NPA designer Renae Nona models Joy Tapau’s reef-inspired blue silk kaftan on the Seisia wharf ahead of travelling to Darwin for the Country to Couture fashion show this week. Photo: NPARC.
Artists from the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) will see their unique designs showcased on the catwalks at the Country to Couture shows in Darwin for the first time when the annual celebration of First Nations textiles and design gets under way this week.
The event started in Darwin on 6 August, and is being held alongside the annual Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.
In 2024, three artists from NPA Art Centre have designed a Country-inspired tropical collection from silks, linen and cotton, as well as a range of accessories, to show off in Darwin as they walk the path to developing a sustainable enterprise model.
Artist Renae Nona will join Joy Tapau and Leighann Ober to showcase their designs on the runways, and said she had been inspired by the sea, ailan (island lifestyle) and “nature’s treasures”.
Her favourite design influence is the red wongai fruit, which she has used to dye silk fabric.
“One of my favourite things to do is to collect wongai with dad,” Ms Nona explained.
Originally from Thursday Island, with ties through her father to Badu Island and her mother to Mer Island, Ms Nona started her career as a graphic artist at the Torres News.
After service as a police officer and then working in public administration, Ms Nona finally followed her passion for art, and now works out of the NPA Art Centre and is aiming to grow her profile and work to create a sustainable economic boost for her community.
NPA Art Centre manager Dev Lengjel said support from Rio Tinto had allowed the artists to travel to Darwin to show off their creative talent at Country to Couture.
“The artists are thrilled to be in the Country to Couture shows to showcase the colourful heritage of the NPA,” he said.
