From iconography to inspiration: Australian Indigenous references in contemporary fashion

The incorporation of Australian Indigenous motifs in contemporary fashion in Australia is a long-standing, but increasingly contested area. Some motifs such as stylised boomerangs and kangaroos are regarded as generic symbols until recently were used by anyone. However, the incorporation of symbols used in Indigenous artworks (such as paintings, screen prints and rock art) into textile or fabric design has become increasingly controversial. Issues about ownership, copyright and cultural authenticity abound. Numerous media, public, intellectual property and legal challenges have raised the awareness of the issue but not definitively resolved it. Despite the introduction of Codes of Conduct and Certificates of Authenticity, the use of Indigenous motifs as inspiration remains contentious. This chapter explores the state of Australian Indigenous fashion design including collaborations between non-Indigenous and Indigenous artists and designers