A remote arts centre in Ramingining, East Arnhem Land has staged its inaugural fashion week, providing an opportunity to celebrate local Aboriginal artists, models and community
The headline and a caption of this article were amended on 10 July 2026 to correct a misspelling of Yolngu
Local model Reynelle Garrawurra wearing a dress from Lomuyirr (Soar), the 2024 collection by Bula'bula Arts and Black Cat Couture NT. Photograph: Alana Holmberg/The Guardian
Alana Holmberg
Fri 10 Jul 2026 00.00 EDT Last modified on Fri 10 Jul 2026 05.07 EDT
Artists and Bula’bula Arts staff prepare floral decorations to mark the runway through the park ahead of the Ramingining fashion parade. Comprising workshops, a runway show and a photoshoot on location, the week provided an opportunity for the remote Arnhem Land community to celebrate garments featuring artworks by local Yolngu artists and worn by local models, many for the first time.
Model Cassie Black supports model Jasmane Garrawurra during her first location shoot. Jasmane was one of 24 local models who participated in a one-week modelling and wellbeing workshop with the Tiwi Islands model Cassie Black, focusing on confidence building, self-expression and walking the runway in front of the camera.
Rehearsal for the fashion show featuring models from Ramingining and surrounding outstations.
Model Raina Gaykamangu in an outfit from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak), the 2025 collection by Black Cat Couture (NT) and Bula’bula Arts, featuring handpainted Lidji Lidji (Crimson Finches) by artist Andrew Wanamilil.
Models get ready to walk in the fashion parade. On the runway, they showcased 30 looks from Ḻomuyirr (Soar) and Garkambarryirri (Daybreak) collections created by Bula’bula Arts artists and Darwin-based Black Cat Couture NT, debuting at Country to Couture in 2024 and 2025.
Model Judy Yirrkili in an outfit from Lomuyirr (Soar), the 2024 collection by Black Cat Couture (NT) and Bula’bula Arts, featuring handpainted Bonba (butterflies) by artist Lidji Lidji and (Crimson Finches) by artists Lisa Gurrulpa and Sylvia Gurrulpa.
Senior weaver and Bula’bula Arts artist Evonne Munuyngu opens the Ramingining fashion parade, modelling a cape from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak), the 2025 collaborative collection by Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture (NT). The cape features handpainted panels by Bula’bula artists including Joy Burruna, depicting the Banumburr (Morning Star story).
Model Leonie Malanygjuray in an outfit from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak), the 2025 collection by Black Cat Couture (NT) and Bula’bula Arts, featuring handpainted Lidji Lidji (Crimson Finches) by artist Andrew Wanamilil.
About 200 people attended the fashion show, many to support family and friends modelling the garments and the 19 artists whose works featured on handpainted fabric panels, screen-printed fabric and woven pandanus accessories.
Model Samantha Lethwidge walks the runway in a dress from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak), the 2025 collection by Bula’bula Arts and Black Cat Couture NT. The dress features handpainted fabric panels by artist Andrew Malibirr with woven pandanus accessories by Margaret Malibirr.
Cassie Black supports local model Sebina Durrurrnga during her first location shoot. Sebina Durrurrnga wears a dress from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak).
Local model Jasmane Garrawurra wearing a dress from Garkambarryirri (Daybreak). The dress features handpainted Gumang (Magpie Geese) designs by Angela Malibirr.
Senior weaver and Bula’bula Arts artist Evonne Munuyngu (centre) with four of her granddaughters. All five women modelled in the 2026 Ramingining fashion parade. Evonne’s cape features handpainted panels by Bula’bula artists including Joy Burruna, depicting the Banumburr (Morning Star story).
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