SAMANTHA HARRIS

MENTOR | fashion design

Samantha Harris is a renowned figure in the Australian fashion and media industry and has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at empowering Indigenous creatives and promoting cultural representation since early in her career.

One of the country’s best-known models, through her involvement in projects such as The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship and her dedication to showcasing Indigenous culture in Australian fashion, Harris continues to make a significant impact on Indigenous communities across the country.

The inspiration behind Harris's engagement in projects such as The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship stems from her deep-rooted belief in providing opportunities for Indigenous creatives to thrive. “I'm drawn to initiatives such as The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship because they offer such rich opportunities for Indigenous creatives,” Harris explains. “It's not just about giving them a leg up in their careers; it's about building a community where they can thrive and connect with others who share their passion.”

With her background in the fashion industry, Harris keenly observes the representation of Indigenous culture in Australian fashion today. “It's incredibly inspiring to see the vibrant representation of Indigenous culture in Australian fashion now,” she says.

Harris celebrates the growing recognition of Indigenous voices, acknowledging the resilience and creativity of Indigenous people in shaping the fashion landscape.

Having collaborated with many Indigenous designers and creatives, Harris has witnessed the transformative influence they exert on the fashion scene. “One experience that stands out is the Indigenous Fashion Project show during Fashion Week,” she says. She describes it as a groundbreaking platform that empowers emerging Indigenous designers to showcase their work, challenging conventions and enriching the industry with diverse perspectives.

For Harris, fashion transcends mere clothing; it serves as a medium for cultural expression and storytelling, particularly for Indigenous communities. “Fashion is so much more than just clothing – it's a way of expressing identity and culture,” she says. By infusing Indigenous art and storytelling into fashion, Harris believes that garments become powerful vessels for preserving and sharing Indigenous heritage, fostering a deeper connection to ancestry and tradition.

One of Harris's most memorable experiences stems from her collaboration with World Vision Australia as a goodwill ambassador. Visiting Indigenous communities in the Kimberley region with her mother, Harris witnessed the profound impact of community support initiatives. “Seeing the incredible work being done to support these communities was a humbling experience that has stayed with me,” she recalls.

Harris offers invaluable advice to aspiring Indigenous designers and storytellers seeking to break into the fashion and media industry. “Follow your passion and never give up,” she says. While acknowledging the significance of programs such as The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, Harris emphasises the importance of networking with fellow Indigenous creatives and leveraging social media platforms to showcase their work. “Your voice and perspective are valuable contributions to the fashion and media world,” she says.

In her tireless efforts to uplift Indigenous voices and promote cultural representation, Samantha Harris exemplifies a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the fashion and media landscape. Through initiatives such as The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship and her advocacy for Indigenous culture in Australian fashion, Harris continues to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive industry, empowering Indigenous communities to share their stories and talents with the world.

WRITTEN BY JACK BAILEY