'Taking Indigenous fashion by storm': The inspiration behind KingKing Creative

Nicole Brown
Nicole Brown Updated December 2, 2025 - 8.09am (AWST), first published at 7.00am (AWST)

The sisters behind KingKing Creative, Tarisse and Sarrita King, are reshaping how Australia sees First Nations fashion, art and identity.

Their success is not just professional. It is cultural. It is personal. And for those who know them, it is a joy to witness.

Tarisse and Sarrita move with a humility which is rare in the fashion world. Their work is an extension of who they are as women, mothers and proud Gurindji and Waanyi creatives.

Their designs hold their family history, their lived experiences and the Northern Territory landscapes which raised them.

Not considering KingKing "as a powerhouse brand yet," Tarisse said the sisters combined their talents to showcase Northern Territory Indigenous culture.

"We are inspired by our art, culture and the beautiful NT landscapes we grew up on," she said.

"We aim to capture the essence of the world around us from our viewpoint and our family's lineage."

While Sarrita spoke to the intention behind their brand.

"We want to see authentic Aboriginal art represented in the fashion industry. Our focus is mixing timeless design with beautiful artwork and offering it at an affordable price," she said.

Their cultural grounding is a living presence in every print, pattern and palette.

Tarisse reflected on their father's influence.

"Our dad William King, a Gurindji and Waanyi man, was a remarkable artist before us," she said. "We follow in his footsteps to keep our family legacy alive."

Devanisha Wunungmurra and Stephen Cardona wearing KingKing Creative. (Image: Marley Morgan)

Sarrita also spoke to their shared responsibility.

"We weave our ancestral stories into our own lived experiences and capture the world from an Indigenous perspective," she said.

"This is important to maintain authenticity and integrity within the parameters of cultural knowledge. Our artwork is very unique to our family and easily identifiable as well."

Seeing people wear KingKing Creative across Australia is something both sisters hold close to their hearts.

"We feel proud to see people repping our KingKing brand," she said. "We want people to consider Aboriginal culture first when they think of Australia."

Tarisse continued the thought with a reminder of purpose.

"As the world's oldest living culture, it is important to raise awareness about our people and our history," she said.

"We hope our brand serves as an educational tool and creates opportunities for other artists through collaborations.

"We also want to lead by example, showing that Aboriginal people have a place at the table."

This year has brought meaningful milestones. Their debut at Country to Couture, witnessed by their family on Larrakia Country, was a moment filled with emotion.

"Our debut at Country to Couture with our family witnessing it on Larrakia Country was unforgettable," Tarisse said.

While Melbourne Fashion Week brought a different kind of pride.

"Our Melbourne Fashion Week show was incredible, especially seeing how inclusive our pieces were regarding body positivity, Sarrita said.

"Remembering our purpose and the legacy we want to create keeps us motivated, along with our community and our kids."

Their vision for KingKing Creative is big, grounded and full of possibility.

"We have to keep pushing with all the work we have already put into our business, or the momentum will stop," Tarisse said. "We have so many ideas and dreams for KingKing's future."

Sisters Sarrita and Tarisse King at Country To Couture. (Image: supplied)

As festive season approaches Sarrita said their message is one the whole Territory can take to heart.

"We are a Blak, women and sister led business that is bridging the connection between storytelling and style," she said. "Remember our name. First Nations designers are just getting started."

Tarisse said the sisters' creative minds combined with their culture are "an unstoppable force".

"We want to share our Blak magic with everyone," she said. "The support the NT community has shown us has boosted our confidence."

"We are excited to announce our first retail shop will open in Rapid Creek Village in the next fortnight. We hope to see lots of KingKing under Christmas trees this year."

KingKing Creative products can be purchased online.

Here's to Tarisse and Sarrita King. Here is to KingKing Creative. Here is to a festive season grounded in culture, connection and Blak brilliance.

KingKing Creative's 'Blakmas' offering is now available online.

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National Indigenous Times

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