The Uluru dress was designed and made by Yaneira Velasquez. At the last minute, I had to step in to model the dress in a fashion shoot. I’m not a model, so I felt very self-conscious. However, by the end of the shoot, I didn’t want to take it off.
I really connected with this dress. It’s so beautiful, powerful and such a representation of the beauty of Australia as well as being a celebration of our Indigenous culture. I think this dress has a little bit of magic weaved into it as it certainly stirred something in my soul.
Here is the story behind the dress in words of the amazing designer Yaneira Velasquez:
The passion and inspiration for Uluru Dress is Australia.This dress is an opening, a glimmer, a reflection of layered land. Uluru Dress exposes our amazing culture, talent and versatility to an expectant world of fashion. With love I strive to sew together Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian the two Australians into one beautiful and whole garment.
I wish to bring this gift to my external vision, to my adopted home. Through its nature and architecture, art and story I wish to open up our unique Australian spirit to the “Material World”. I love this country very much and that is why Australia is my inspiration.
- Creator and designer of Uluru dress: Yaneira Velasquez
- Indigenous Artist: Peter Muraay Djeripi Mulcahy
- Model: Juliette Knox
- Photographer: Sam Walker
