Artist, designer, and storyteller Annette Sax has elevated her First Nations fashion brand, Wa-ring, beyond a mere commercial venture. Each piece in Sax’s collection pays homage to the cultural knowledge of her elders and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Tongolung nation, contributing to both the brand’s rising profile and its profitability.
Following her debut at Milan Fashion Week’s ganbu marra show last year, Sax returned to Milan this week to present her latest collection, Baan Biik—meaning “water country”—at the Volvo Cars Australia show. This collection was developed in collaboration with Aboriginal ornament creator Priscilla Reid-Loynes Gamiloroi Ularoi Yinnar.
“The Wa-ring collection for MF/W 2024 is titled Baan Biik, reflecting Taungurung culture through a fusion of past, present, and future designs. I adapted garments from the Nagambii and Yalok collections, incorporating elements that honor the waterways of the sacred feminine shrines of my homeland,” Sax shared with Style Up.
“Last year was a significant milestone for me, showcasing at MFW for the first time as part of ‘ganbu marra’ alongside talented Indigenous stylist Anastasia Keshan. Lume provides an ideal platform to highlight Black designers, creatives, and talents within the rich context of Indigenous art and storytelling.”
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