Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) has announced a collaboration with Indigenous Design Labs (IDL), to showcase Indigenous youth creativity and community engagement.
“This pioneering partnership not only represents a groundbreaking endeavour in crafting new apparel, but also underscores ADA and IDL's commitment to driving positive change and fostering cultural appreciation within Australia's apparel manufacturing landscape, aligning closely with ADA’s Reconciliation Action Plan," said Chris Dixon, CEO of ADA.
“This initiative not only provides valuable paid creative work and mentorship opportunities for young First Nations people but also injects funding into creating real-world opportunities for them to activate their creativity and upskill in the digital and creative design space.”
Phase one of the collaboration will see IDL creating contemporary print artwork applicable to uniforms, bringing a fresh aesthetic to ADA's warehousing and manufacturing operational crew.
Phase two of the collaboration will launch an 8-week training program, integrated into a real- world uniform development project, where IDL youth will collaborate with ADA designers to develop a new clothing range from concept to prototype and manufacturing.
The launch will coincide with Closing the Gap Day on 21 March 2024, which the company states will amplify the initiative's significance and spark conversation around social cohesion and economic empowerment.
“Indigenous Design Labs consist of a team of young creatives focusing on abstract and contemporary designs that reflect a diverse representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures," said Leigh Harris, Indigenous business owner of ingeous studios and IDL Founder.
"We view every opportunity as a chance to contribute to and expand upon the ongoing narrative of Indigenous design."
Sizing collation and fitting for ADA team members are set to occur in mid-May 2024, with final orders set for delivery to ADA HQ by mid-August 2024. The launch event for this collaboration will see the Indigenous youth creatives and mentors being flown down to Melbourne from Far North Queensland at the end of August 2024.