EPSON PRINTS FIRST NATIONS FASHION

Epson has just printed a raft of First Nations Fashion + Design fabrics, following the completion of the inaugural Incubator training programme run in conjunction with The Iconic online fashion store.

Since Epson signed its landmark technology and sustainability agreement to support First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), each of the designers who participated in the inaugural FNFD x The Iconic Incubator training programme have now completed the course, and have had their designs digitised and printed on an Epson ML-8000 digital textile printer.

The designs were first scanned on an Epson Expression 11000XL A3 scanner, a high-resolution A3 scanner, with the images then knitted together to make a repeat print that could be printed at length on the Epson ML-8000.

FNFD founder and chairperson, Grace Lillian Lee, explained, "There was a lot of care taken by Derek Mobbs and 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 important to Derek and his process."

With Epson’s help the designers were able to skip the toile stage of their sampling – usually done on a plain calico to save money –  to doing it immediately, in the moment and with the fabric they eventually intended to use in final production.

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

Selected pieces and designs will be stocked on The Iconic website from 31 January and will be showcased at the upcoming FNFD x The Iconic event at the China Heights Gallery in Surry Hills, NSW, on the same date.