s industry and cultural mentors, who provided invaluable expertise and guidance to the designers throughout the program. The industry mentors included Australian designers and fashion industry icons, Co-Founder of P.E Nation, Pip Edwards, Founder and Creative Director of By Johnny, Johnny Schembri and Creative Director, Laura Liles, and Director, Tristan Liles, of Kinga Csilla. They were also joined by highly respected cultural mentors, Curator, First Nations Art at the National Gallery of Victoria, Shonae Hobson, Founder and Creative Director of Maara Collective, Julie Shaw and General Manager, Cox Inall Ridgeway and Board Member, Australian Fashion Council, Yatu Widders Hunt.