Pakana Dreaming unveils its first wearable art collection in celebration of community, culture and connection to Country
Posted on
The 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned business founded by Pakana artist and designer Kartika Medcraft-Smith has unveiled its first wearable art collection – a colourful celebration of community, culture and Country.
Established in 2021, Pakana Dreaming was founded by the proud Leterrermairrener and Plangermaireener Pakana woman from North-East Tasmania as a way to pass her cultural knowledge on to her children.
The label had its inception in Kartika’s original artworks and hand-painted earrings, but it wasn’t long before she expanded to office décor, fine art prints, and wearable cultural pieces. The launch of the Pakana Dreaming collection during Reconciliation Week marks a milestone moment for the brand.
Designs are deeply rooted in storytelling, drawing on vibrant artworks that express intergenerational themes of motherhood, movement, ceremony and survival.
“I initially created these artworks as a way to share my ancestral stories with my three sons, so they built knowledge and awareness of their history and ancestors,” explains Kartika.
“Putting it on clothing felt like the best way to ensure the stories, culture and history of our mob was wrapped around us and guiding us in our day to day lives.”
It was only after the support and encouragement from family, friends and other Blak businesses that Kartika felt empowered to launch the collection into the world.
And it felt only right to mark the occasion by gathering 14 First Nations women and children on the Gungahlin Hill for the final photoshoot.
Representing more than 11 Aboriginal Nations from across Australia, Kartika says that the gathering embodied the true meaning of ‘Canberra’, which is derived from the Ngunnawal word for ‘meeting place.’
“I gathered these incredible women and babies as a way to show that Aboriginal culture isn’t just one thing – it’s made up of lots of different groups, stories, and identities,” she says.
“The location was significant to me as it was the location of some memories of a very unhappy and tumultuous time in my life. This photoshoot, this location and these women and babies were a way for me to reclaim that space and create positive, beautiful memories to take forward. It was important to show how we are many people from many places, but we are one incredible community.”
The Pakana Dreaming collection was created with the support of a YWCA Canberra 2026 Great Ydeas Small Grant, and has also received an invitation to showcase at the 2027 Fashique Runway in Brisbane.
Kartika hopes this is just the beginning when it comes to attending events like this.
“I hope to bring everyday affordable wearable art to the growing Blak fashion industry and learn and grow in the sector. It’s not about money; it’s about healing, sharing, pride and healing for me,” she says.
“I want people to feel empowered, proud and part of something special when they wear these pieces. It isn’t just about me, my family, my culture. It’s Australia’s stories, it’s Australia’s culture, it’s for everyone to feel proud and empowered by.”
The Pakana Dreaming collection is made from a recycled polyester and cotton blend, and includes a blazer, culottes, long-sleeve wrap dress and a button-down shirt. Each item was designed with the wearer in mind – empowered women like those who gathered for the photoshoot.
The collection is a celebration of collaboration, shot by Gamilaroi photographer Jess Whaler and styled with handcrafted pieces by Weave & Clay by Bagirram – even the ochre painted on the models was sent from Kartika’s home Country. It’s wearable art with deep meaning for Kartika, and – she hopes – many others.
“It is never too late to try something new, to follow your own path, to have the confidence to step out of your comfort zone and do what makes you happy. You never know who’s watching and who you might inspire to do the same,” says Kartika.
“Leave meaningful footprints on this Country.”
The Pakana Dreaming collection is available now from pakanadreaming.com.au.
Photography: Jess Whaler.
