CONNECTION TO COUNTRY – AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION SHOW
About Event
Australian First Nations fashion takes centre stage in Delhi
Celebrating Kirrikin and a new chapter in Australia–India creative collaboration
New Delhi, 29 October 2025: The Australian High Commission, in collaboration with Kirrikin and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), hosted a landmark fashion showcase in New Delhi on 28 October, celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of First Nations Australians.
The evening marked the Indian debut of Kirrikin, an Indigenous Australian fashion label founded by Amanda Healy, a Wonnarua woman and social enterprise leader. Kirrikin’s distinctive designs translating hand-painted First Nations artworks into contemporary luxury clothing brought the spirit and essence of Australia’s Indigenous art to the Indian runway.
Designed in Australia and crafted in Noida, India, Kirrikin stands as a success story of cross- cultural collaboration under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
The showcase was attended by members of the diplomatic community, cultural representatives, and fashion industry leaders who witnessed a powerful confluence of fashion, art, and heritage. The evening also featured a traditional Didgeridoo performance by First Nations artists, evoking the deep-rooted spiritual connection to land and culture.
Australian High Commissioner to India, H.E. Philip Green OAM, said: “This event is a powerful celebration of the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Kirrikin’s journey exemplifies the strength of trade and cultural exchange under the Australia–India partnership. We are proud to bring their designs to the runway in Delhi in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India.” Reflecting on the milestone, Amanda Healy, Founder of Kirrikin, said: “Celebrating this collaboration with the Australian High Commission and the Fashion Design Council of India is a proud moment for Kirrikin. Bringing First Nations fashion, art, and storytelling to India is an honour, and this showcase highlights the creativity and powerful voices of Indigenous Australian designers.”
FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi said the council is proud to partner on this showcase, which brings fresh perspectives to Indian fashion while celebrating the artistry and storytelling of Australian First Nations communities. “Fashion has always been a bridge, and this event is a true meeting of cultures,” he said. Swati Dave, Chair of the Centre for Australia–India Relations, said: “The Centre for Australia India Relations is committed to supporting First Nations businesses like Kirrikin to increase trade and investment with India, and we are proud to support this
fashion showcase, celebrating First Nations creativity and entrepreneurship. It is also a powerful way to share First Nations stories with Indian audiences through art and design.”
The event underscored the growing creative and cultural exchange between Australia and India, setting the tone for future collaborations that celebrate diversity, sustainability, and
design innovation.
For media queries, contact:
Vineet George – Australian High Commission (+919990997437)
Deepshika Jalota – Fashion Design Council of India (+917769000551)
