Inspired by shells from the eighty mile beach collected by local Karajarri women of Bidyadanga Aboriginal community, south of Broome. The women showed me how these vibrant shells of yellow, orange and pink wash up on the beach and nestle amongst shells of white. I created the headpiece to reflect the circular movement of the ocean through swirling of silk abaca and crinoline, incorporating the colour to reflect the shells and coloured braid to continue the movement as the shells wash to the beach, finishing with the feature of a stunning cultured pearl. The women named the piece Riji Pinka which is Karajarri for pearl shell.
Shown on the runway of NYFW Spring Summer 2017 - "Australia in Bloom" collection
