First Nations fashion takes centre stage with the Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway

Posted on 9 October, 2026

From uplifting First Nations artists to sparking important conversations about identity, healing and connection, Canberra’s Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway will be one for the history books.

The first Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway show would be an unforgettable evening where ancient culture meets contemporary fashion within one of Australia’s most significant cultural institutions. That is how Kristie Peters of Blaklabel Dreaming and Sarah Bolt and Jahna Lugnan of Indigenous Kultural Creations decided they would define the evening. 

And helmed by three First Nations women determined to make it a complete cultural experience, it promises to be all that and more. 

“It’s been in the making for the last couple of years,” explains Sarah.

“It’s a miss here in the Community…Canberra misses out a lot, particularly in First Nations fashion and we want to put something on the map.” 

Launching its website and digital presence in mid-2026, Indigenous Kultural Creations (IKC) isn’t the Bundjalung woman’s first foray into the world of fashion.

Sarah was inspired by her daughter, Jahna – who has walked the runway for Australian Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Country to Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards – to start IKC to support First Nations models, designers and other artists within the industry.

For her, the Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway is not only the next step but marks an important collaboration. 

Connecting with Wiradjuri artist Kristie and her partner Tim Mutton at various fashion and community events over the years, the two families have long been supporting one another in a multifaceted global sector that remains largely indifferent to sustained First Nations representation.

“Having another person that has the same goals is amazing,” says Kristie. 

“We want to see everyone achieve their goals through fashion, modelling and as an artist.”

A collision of art, history, and community

Taking place on Saturday 17 October at the National Museum of Australia, the Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway will bring together runway fashion, cultural performances, traditional dance and live music under one roof. 

With 13 local and national First Nations designers featured – including local labels Pakana Dreaming, Corella & Crow, Murrii Quu Couture and Harry’s Clarry, as well Murrii Quu Label, Handmade by Ni-Ni, Midnight Dreaming and a special guest appearance by non-Indigenous designer Kelli Donovan Studio – the evening will see a collision of art and history in a vibrant showcase.

But at its core, Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway is so much more than a fashion show. 

Along with 40 non-Indigenous and First Nations models – many of whom are represented by IKC – from the photographers and videographers to volunteers and the AV technician, the majority of those involved in the show are First Nations people. 

Kristie and Sarah say the runway is not only a celebration of culture and Country, but also aims to show First Nations people the different career pathways available in the fashion industry. 

Sarah Bolt.

Following the success of IKC and Blaklabel Dreaming taking five models to Brisbane to participate in Fashique Fashion 2026 – held by Cheryl Creed of Murri Quu – Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway is another step in the right direction.

As the saying goes, “You can’t be what you can’t see”. 

“It’s not about learning how to model. What Sarah and Jahna do as well in these programs is more around building confidence, self-esteem, and a focus on mental health and suicide awareness,” explains Kristie.

“These models are Community…some have experience and some are just getting started, but we want to develop them further so that if this is something they want to do down the line we can support them,” adds Sarah. 

Honouring memory and championing Blak designers

Kristie has been a part of the First Nations fashion community since she launched Blaklabel Dreaming in 2023 as part of the ACT Indigenous Fashion Show at the Canberra Centre, making her the longest-standing Indigenous designer in Canberra.

With years of industry experience (her original business, Yurrudhamarra Creations, has been operating since 2018), she established Blaklabel Dreaming to not only build on her experience, creativity and contribution to Indigenous fashion but to pay tribute to her late twin brother.

Kristie Peters.

Also known for her creative work that extends beyond fashion – including multiple murals, commissioned paintings, and palliative care packs – she is an advocate for the importance of uplifting Blak creatives, especially in regional communities. 

“We want to get them recognised out there on the platforms,” she says. 

“It’s become a market, and it’s become an interest. For designers more so,” adds Sarah. 

Although it’s rooted in thousands of years of history, First Nations fashion in Australia has surged into a powerful cultural and commercial movement. And it’s been a long time coming.

Following the first-ever all-Indigenous showcase at Australian Fashion Week (AFW) held in June 2021, recent years have seen events like the 2026 Reclamation runway, hosted by First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD).

As an independent, First Nations-led fashion and art event, it was created by and for First Nations communities. And as a proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr woman, Jahna was one of the models to walk for First Nations designer Buluuy Mirrii – the first Indigenous designer to open AFW.

Jahna Lugnan

But this rise in recognition isn’t just taking place in major cities – Canberra has had its own First Nations fashion renaissance. 

The first Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway is yet another spark in this explosion. And as the first show quickly approaches, Sarah, Jahna and Kristie say – and hope – that it will be one of many. 

With plans to make it an annual event on Canberra’s spring calendar, the Kultural Dreaming Capital Runway is currently being brought to life from money straight out of the founders’ pockets.

However, for everyone involved, the future the runway show offers is not just about visibility for First Nations people in the fashion industry.

It’s a powerful reminder that they were always there to begin with – and they don’t just create clothes.  

“It’s not just a runway – it’s about culture and identity,” says Kristie. 

“It’s about community coming together and celebrating one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. That’s something definitely worth celebrating.”

Images supplied.