The intricate embroidery skills of an Afghan women’s group in Auburn are now part of international fashion designers’ collections. Tina Kalivas and Joshi Jones are just two of the designers that have used the traditional embroidery, weaving and beading by the Hazara Women of Auburn in their fashion designs.
Tina Kalivas is influenced by the landscape and culture of Afghanistan, on which she has based her autumn/winter collection, Zarafshan.
It was produced in conjunction with Hazara Women’s Group in Auburn and was named after one of them. Kalivas’ designs in earth and desert colours have been embellished by the women’s embroidery skills – cross-stitching, beading and sequin work – resulting in a collection that invites close scrutiny.
Joshi Jones is a well known Australian designer with a big following in the Inner West of Sydney where she has a shop (King Street, Newtown).
The Hazara Women’s Group is supported by Auburn Council through its funding program and STARTTS (the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors) that helps refugees recover from their experiences and build a new life in Australia.
