Stepping onto the red carpet wearing one of Australia’s most successful First Nations art centres, last night celebrated Australian rapper BARKAA attended the 2023 ARIA Awards wearing a custom suit designed by Ikuntji Artists, in collaboration with renowned fashion house ZHIVAGO.

Partnering with ZHIVAGO saw Ikuntji Artist Hayley Dodd have her exquisite Dalhousie Hot Springs artwork work featured on the custom one-of-a-kind red-carpet suit.

Crafted by ZHIVAGO, the two-piece suit featured a hand-embellished jacket, decorated with meticulously placed Swarovski crystals to accentuate the intricacies of the Dalhousie Hot Springs artwork.

Having taken over 70 hours to complete, the two-piece garment is as much of a work of art as it was a fashion statement.

“It’s the first time Ikuntji Artists is represented so strongly at the ARIAs. It is an important step for the art centre and the acknowledgement of our artists’ work. We have been working hard to be seen for our designs and stories. We are very proud that our designs are now visible to anyone and worn as high fashion”, said Ikuntji Artists chairperson, Roseranna Larry.

Gaining inspiration from her grandmother, Dodd’s Dalhousie Hot Springs artwork is about her grandmother and where she was born at Dalhousie Hot Springs, in the Witjirra NP, an oasis at the Simpson Desert’s edge – south of Finke and West of Oodnadatta in South Australia.

“I am extremely proud that my design was chosen for this custom piece for BARKAA. I love her music and am a great fan! To see a bespoke piece made from my fabric for the red carpet in collaboration with Zhivago is a dream come true, and I am grateful to be able to share my grandmother’s story with the world like that,” said artist Hayley Dodd.

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Participating Artists

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  Hayley Dodd

  6 artworks

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