Island Style celebrated at Gab Titui’s Ewer: To Weave Zenadth Kes Fashion Showcase

Gab Titui Cultural Centre transformed into a vibrant runway as 10 collections by Zenadth Kes designers and artists took centre stage in the Ewer: To Weave Zenadth Kes Fashion Showcase. From island-inspired maxi-dresses to street-style and swimwear, the event sparkled over two nights during the Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival.

The runway also unveiled bold designs from the Au Gemwali, Kowsal Sodh, Patal Sodh Competition, inviting local dressmakers to showcase their skills in creating their island dress-inspired looks, style and ingenuity.

The Ewer: To Weave Zenadth Kes Fashion Showcase was a Gab Titui initiative, curated in partnership with Creative Director and founder of Jira Agency, Perina Drummond, and internationally acclaimed model, artist and choreographer Hans Ahwang. Together with Gab Titui, they orchestrated a memorable celebration of Zenadth Kes fashion and style.

“Each design showcased celebrates a story of our culture and creativity,” Miss Drummond said.

“This was an exciting experience for Torres Strait fashion designers and artists and local community to be part of a runway showcase.

“I hope the Ewer showcase inspires our people to be part of the fashion and arts industry,” she said.

Globally recognised for her leadership, Perina has been named a global changemaker by the Business of Fashion in 2022 for her contribution to First Nations Fashion. Perina has curated many fashion projects, including the Indigenous Fashion Projects inaugural runway show on the Australian Fashion Week schedule in Sydney 2021.

Hans Ahwang is renowned for choreographing the fashion performances at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and has led many national shows as an Artistic Director.

“All of the models did a great job and presented with such pride and style,” Mr Ahwang said.

“Hearing the excitement from the crowd as each model graced the runway was so rewarding.

“We got to share the thrill of our industry with promising new talent, and I look forward to supporting our next generation of designers, stylists and models,” he said.

Designer Lisa Lui acknowledged the event for showcasing her creations and her story on the runway.

“Every mark and every print was telling my mum and dad’s story; my story,” Lisa said.

“They represented what my parents have left for me to pass on to my children.”

The event was co-hosted by emerging influencer Tyrell Viti and Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s Manager Leitha Assan who was recently recognised as Highly Commended in the ‘Individuals – Paid Staff’ category at the 2025 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards.

“This show was about more than fashion, it honoured the legacy of our elders and celebrated storytelling through what we wear,” Ms Assan said.

“These collections remind us that our culture is alive, strong, and thriving in every thread.

“Our designers also stage nationally, but they make local garments as well.

“We love our adornments, fashion and culture and this was opportunity to thread it all together,” she said.

TSRA Chairperson George Nona praised the showcase as a landmark celebration of Torres Strait clothing and designs.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in making this show happen in our region to celebrate our talented textile designers,” Mr Nona said.

“The wearable art market is growing with opportunity, and it is great to see yumi people owning their space across these industries.

“The calibre of garments reminded us of the creativity and extraordinary cross-disciplinary talent here in Zenadth Kes,” he said.

From the opening welcome to the final walk, audiences were swept up in a tapestry of colours, textures, and stories.

The Ewer: To Weave Zenadth Kes Fashion Showcase was presented by the Gab Titui Cultural Centre in partnership with Jira Agency and supported by the Torres Shire Council and local community collaborators.

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