COVID-19 may have cancelled plans for the first Australian Indigenous fashion show at this year’s cancelled Australian Fashion Banner Week. However, another multibrand First Nations fashion event just took place in Cairns (Far North Queensland).
The “Walking in Two Worlds”, Friday and Saturday evenings shows were held at Cairns’ Bulmba-ja Arts Center. It featured five samples of First Nations Fashion Boots + Design incubators’ creations since August 2019, when the body was launched at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.
The event featured the work of emerging designers LynelleFlinders, ElverinaJohnson, Nickema Williams, and Emily Doolah. It also featured an all-new cast of Indigenous models. They had been scouted by Charlee Fraser, an Indigenous model who has walked for Celine, Balenciaga and Chanel among other brands. Grace Lillian Lee, an Indigenous entrepreneur and artist, said that this is not a “moment”, but a movement. She added, “We want it to continue.”
Lee announced the creation of the First Nations Fashion Council in March. It is headed by Teagan Cowlishaw, an Aarli designer, and Yatu Widders Hunt, a communications professional.
August saw the debut of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s inaugural National Indigenous Fashion Awards. The DAAF also launched its own Indigenous fashion incubator program in collaboration with David Jones’ department store.
In October, Victoria’s Bendigo Art Gallery presented the first major survey on contemporary Indigenous Australian fashion faves, “Piinpi” which will run until January 17.
Lee stated that while most initiatives were in the pipeline for some time now, it was important to not underestimate the impact of Black Lives Matter.
She said that the U.S. protests raised new scrutiny of Australia’s Indigenous deaths in custody issue. This also led to increased interest in the Indigenous fashion industry, leading to significant media attention and greater communication with the mainstream fashion industry.
Australian Fashion Week organizer IMG confirmed that the company had been in talks with Lee regarding how to spotlight First Nations fashion talent for 2021.
Lee stated that there is more media interest. “I believe everyone wants to understand and interact with our Australian Indigenous people, and fashion is a tangible and accessible means to do so.” She added that the interest has been long-standing. I think BLM may have helped everyone to become more accountable and understand that there is room for them. It’s great that we are being invited to the table more often now. However, it can be difficult to design a high-quality vinyl Fashion Banner. Your vinyl fashion illustration Banner company may offer design services or allow you to submit your artwork. Let’s talk about how to create a vinyl banner that is visually appealing and effective in achieving your goals.
It’s crucial to first ask the question “What’s my banner for?” Are you using it as a decoration banner (perhaps for a birthday party or event where it serves a purpose other than adding to the atmosphere)? Is your banner intended to be used as a community announcement, such as for a grand opening, or other sales event?
Second, how long will the banner be “in service”? The announcement banner might be displayed near busy intersections for 30-60 days, while the birthday banner may be displayed indoors for only three to four hours. You might decide to extend the life of your banner for several months, or for as long as it will last. Many of our clients have banners displayed on their buildings for many years!
Although banners are temporary signage, we have seen clients who have used our banners for many years without them fading or torn. The climate and type of material and inks used to make your banners last a long time is a major factor. Solvent inks printed on heavy vinyl materials (13oz) will last for longer than water-based inks printed onto lighter vinyl materials. You can expect your banner to last between 50% and 100% longer if it is supplied by a supplier that offers “overlaminate”. If you are looking to buy a banner that can “live” in areas near water, such as rainy or coastal areas, ask your supplier if they offer overlaminate. Banners can be damaged by water (rain, or sea spray) very quickly. (Even faster than wind!) Most banners share several common characteristics. The first is the weight of vinyl used to make the banner. There are many sizes available, including 10 oz, 13 or even more. The most popular vinyl weight is 13 oz and it works well in most applications. If you are using a banner for an indoor party or other temporary purpose, you can use a lighter weight Fashion fix Banner. However, outdoor banners that will be used in windy locations or last more than two weeks should use a heavier banner.
Do you need your banner to be sewn or seamed for added durability? The process of seaming a banner involves the vinyl’s perimeter being folded over and secured with double-sided seam tape. Although seaming is a standard feature, most banner companies will offer it as an option. However, this may not be necessary for you. If you are using your banner indoors for a birthday party, seaming is not necessary unless the banner is being hung or displayed in such a way that it causes tension to the vinyl (such like with ropes or bungee strings).
Third, do you need grommets for your Fashion Banner? Grommets are the metal rings that are stamped on the banner’s perimeter. Grommets are the metal rings that are stamped on the perimeter of a banner. They can be used to attach the banner to ropes or bungee cords. If your banner will be displayed on a wall or board for a brief time, it may be possible to use staples or tape to attach your Fashion Banner to the surface. This saves you the expense of hiring a banner company to provide grommets.
