Style, Sustainability and Storytelling with Designer Simone Arnol

Firstly, a huge congratulations on winning the Fashion Designer Award at the 2024 National Indigenous Fashion Awards. How did you feel being recognised in this way?

Thank you so much for this kind recognition! Receiving the Fashion Designer Award at the 2024 National Indigenous Fashion Awards was an incredible honour.

I felt immensely grateful and humbled, especially to have been among such talented finalists.

This recognition not only validates my passion for fashion but also highlights the importance of Indigenous voices in the industry. I am truly honoured and inspired to continue sharing our stories through design.

In addition to fashion design, you work across a range of creative mediums. Tell us a bit about how you share stories through these practices?

As an Indigenous designer, my work in fashion, photography, painting, and drawing allows me to weave narratives that are deeply rooted in our culture. Each medium serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, enabling me to express the richness of our Old People's stories and traditions.

Through fashion design, I create garments that reflect our identity, incorporating symbols and colours that resonate with our history. In photography, I capture moments that highlight our community's beauty and resilience, giving a face to our stories. Painting and drawing allow me to visually explore concepts and emotions that are significant to our culture, often blending traditional elements with contemporary techniques.

By using these various mediums, I aim to not only celebrate our stories but also, invite others to experience and understand the depth of our culture. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to share these narratives and contribute to the ongoing conversation about our heritage.

You started your label in 2016. Can you share with us how this came about and how you would describe the brand today?

The label started as a way to merge traditional knowledge with modern fashion. It began with small collections where I experimented with natural dyes and upcycled materials such as curtains and tablecloths. The biggest challenge was sourcing materials with low environmental impact while staying true to my culture. Over time, I found a rhythm by balancing innovation with tradition.

In the beginning, I wanted to showcase the importance of caring for Country and how fashion could be an avenue for sustainability.

The message has evolved to reflect more complex ideas about identity, cultural pride, and the long-standing relationship between our people and the environment. Now, I want my work to communicate that sustainability is not new, it's something Indigenous cultures have practised for over 65,000 years.

You are particularly well known for your advocacy around more considered design practices. Where did that passion come from and how does it continue to influence your work?

Growing up, I learned to care for Country, which is a core part of my fashion practice. Sustainability has always been at the heart of our culture, and through my work, I highlight that 'Blak is Green.'

You have also curated fashion performances and events and have contributed to major art fairs such as Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF). What do you love most about collaborating with other artists and bringing events to life?

I truly cherish the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and bring events to life. One of the most rewarding aspects of curating fashion performances and participating in major art fairs like CIAF, is the ability to create a platform that showcases and elevates the talents of fellow designers and artists.

I love being part of a vibrant community where we can share our unique perspectives and innovation. By collaborating, we not only inspire one another but also, create a richer narrative that celebrates our collective creativity and culture. It is exciting to see how diverse mediums can come together to tell powerful stories and foster understanding.

Moreover, providing exposure for emerging designers and talents is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing their work resonate with audiences and gain recognition is a joy unlike any other. I believe that by lifting each other up and creating shared spaces for expression, we strengthen our cultural expressions and pave the way for future generations to thrive in fashion and the arts.

You will soon start working more closely with Country Road as part of a 12-month industry mentorship. What from your experience, will you bring to this process?

My commitment to sustainability aligns with Country Road's values, and I look forward to integrating my skills in ethical production and storytelling into a broader platform. I believe we are both committed to a design practice that not only creates beautiful work, but also respects culture, people, and the planet.

What makes you excited for the future of First Nations fashion?

The future of First Nations fashion excites me because it represents a powerful blend of cultural resurgence, storytelling, and innovation. It's inspiring to see more platforms celebrating the depth and diversity of First Nations voices, giving designers the space to share their heritage and unique perspectives with the world.

I'm particularly excited about how First Nations fashion is leading the way in sustainability, with many designers incorporating traditional techniques, natural dyes, and recycled materials to create meaningful, environmentally responsible collections.

This approach is not just about fashion, it's about honouring the land, our Old People, and the stories embedded in every design. It's a testament to the value of our culture and creativity, and I'm eager to see more collaborations, showcases, and mentorship opportunities that empower emerging designers to continue this incredible legacy.

The future of First Nations fashion is not only about clothing, but also about identity, connection, and cultural pride, and I feel privileged to be part of this journey.

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