Epson prints First Nations Fashion Designers’ artworks for Incubator program

The inaugural First Nations Fashion + Design Incubator, supported by The ICONIC training program, has been completed. Throughout the Incubator program, the designers had their unique designs digitised and printed by Epson via Epson digital printing solutions. The completed clothing and fashion items from three First Nations brands have been launched and are available exclusively at The ICONIC.

FNFD founder and chairperson Grace Lillian Lee explained, “We were so lucky to have Epson’s Derek Mobbs come out and scan the artists’ paintings and digitise the files. This was done on the Epson Expression 11000XL A3 scanner, a high-resolution A3 scanner designed to meet the most demanding graphic arts applications, that Derek brought to our hub at the Powerhouse Museum. Derek then spent time knitting the images together to make a repeat print that could be printed at length on the amazing Epson ML-8000 textile printer. There was a lot of care taken by the team at Epson to respectfully adjust the prints in order for them to become textile designs, with Derek consulting with each designer to make sure that he wasn't changing the story of their artworks. First Nations artists and designers use their works as a form of storytelling, and the integrity of these stories were very important to Derek and his process.”

Epson Australia MD Craig Heckenberg said, “It is very exciting to see the work and dreams of these amazing First Nations designers become reality. We at Epson are delighted to be able to help tell their unique stories by using Epson digital printing technologies.”

Lee added, “There has been so much respect and care taken by the Epson team to make sure that the fabric is the correct format, sizing and configuration. The gifted fabric allowed the designers to play with the scale and placement of their prints without price being a barrier. It also enabled them access to a large quantity of great quality fabrics for the sampling of their ranges so that they could meet quicker than usual deadlines for production and photoshoots.”

With Epson’s help, the designers could skip the toile stage of their sampling - usually done on a plain calico to save money - printing immediately with the fabric they intended to use in final production. 

Lee continued, “Epson’s help, support and printing expertise has been truly invaluable. The designers were so happy with their fabrics that they ordered bigger quantities for their manufacturing component of the program.”

Selected pieces and designs were showcased at the FNFD X THE ICONIC event at the China Heights Gallery in Surry Hills on 31 January, the same date they were launched and available for purchase on the e-commerce site.
Gayle Burchell, THE ICONIC’s Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer, said, “It has been a privilege to co-design THE ICONIC x First Nations Fashion + Design Incubator program in partnership with FNFD, and we are so excited to welcome Pink Fish, Myrrdah and Jarawee to THE ICONIC. Throughout the program, we have witnessed incredible talent, drive and dedication from these gifted designers, and we’re proud to bring this extraordinary collection to our customers across Australia and New Zealand.

“We extend our gratitude to all participants, mentors and partners who have contributed to the success of this industry-first initiative. It is extremely important to us at THE ICONIC to share our business learnings and expertise in e-commerce, tech and retail with growing businesses. It’s equally important for us to seek out opportunities to learn from First Nations designers to ensure we can play a role in better facilitating the economic empowerment of First Nations business owners. Throughout the program, we’ve been fortunate to learn more about First Nations cultures and how these three designers’ have successfully overcome some of the common challenges faced by any new designer looking to scale in the modern retail ecosystem.”