Australian designer Amanda Healy, founder of the First Nations fashion label Kirrikin, celebrated a major milestone — ten years of storytelling through fashion — with a spectacular debut in Delhi. Presented by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the Connection to Country showcase marked Kirrikin’s first major appearance in India.
For Healy, the moment was deeply personal — a chance to share the stories, colours, and artistry of Aboriginal Australia with Indian audiences. “To me, this is an opportunity to tell our stories and show what we’re capable of as Aboriginal people,” Healy said. “Like India, our country was colonised, and this is about showing that we’re still here, capable of creating on our own terms.”
Kirrikin’s collection was designed in Australia by First Nations artists and crafted in Noida, combining Aboriginal prints with Indian textile expertise. The runway featured pieces from the Evoke collection, inspired by the landscapes of southwest Western Australia — from earthy blazers and floral motif gowns to hand-painted viscose crepe dresses.
The line also included new designs — asymmetrical gowns, A-line skirts, and cashmere scarves that echoed the intricate patterns of Central Australian Dot Paintings. Each piece reflected Kirrikin’s philosophy of blending heritage, modernity, and sustainability.
Healy described the collection as her “Millennium Collection,” honouring the women behind Kirrikin’s success. “Kirrikin is a social enterprise — everything we earn goes back to our artists. I work with 12 Aboriginal women, most of them single mothers, building sustainable incomes for them. It’s about honouring their stories,” she said.
Having showcased across Australia, the UK, Japan, Chile, the US, and Saudi Arabia, Kirrikin’s entry into India represents the next chapter of cross-cultural collaboration. Healy sees deep parallels between the two nations — both rich in storytelling, colour, and creativity. Looking ahead, she hopes to collaborate with Indian designers and artisans, expanding Kirrikin’s impact while celebrating shared histories of resilience and artistry.
As the label enters its second decade, Kirrikin remains committed to its founding purpose — creating fashion that honours connection to country, kinship, and culture, while proving that sustainability and luxury can coexist beautifully.
