Stitchin’ Stories: Blak and Threadly. Image courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust, T J Garvie Photography (2025).
First Peoples fashion and textiles, as explored in Stitchin’ Stories: Blak & Threadly, reflect a rich tapestry of cultural narratives, history, and contemporary expressions of identity.
Recruited through an open call to work with fashion and textiles, these participants have produced nearly thirty pieces, that exemplify the dynamic ways in which fashion and textiles express cultural continuity and innovation. Many of the works incorporate sustainable and recycled materials, reinforcing the importance of Country and environment in contemporary creative First Peoples design practice.
Stitchin’ Stories: Blak and Threadly. Image courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust, T J Garvie Photography (2025).
The fourth iteration of the Blak Design program, Stitchin’ Stories showcases the creative output of eight boundary-pushing First Peoples designers from the KHT’s Blak Design Program 2024.
- Matty Chilly (Wiradjuri, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Waddi Waddi, Barapa Barapa, Gubbi Gubbi, Nari Nari, Yitti Yitti, Latji Latji, Dadi Dadi, with ties to Māori Iwi in Aotearoa New Zealand)
- Tarsha Davis (Kuku Yalanji and Palawa)
- Tahnee Day (Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara)
- Teena Moffatt (Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai, Gunditjmara)
- Michelle Searle (Awabakal)
- Emma Stenhouse (Ngarrindjeri)
- Tricia Van Der-Kuyp (Wiradjuri)
- Emmy Webbers (Gunaikurnai)
The pieces in the exhibition blend rich cultural traditions with bold contemporary design expression, seamlessly interweaving the history and identity of each individual designer.
Stitchin’ Stories: Blak and Threadly. Image courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust, T J Garvie Photography (2025).
SOURCE: Koorie Heritage Trust