24/05/2026
Basking in the afterglow of the Dreaming Fashion Show, the official launch of Pakana Dreaming clothing line, I’m still completely overwhelmed with pride, love and appreciation.
This clothing line, featuring my original artworks, was intended to be a way to share my ancestral stories and ensure my children know and understand their history. Putting it on clothing means we are wrapped up in the spirit, strength and resilience of our ancestors and culture.
On 11 May, 14 incredible Aboriginal and non-Indigenous models (all people from our local community) modeled the line. Watching their transformation from shyness, insecurity and not 100% sure what they were doing, to these staunch, sassy and confident runway warriors has been the highlight of this journey.
I am so proud and blown away by every one of them, from the youngest (17 to most life experienced 54) they walked with their mob in their hearts and their ancestors in their spirits, bringing my stories to life. Thank you for pushing yourselves well and truly out of your comfort zones to shine like the stars you all are.
My sista Kristie, you are such an incredible, talented and generous soul. You and Tim are the epitome of community. Always lifting and elevating others to be the best they can be and I am forever grateful for this opportunity, your guidance and friendship.
Sharing this experience with Blaklabel Dreaming and being a part of your story is an absolute honor.
The determination, care, coordination experience and mentorship of Sarah Bolt nurturing and developing these models into these glittering diamonds has been incredible to watch. Your passion and vision for blak fashion in the region and country is so exciting and I am absolutely committed to have your back for all of it.
Tidda Ange, you have my back always. Your love and support and ‘can do, whatever you need, I am in’ attitude lifts me in everything I do. From parenting, leadership, community, work and family, your love is felt in every way. I’m so blessed to have you and the girls as my sisters.
Vicky - Rockstars and Royalty, Your talent, experience and support made the finale an absolute show stopper. You have supported my crazy ideas for 13 years, pivoting through the changes and seasons of my obsessions, being there all the way. I am a great ideas man but you bring it to life. I wish I had your incredible talent but for now I’m happy glueing rhinestones and sharing dreams with you as we continue down the next wild path.
Kellie, your gorgeous accessories were the perfect complement to the collection and I am so happy we found this opportunity to collab and put these deadly pieces together and put out there to the world. Weave & Clay by Bagirram is such beautiful and important way to showcase culture.
My entire website is being built by my very clever cousin and day 1 bestie for life Kali. I am way less technically skilled than I have any right to be in 2026, but with incredible people with skill sets like you in my corner…. I manage to skate through lol. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for your help and support on this journey, but more importantly in life and all the ups, downs, tears and laughter we have shared since birth and into the future. Blood really is thicker than water.
Miss Amy for your late night support line mixing and remixing my music, again, a technical skill I should probably master myself! Your help to create the runway music set the entire show on fire. Thank you so much my sista.
Dilkara Australia for your gorgeous products in our model thank you bags. Connecting these emerging industry stars with mob brands such as Dilkara is so important and I appreciate your wonderful support of blak business across the country!
My cheer squad, Belle, Hayley, Amber always lifting me and encouraging my ADHD to do these crazy things. You 3 incredible women inspire me constantly. Your strength, resilience and love for life and everyone in it is something I can only hope to have a whisper of. I am so honored to have you in my life and call you my family.
DENNI for the permission to use your hauntingly beautiful Lutruwita to open the show and remind everyone where we come from, who we are and singing our ancestors into our spirits.
And to that, my family… my beautiful mum and dad, you’ve seen the most of the fads, obsessions, projects and schemes over the years and you’ve encouraged and supported it all, knowing I will somehow manage to swim even when the odds were mostly on sinking!
My niece Cheyènne, your transformation to the incredible shining diamond we saw last night has been such a proud moment for me. And seeing Nan and pop crying with pride tells you everything.
Finally, my husband Jim, might not love it quite as much but always has my back and makes my dreams and visions come true. In all the things I turn my hand to, you are always there with me, sometimes begrudgingly, bringing it to reality.
My babies Leah, Bailey, Sebastian and Jacob. You are my greatest creations. Each of you so different yet all of you with the same strength of spirit, kind and generous hearts. You might eye-roll at mums new project, but you also know that everything I do, I do in the hopes that you will see that you can and should follow your dreams no matter your age, your skill or experience. You have an entire community around you who will always be there to support and encourage you, and most of all, your ancestors quietly filling the space around you, walking you through this life. So do it with your heads held high and reach for the stars.
To everyone else, if I missed you here, please know you are always in my heart and I appreciate everyone of you for your love and friendship, always!
To quote Jeff Fenech, “I love youse all”.
What a night.
Pop over to pakanadreaming.com.au to subscribe and be alerted to products hitting the estore in the coming days/weeks!
