Above: Epson’s Monna Lisa ML-8000 printing FNFD design
Australia and New Zealand fashion and lifestyle platform, The Iconic, in partnership with First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), a national voice for First Nations creatives, has announced the exclusive launch of a new collection from three First Nations brands.
The collaboration stems from The Iconic, x FNFD Incubator Program, which kicked off in April 2023, marking a significant milestone in The Iconic’s commitment to supporting First Nations fashion.
Key to the establishment of The Iconic x FNFD Incubator Program was the launch of Epson’s Monna Lisa ML-8000 direct-to-fabric printer, a product FNFD had been seeking capable of reproducing the intricate designs with authenticity and accuracy.
The launched designers include Gungganji designer Elverina Johnson, the creative force behind the label Pink Fish, Mt. Isa designers Glenda McCulloch, Jaunita Doyle, Dale Bruce, and Cheryl Perez of the label Myrrdah and Kuranda-based designer Briana Enoch of label Jarawee.
Each designer has created designs with a distinctive personal vision. Briana Enoch, the owner and creative of Jarawee, inspires with her bold prints and vibrant colours, while Elverina Johnson of Pink Fish expresses a spirit of boldness and vivid colours inspired by the reef, rainforest, and her Far North Queensland upbringing. Myrrdah, the brainchild of four sisters—Glenda, Jaunita, Dale, and Cheryl—features designs inspired by the sunsets, rock faces, clay, and landscape that surrounds their Kalkadoon home in Northwest Queensland.
All these unique designs were consulted on, digitised and printed by Epson Australia via Epson digital printing solutions as part of Epson’s landmark technology and sustainability agreement to support FNFD as print and projection partner.
Epson Australia first partnered with FNFD in May 2023 to help promote the growth of the Indigenous fashion sector through technology and sustainability.
Epson Australia’s continuing commitment to sustainable fashion is evident in the company’s commitment to extending its partnership with First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD) following the success of the Incubator program.
Gayle Burchell, The Iconic’s chief commercial and sustainability officer said, “It has been a privilege to co-design The Iconic x First Nations Fashion Design Incubator program in partnership with FNFD, and we are so excited to welcome Pink Fish, Myrrdah and Jarawee to The Iconic Over the course of the program, we have witnessed incredible talent, drive and dedication from these gifted designers, and we’re proud to bring this extraordinary collection to our customers across Australia and New Zealand.”
Grace Lillian Lee, FNFD’s founder and chair, said, “The partnership has given the designers a new platform to showcase their incredible work, and FNFD is thrilled to see the collections launched on The Iconic. It is through these initiatives that we can continue to support the self-determination of First Nations Peoples within the industry and assist them in further developing skills to grow their businesses.”
Myrrdah, Pink Fish, and Jarawee collections printed by the Epson Monna Lisa ML-8000 direct-to-fabric printer are now available to purchase on The Iconic.
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