Leading with Culture The Rise of KAFTA and the Women Behind It

In the heart of the Kimberley, a powerful movement is unfolding, one that fuses fashion, culture, and community with bold leadership and creative vision. At the centre of it is KAFTA (Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion, Textiles & Art), a vibrant platform redefining how Aboriginal creativity is seen and supported across the region.

What began as a grassroots runway show during the 2022 Broome Fringe Festival has grown into a regional force. Today, KAFTA is shaping a new future for Aboriginal designers, artists, and models, led by two dynamic women: Kartika Christophers and Rhiana Powers, proud Kimberley women and dedicated members of the KAFTA Core Team.

Kartika Christophers: The Creative Force

A proud Bard woman, Kartika Christophers is KAFTA’s Leading Creative Director and the artistic heartbeat behind its visual storytelling. With a background in dance, makeup artistry, and event management, Kartika blends performance with purpose. She brings years of mentoring experience through programs like Kimberley Girl, Pilbara Girl, Goldfields Girl, and work as Company Manager for Bran Nue Dae, one of Australia’s most iconic Indigenous musicals.

Since KAFTA’s inception, Kartika has led its creative evolution. From curating fashion runways to mentoring models and working closely with designers, she ensures every event reflects the beauty and depth of Kimberley identity. Her leadership is felt in KAFTA’s sold-out shows, inclusive casting, and the growing national recognition of Kimberley artists.

Kartika’s creative skillset is vast and grounded in cultural storytelling. From choreography and styling to makeup and show curation, she brings every visual element to life with care and emotion. Her ability to shape the mood and cohesion of each show gives KAFTA its unique heartbeat.

In 2025, Kartika added another title to her growing creative journey, Designer. Launching her debut collection on the KAFTA Runway, she captivated audiences with a bold showcase of cultural pride, strength, and contemporary style. The launch marked a new chapter in her journey and further cemented her place as a visionary in the Indigenous fashion movement.

Rhiana Powers: The Operational Engine

Rhiana Powers is a proud Yawuru, Jabirr Jabirr, and Gija woman from the Kimberley, and a powerhouse behind KAFTA’s operational and logistic delivery and strategic growth. As Event & Creative Director, Back of House Manager, and a key member of the Operational Working Group, Rhiana brings focus, structure, and heart to everything that happens behind the scenes.

With over a decade of experience in government, community engagement, and Indigenous development, Rhiana is known for her calm leadership, cultural integrity, and unshakable commitment to ensuring Aboriginal creatives are not only seen but supported. She is a passionate advocate for cultural inclusion and continues to champion the creation of safe, empowering spaces where Aboriginal people can lead, grow and thrive.

In the lead-up to the event, Rhiana works directly with designers to style and prepare their collections, coordinating every look and every model with precision. On show day, she leads a dedicated backstage team to ensure the event flows smoothly, bringing each designer’s vision to life with care and professionalism. Her strength lies in blending vision with execution in knowing how to hold space for others while moving the work forward. Rhiana is not just helping to run KAFTA she’s helping to shape a legacy where Aboriginal creativity, culture and leadership take centre stage.

Kartika Christophers

Building a Movement

With Kartika as the creative force and Rhiana as the operational engine, and backed by the KAFTA Core Team, they are doing more than producing events, they are building their own culturally safe platform for Aboriginal creatives across the Kimberley.

KAFTA now delivers year-round workshops in nine communities, mentors emerging designers, and hosts a signature Runway event followed by a pop-up stall that kicks off Broome’s dry season drawing locals, tourists, and national attention alike.

At its heart, KAFTA is Aboriginal-led, community-driven, and culturally grounded. It’s a space where Elders, youth, and creatives work together to share stories, celebrate identity, and shape a thriving creative economy on Country.

What they’ve built is more than a fashion platform, it’s a living movement honouring the past, celebrating the present, and creating a future where Aboriginal creativity is not just included, but centred.

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