Australian label Kirrikin makes India debut in Delhi

As the sun set over the capital, the open-air runway came alive with a palette of orange, blue, green, pink, yellow and gold. Models glided through the soft evening air, showcasing flowing dresses, co-ord sets, jackets and scarves that carried the stories of Indigenous Australian art.

Designed in Australia and crafted in Noida, Kirrikin represents more than fashion, it stands as a symbol of cultural exchange and collaboration under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.

For the Wonnarua people, the word Kirrikin means “Sunday’s best clothes,” a term that traces its roots to the early 1820s when it was first recorded by missionaries in Australia. Today, the name embodies the brand’s mission to revive the language and spirit of the Wonnarua people through art and design.

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, called the evening “a powerful celebration of the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of Australia’s First Nations peoples.” He said Kirrikin’s journey exemplifies the strength of trade and cultural exchange between Australia and India.

Healy, the proud Wonnarua woman behind the brand, spoke with emotion about what the Delhi showcase meant to her. “Bringing First Nations fashion, art and storytelling to India is an honour,” she said. “This collaboration celebrates creativity and the powerful voices of Indigenous Australian designers.”

The designer also shared how Kirrikin was born out of a desire to create authentic Indigenous products that give back to the community. Founded in 2014, the label digitally prints Aboriginal artworks onto luxurious fabrics, turning them into elegant clothing and accessories. “Kirrikin is a social enterprise,” Healy said. “It was created to generate sustainable incomes for Aboriginal artists. We currently work with 12 artists, and their beautiful work is what you see on our garments tonight.”

She recalled a moment early in her journey that continues to inspire her. “I once heard a woman say that she loved wearing our clothes because they made her feel powerful, that she was wearing a story, not just a design. That is the power of fashion. It can connect people, cultures and emotions in ways we don’t always expect.”

Over the past decade, Healy has built close ties with Indian artisans and manufacturers. She spoke warmly about her ongoing work with craftspeople in Noida. “I have a deep love for India’s fabrics and the skills of its artisans,” she said. “The craftsmanship here is remarkable and our journey together has been one of shared learning and respect.”

The evening also featured traditional music and dance by First Nations performers, bringing a piece of Western Australia to the heart of Delhi. Guests mingled under the lights, soaking in the fusion of art, culture and storytelling that made the event truly memorable.

For FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi, the collaboration reflected the essence of what fashion can achieve. “Fashion has always been a bridge,” he said. “This event is a true meeting of cultures.”