Fashion designer Erik Yvon established their label in 2018 with a view to redefining conventions of femininity and masculinity to create a more inclusive and equitable fashion landscape. Inspired by their Mauritian roots and lived queer experience, Yvon’s collections marry colour, print and knit, with an emphasis on collaborative, creative and ethical practice. Yvon embraces new beauty standards, celebrating diverse bodies, people, colours, ages and genders. Releasing transeasonal, sustainably produced collections, Yvon strives to create fashion that brings joy to all individuals who wear their garments.

Collective Closets is a slow-fashion label founded by sisters Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako in 2016. With a deep connection to the sisters’ African-Australian heritage, the brand celebrates cultural diversity, inclusivity and the empowerment of women. Collective Closets champions African fabrics such as shuka (traditionally worn by the Masai people), as well as artisan-made woven and batik cloths, with further focus on considered, timeless design. Through fashion, Collective Closets aims to connect its customers with the culture and history of the African continent in a meaningful way.

SZN is an independent label designed and made in Australia, founded by Suzan Dlouhy. The name SZN is a play on government department acronyms. With an environmentally conscious ethos, SZN produces minimal-waste garments constructed from sustainable and repurposed fabrics using reductive pattern-making techniques. Simplicity and craftsmanship fuel Dlouhy’s designs, resulting in functional and intentional garments. In 2016 Dlouhy received the inaugural Best in Category – Fashion Design award at the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards.

Malawi-born Kwacha Luka founded her label House of Kwacha in 2015. The label combines locally sourced African-print fabrics to create contemporary statement gowns and evening wear, inspired by a love of dressing up. Feelings of empowerment are also important, with the designer stating her collections are designed to make women ‘feel like queens’ and that one should ‘dress how you want to be treated’. Typically working on a commission basis, Luka centres her practice around a consultative and collaborative relationship between designer and client.

A’Sika was established in 2018 by jeweller Ella Badu as an expression of her Ghanaian heritage and interest in the country’s artisanal crafts. Inspired by an apprenticeship with Ashanti goldsmiths, Badu’s collections represent a form of cultural storytelling, celebrating West African pre-colonial spirituality, symbolism and regalia. Adornments are crafted from recycled or responsibly sourced materials and are the product of Badu’s ongoing explorations into technique, form and identity.

Based between Melbourne, Los Angeles and New York, Ntombi Moyo has worked in fashion since 2016, transitioning to styling and creative direction from an early career in fashion photography. Drawn to styling for its capacity to enhance image-making, Moyo works across fashion editorial, brand campaigns and music videos. Notable projects include styling for Rihanna, Adele and Beyoncé, and, more recently, costuming the Melbourne-set SBS TV series Swift Street.

Kuti Kalo is a Sudanese multidisciplinary creative based in Melbourne. A fashion enthusiast, Kalo works as a photographer and content creator, and operates the online platform Down and Dirty TV, a space that champions local artists and creatives from Black and POC communities. Kalo is also a strong advocate for destigmatising mental health within his community through education and awareness.

Founded by Agatha Saka in 2017 as a specialist service for Black hair, Saka Hair Studio was established in response to the need for Black hair inclusivity within salon environments. The studio caters to an inclusive array of hair types and textures, including braids, weaves, extensions and cornrows, and advocates for industry education and awareness. Passionate about hair artistry and its cultural importance since her teenage years, Saka worked in the industry for eight years before launching her own business, which now extends to creative styling, hair care products, custom wig-making and artist collaborations.

Ruth Juwa Dradi is a Ugandan and South Sudanese model, content creator, artist and emerging fashion designer. Working as a fashion model since 2019, Dradi entered the industry to break societal norms and challenge perspectives, paving the way for the next generation. As a voice for action where change is needed, Dradi has made significant contributions to the local beauty industry in the areas of hair styling and make-up.

A pillar of the diaspora community, Francis Acquah AM exercises pride in his cultural heritage through self-fashioning. Purchasing cloths from Ghana, he commissions local tailors to execute garments to his specifications, which he wears with pride. In 2011 Acquah founded the Positive Mental Health Program (PWRC) after working in mental health for thirty-five years. PWRC exists to assist all Australians, but especially those from non-English speaking and minority backgrounds. In 2024 Acquah was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant services to mental health care and the community.