It was a hard act to follow, but the class of '22 managed to do it in style.
First Nations Fashion + Design returned to the runway Friday night, wowing the packed Carriageworks hall with fresh looks.
Expectations were stratospheric, after the inaugural First Nations show at Australian Fashion Week last year saw audiences in tears and headlines made around the world.
Capping off the week's festivities, Friday's final runway saw a curated presentation of eight First Nations designers setting the sartorial agenda for the year ahead.
Yessie Mosby and his son Genia Mosby perform during the opening show. The theme of climate change in the Torres Strait guided the night. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
The focus this year turned to the Torres Strait, with the theme 'Our Island, Our Home' seeing designers celebrating the rich culture of the Islands, and addressing the challenges of the climate crisis and sustainability.
A night of glamour
The evening was a showcase of First Nations royalty, not just from the fashion world, but across the arts.
Aunty Yvonne Weldon led the Welcome to Country; a video performance by Luke Currie-Richardson opened proceedings; pop duo The Merindas performed, singing in Noongar; Barkaa had the crowd alight with a rendition of her hit 'King Brown'; and a who's who of Blak Excellence was in attendance, including Nova Perris, Thelma Plum, Narelda Jacobs, Dobby and more.
Christine Anu rounded out the evening with a stirring rendition of 'My Island Home', by which time audiences were on their feet and not a few were wiping away tears.
But the main event, of course, was the fashion.
The Welcome to Country was given by Aunty Yvonne Weldon. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Eight collections were presented: Nungala Creative by Jessica Johnson; Frock On!, a collaboration by Ikuntji Artists and Flying Fox Fabrics; Myrrdah, by the Mt Isa sisters Juanita Doyle, Dale Bruce, Glenda McCulloch and Cheryl Perez; Gantharri, by Bobbi Lockyer; a collaboration by Elverina Johnson & Taking Shape; the inimitable Paul McCann; Ihraa Swim, by Nat Dann; and a closing collection by Clothing the Gaps.
Take a look at some of the designs that wowed the crowd.
Conch shells, the ancient calling together of Torres Strait people, were blown to open and close the show. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A design by Nungala Creative. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A model walks the runway in a design by Nungala Creative. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Nungala Creative.
Models walk the runway in a design by Nungala Creative. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A model walks the runway in a design by Ikuntji Artists. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A model walks the runway in a design by Ikuntji Artists. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Ikuntji Artists. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Models walk the runway in a design by Ikuntji Artists. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Models walk the runway in a design by Myrrdah. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A model walks the runway in a design by Myrrdah. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A design by Myrrdah. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
The Ihraa Swim collection. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Designs by Gantharri. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
First Nations Fashion + Design Presented by Afterpay - Runway - Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Source: WireImage
A collaboration from Elerina Johnson x Taking Shape. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A design by Elverina Johnson x Taking Shape. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A model displays a Paul McCann gown. Source: WireImage
Paul McCann wowed the crowd again. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A model walks the runway in a design by Paul McCann. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Paul McCann stunned the crowd again with his signature ballgown looks. Source: WireImage
Luke Currie-Richardson was one of the many familiar faces at Friday night's show. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
A model walks the runway in a design by Ihraa Swim. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Models walk the runway dressed by Ihraa Swim. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Elaine George walks the runway in a design by Future of Fashion. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
The Clothing The Gaps collection. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
The Clothing the Gap crew. Source: WireImage
First Nations Fashion + Design Presented by Afterpay - Runway - Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Source: WireImage
A vocal performance from Christine Anu. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Christine Anu and Zipporah performed a stirring rendition of 'My Island Home' to close an emotional evening. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Celebrations backstage during of the First Nations Fashion + Design show 2022. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
