Fashion Fashion

Fitzroy Crossing art, fashion hitting catwalks and shows as far away as New York and Paris

Fitzroy Crossing art, fashion hitting catwalks and shows as far away as New York and Paris
Kahlia Rogers grew up around Fitzroy Crossing. (ABC Kimberley: Tallulah Bieundurry)

Thousands of kilometres from the nearest city, a small town in Western Australia's remote north claims it is the outback's fashion capital.

Sitting 2,400 kilometres north of Perth, Fitzroy Crossing has a population of about 1,000 people and is a hub for surrounding Aboriginal communities.

The small town has also become a fashion phenomenon in recent years, with models, artists and designers making national and international headlines within the industry.

Walmajarri, Gooniyandi, Bunuba and Martu model Kahlia Rogers grew up around Fitzroy Crossing.

She received her big break in 2019 when she was scouted to model for the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair's Country to Couture catwalk.

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She has since walked runways in Darwin, Melbourne and Paris.

"Growing up I didn't think I would be in this industry," Ms Rogers said.

"It means so much to me, [it] boosts my confidence and gives me a sense of pride."

In 2021, Ms Rogers was crowned Kimberley Girl, and earlier this year was awarded the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards.

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Ms Rogers said her modelling experience had opened new doors.

"It was when I went outside of my community and hometown where I discovered that this is what I want to do," she said.

[Source: ABC News]

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