Mother-and-daughter designers celebrated on remote runway show
One of Brodie George's first breaks as an artist came when she was about 10 years old.
The Walmajarri and Gooniyandi woman is now watching her daughter Ngoorloona do the same.
Brodie George and her daughter Ngoorloona at SKUTTA '26. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
"She's making her debut at a similar age to me, which is really, really beautiful," Ms George said.
"She's still in primary school, so it's very exciting for her."
Ms George grew up in Fitzroy Crossing, more than 2,000 kilometres north of Perth in Western Australia's Kimberley region.
Multiple collections from Jalayimiya were modelled at SKUTTA '26. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
She is the founder of swimwear label Jalayimiya, a brand launched in 2022 celebrating local art and community connection.
Ms George returned to Fitzroy Crossing last week, showcasing multiple collections at the SKUTTA '26 fashion runway.
Run by the Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation, the event showcased the work of 10 designers from across the Fitzroy Valley.
Young models pose at the SKUTTA '26 runway in Fitzroy Crossing. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
Among the Jalayimiya pieces modelled at sunset was a surf suit featuring the debut artwork of Ms George's daughter.
The fashion event brought together multiple generations of designers, artists and models from more than 40 communities.
Ms George said the event served as an important reminder for the next generation.
Brodie George said it was a proud moment watching her daughter's design modelled on the runway. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
"I think just seeing what can come out of such a small place really inspires people," she said.
"I wish that there was something like this when I was a little girl."
From Paris Fashion Week to overseas exhibitions, artists from the Fitzroy Valley are no strangers to the world stage.
Models and designers from Fitzroy Crossing have travelled across the world. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
It's something Eva Nargoodah knows all too well, having travelled to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates through art.
The acclaimed artist lives in Jimbalakudunj Community, about 110km west of Fitzroy Crossing.
She runs Rukaji Designs with her eldest daughter, Jonian "Ivy" Nargoodah.
Eva and Ivy Nargoodah create bush dyes for their designs. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
The pair pay homage to their home, creating bush dyes from locally sourced items including puffball mushrooms, tree bark and rusted objects.
Three of Eva Nargoodah's granddaughters were among those who modelled the collection on the outback catwalk.
"I felt really happy to see that design and my grandkids wearing it," she said.
"This beautiful, natural colour from country."
Rukaji Designs were among those modelled at sunset from the runway. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
Eva Nargoodah said she hoped the event would inspire young people to take up artistic and creative opportunities.
"If they keep on with their design, fashion or painting … they can get overseas," she said.
"If they put their whole effort and feelings into it."
Eva Nargoodah hopes the event inspires young people to take up opportunities presented through art. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
Eva and Ivy Nargoodah are travelling to Melbourne next month with their designs, bringing the colours of their country to the city.
"Showing what we do here in our little community with our Rukaji ladies crew," Ivy Nargoodah said.
The meaning of SKUTTA
The event's name stems from the Fitzroy Kriol word "skudda", which has a number of positive meanings.
SKUTTA organisers say the event name is about embracing culture and identity. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
Organisers said their take on SKUTTA is more of a mindset, and all about "proudly being your deadly self".
Marra Worra Worra community programs manager Deborah Carter said about half the designs were made by young people.
Deborah Carter says the town is already looking forward to SKUTTA '27. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
Two collections were submitted by the town's youth night space, and a third from a workshop between young people and elders at Marnin Studio.
"A really proud moment for everyone was seeing a lot of our young people come out,"
Ms Carter said.
About half of the designs were by young people from the Fitzroy Valley. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
She said the corporation was already looking forward to SKUTTA '27.
"We've had a lot of interest just after the one event," she said.
"I think my favourite feedback was that it was nice to see Fitzroy smile."
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