Australian accessories and fashion brand Nancybird has once again demonstrated its commitment to artisanship, cultural collaboration, and sustainable consumption with the launch of its latest collection, Ngurrawaana. Partnering with esteemed Yindjibarndi Elder, cultural custodian, linguist, and artist Wendy Hubert, the brand’s new collection celebrates Indigenous culture and the breathtaking landscapes of the West Pilbara region. Nancybird Collaborates with Yindjibarndi Elder Wendy Hubert for Ngurrawaana Collection
Released this month, the Ngurrawaana collection showcases the artwork of Juluwarlu Art Group artist Wendy Hubert, highlighting the richness of the 60,000-year-old Yindjibarndi culture and the enduring connection to their ancestral lands. Through carefully curated designs, the collection captures the essence of Hubert’s heritage and upbringing, conveying her deep love for Country and her ongoing fight for its preservation.
Nancybird founder Emily Wright had the privilege of spending time with Wendy Hubert in 2023 during the Country to Couture runway event at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. This collaboration culminated in a special photoshoot with photographer Michael Jalaru Torres, capturing the essence of Hubert’s artwork against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Territory landscape.
“It’s been such an honor for Nancybird to work with Wendy Hubert and share this collaboration,” expressed the Nancybird team.
Speaking to respected art, design, and lifestyle publication Frankie Magazine, both Wright and Hubert shared their inspiration behind the collection. Wright emphasized the depth and energy that collaborating with an artist brings to their designs, while Hubert recounted her journey as an artist, drawing from her experiences of displacement and rediscovery of her artistic passion.
Hubert’s artistry is deeply rooted in her connection to Country and her commitment to preserving Indigenous culture. “My art carries on their fight,” she said, referring to the struggle of her elders to protect their land. “I found peace for myself as an artist, and I still have that peace in my soul.”
The Ngurrawaana collection features a diverse range of garments and accessories, including flowy cotton dresses, intricate glass beaded pouches, and leather bags. Each piece draws from Hubert’s artwork, incorporating her distinctive color palette and capturing the essence of the Pilbara landscape.
“When I work on collaborations, I work personally with the artist in choosing an existing artwork or commissioning a new work,” explained Wright. “The collection becomes a wonderful jigsaw of complementary pieces that celebrates both the artwork and the artist.”
Hubert expressed her excitement at seeing her designs come to life on wearable garments and accessories. “It took my breath away,” she said. “I am very grateful for this experience.”
Through collaborations like Ngurrawaana, Nancybird continues to champion Indigenous artists and their work, bridging the gap between art, fashion, and culture while promoting mindful consumption and sustainability. As the collection brings Hubert’s artwork to a wider audience, it serves as a celebration of Indigenous creativity and a tribute to the enduring spirit of Yindjibarndi culture.
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