More than style: How First Nations fashion is growing in Australia

More than style: How First Nations fashion is growing in Australia

From Australia Explained by SBS

February 23, 2026 · 9 min

About this episode

This episode explores the significance and evolution of First Nations fashion in Australia, highlighting its cultural roots and contemporary relevance.

If you’ve spent any time in Australia, you’ve probably noticed how relaxed the style is. You might notice activewear, surf brands and casual clothes everywhere. But there’s another side to Australian fashion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers have been creating clothes and accessories for thousands of years — and that work is very much alive today. You’ll see it on runways, in global fashion campaigns and in everyday clothing. Find out what makes First Nations fashion different, how it connects to the environment and what you should be aware of if you want to wear it.

Topics covered

  • First Nations fashion
  • Aboriginal culture
  • fashion design
  • sustainable fashion
  • cultural heritage

Keywords

  • First Nations
  • fashion
  • Aboriginal
  • Torres Strait Islander
  • sustainability
  • designers
  • clothing
  • accessories

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers

Places: Australia

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