At the Australian High Commission, art, culture, and couture found harmony under a starlit Delhi sky.

The lawns of the Australian High Commission shimmered on October 28 as soft lights danced across the trees and a cool Delhi breeze carried the hum of conversation. It was an evening where fashion became storytelling, and where cultures met with quiet grace. At the heart of it all was Amanda Healy, founder of Kirrikin, presenting her label in India for the very first time.

Held in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the High Commission, the showcase celebrated the artistry, history, and spiritual depth of First Nations Australians. Models glided across an open-air runway in flowing dresses, co-ord sets, jackets, and scarves — each piece animated by prints inspired by Aboriginal art. Silks and cashmeres glowed in earthy ochre, deep indigo, lush green, and shimmering gold, creating a visual symphony beneath the night sky.

A Cross-Cultural Collaboration

What made the evening truly special was its quiet yet powerful symbolism: garments envisioned in Australia but crafted in Noida, binding two traditions of creativity and craftsmanship.

“The makers in India bring such warmth and openness to the process,” Healy shared. “Their skill has been an integral part of Kirrikin’s journey.”

In that moment, the runway became more than a stage — it became a bridge between continents.

The Spirit of Kirrikin

Founded in 2014, Kirrikin — a Wonnarua word meaning Sunday’s best clothes — transforms hand-painted Indigenous artworks into elegant, wearable narratives.

For Healy, a proud Wonnarua woman from Hunter Valley in New South Wales, the Delhi showcase was deeply personal.
“Bringing First Nations fashion and storytelling to India is an honour,” she said. “This collaboration celebrates creativity, culture, and connection.”

Each creation carried not just patterns, but stories — of land, ancestry, resilience, and identity.

Fashion with a Purpose

After three decades in mining, Healy turned to fashion to protect and preserve Indigenous stories. Kirrikin has since evolved into a globally recognised social enterprise, winning multiple national awards for its innovation, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.

Every scarf, gown, and tie is more than a garment — it is a piece of living heritage, an artistic imprint honouring the communities it represents.

A Night to Remember

As the evening came to a close, Delhi’s October air carried with it the gentle scent of silk, soft music, and the deeper resonance of shared heritage. The showcase was a reminder that fashion, when rooted in authenticity and respect, becomes a story worth telling — a story that lingers long after the lights dim.