Designer: Alkina Edwards has designed a new collection for Wittner Shoes.
Goulburn Valley First Nations artist Alkina Edwards has collaborated with one of Australia’s biggest shoe companies to produce the ‘Winyarr’ collection with her designs.
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Ms Edwards partnered with Wittner Shoes through Culture Is Life, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organisation that was established to make sure young Indigenous people thrive and are supported through all aspects of their lives.
Ms Edwards’ collaboration saw an extensive team help her realise her goals and ensure it was a success.
“The partnership came about when I was having my first art exhibition at the Yirramboi First Nations Festival in Melbourne early last year,” Ms Edwards said.
“The workers from ‘Culture Is Life’ were asking some of the Aunties who were around about who they think might be a good fit for their new project.
“An Echuca Elder/Aunty suggested my name and not long after that the workers from Wittner and Culture Is Life reached out.
“I said yes with no hesitation.”
Fashion: Just one of the shoes in Alkina Edwards’ ‘Winyarr’ collection with Wittner Shoes.
This collaboration is the first time the local artist has been featured in a national campaign from a retailer, but Ms Edwards was never left out of the process.
“We had such a big team at Wittner and Culture Is Life that it was constant communication throughout the whole collaboration,” she said.
“I knew of all the steps going ahead that would make the Winyarr collection work.
“From the artwork, the colours, the print and making sure it works when putting the design on each individual shoe style.
“I never once felt left out in the process, it was a team effort.
“Culture Is Life have supported me throughout the whole collaboration and empowered me to have a voice as a young Indigenous woman while working alongside a mainstream brand.
“If I was ever stuck, unsure or uncomfortable I would speak to the amazing women/Aunties at Culture is Life and they would support and guide me on what to do for the next steps going forward.”
Ms Edwards’ collection is named for and shares the story of ‘Winyarr’ — Aboriginal woman or women in Yorta Yorta language.
“In the process of creating this design I drew from my communities and family history of strong women and the stories that have been passed down to me,” she said.
“The artwork I created has many different symbols that represent our women coming together to gather, connect, heal and empower one another.
“One of my favourite symbols throughout the design is women linked in arms along the Dungala, or Murray River.
“To me that is a real power statement as so many of the women from our families and communities are our healers, protectors and are continuously at the forefront.
“It was significant for me to share that and give thanks and acknowledge all the strong women we come from and are around and it’s also something we can all relate to, as we all have strong amazing women we love and look up to.”
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