WA fashion labels Kaninda and Jaru Girl on show at Melbourne Fashion Week

Two WA First Nations fashion labels had their stunning designs showcased at the sold-out opening of Melbourne Fashion Week in Docklands on Monday night.

Wyndam-based Jaru Girl, created in 2018, had its Milky Water collection modelled on the ganbu marra runway.

The range of brightly coloured shirts is inspired by the brand’s owner, Bianca Long’s family heritage.

“I’m proud that a small brand from a remote town in the top end of WA featured in a big showcase event in Melbourne,” Long said.

“I never really thought that would happen, and I’m honoured to have been part of that, and especially to be part of it with my sister, as the collection showcased was a collaboration between my baby sister and I.”

Long hand-paints the designs on the shirts, which are inspired by her grandfather’s country of Sturt Creek, fruits and plants.

“We wanted to acknowledge him and our connection as a family, to rodeo and also the Aboriginal stockmen and women,” she said.

Following a huge journey of travelling to Melbourne from the Kimberley, Long said being in the big city was “overwhelming”.

“Just all of the traffic and everything like that, but it’s exciting, and I’m actually quite enjoying it. Melbourne is quite a nice city,” she said.

Also enjoying her time to shine in the spotlight was the creator of Pilbara label Kaninda — Lilla Gagliano — who named the brand after her daughter now aged 22.

Gagliano designs the boldly printed swimwear and clothing with her daughter who brings youthful energy and style to the brand.

One of the model’s carried a football and wore a shirt bearing the name of the late WA footballer Andy Krakouer.