Yagan Square to host free Native Threads spectacle celebrating First Nations talent this WA Day

For event producer Karla Hart, her deep-rooted admiration of First Nations culture and creativity meant it was a no-brainer for her to put on a spectacle honouring Indigenous talent this WA Day.

Yagan Square will come to life on Monday with an explosion of vibrant Indigenous designs at the anticipated event Native Threads: A Fashionable Fusion of First Nations Culture, featuring rising force in Australian hip-hop, JK-47.

From models to make-up artists, fashion designers to musicians, First Nations talent will be showcased in every avenue possible.

“I think Indigenous people bring a unique lens to the world of fashion with pieces representing country, our people, our history and cultural expression,” Hart says.

“There is so much art, beautiful colour and design (which) has sass and style to match.”

Talented designers involved include Deadly Denim, a sustainable brand which turns pre-loved denim into wearable art; Kirrikin’s popular resort wear featuring unique prints on clothing and accessories; Ngalanag Moort, an emerging streetwear label; Kaninda a Pilbara-born lifestyle brand; Linlelu, combining traditional Aboriginal art and storytelling with modern fashion; and Ticia Designs, a brand that offers a fusion of Indigenous art and contemporary fashion with everyday materials.

“I have seen firsthand how stylish our people’s fashion designs work not only in television but also out and about in community. They stand out and are often talking points,” Goreng Noongar woman Hart says.

“I want to raise the profile of some of these designers . . . hopefully people will like what they see and buy local.”

The spectacle will be inaugurated with the Perth debut of Indigenous rapper JK-47, hailing from Tweed Heads in NSW. The hip-hop prodigy won Triple J’s Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards competition in 2020 and has been making waves across the country ever since.

Tickets are free but registrations are essential, visit www.eventbrite.com to secure your spot.