Radiating warmth and a boundless fervour – while rippling unwavering achievements – is compelling as it is effortlessly inspiring. This presence is unmistakably felt when encountering someone like Miah Madden. As an actress, presenter, and future Indigenous Criminal Defence lawyer, Madden embodies a unique blend of passion and influence that is remarkable, let alone at her age. At just 22, her dedication to amplifying Indigenous voices and advocating for cultural representation is both refreshing and commendable. Madden's ability to inspire and uplift those around her through her work is truly unparalleled.
As she prepares for the final opening night of Hamilton in Sydney, it becomes prevalent that Madden possesses a magnetic presence. Meeting her at home on a Friday night, the air is charged with excitement as she readies herself in her custom Ikuntji Artists Puli Puli Rocks Mini Dress — a meaningful first for her. A collaboration that came from her existing relationship with Ikuntji Artists, as she's "been working with Ikuntji Artists for the last few months for an art exhibition" that she curated "with the National Indigenous Art Fair", working with their "fabrics to create furniture pieces". When they reached out to her she "jumped at the opportunity", marking it was weeks since she last worked with them in a creative capacity.
The final touches on the dress are applied by dressmaker Jaspa Kay Frankish, who explains the creative process behind it."We always start with the print, because that's sort of the main aspect of it, and you want to show that off." Designed by Keturah Zimran the print, Puli Puli Rocks depicts the puli puli (rocks) at two different sites; the landscapes at Haasts Bluff and also Karrkurrutintja (Lake McDonald). Zimran's artwork, infused with nostalgia, reflects her personal and familial stories. “The sand hills I paint are my mother’s story and the rocks I paint are my own story. My paintings are about my story and my mother’s. When I look at my paintings I feel happy."
Frankish’s meticulous tailoring ensures that every detail of Zimran's vision is brought to life. The integration of Haasts Bluff and Karrkurrutintja landscapes into the dress celebrates the natural beauty of these sites while highlighting Zimran’s deep heritage. Each stitch and seam becomes a tribute to the rich stories embedded within the print, transforming it into a narrative experience that honours both personal and cultural histories. "As all designs from Ikuntji Artists are about telling Tjukurrpa stories (Dreaming stories) of our ancestors. The very foundation of all art making is our Tjukurrpa and ngurra (country)," stated Zimran.
As the design was finalised, Frankish noted the importance of aligning the dress with the event's context. For Hamilton's opening night, they incorporated contemporary elements with a nod to the 1800s, blending modernity with historical references.Madden’s choice of a mini dress, reflecting her current fashion enthusiasm, aligns with her personal style and comfort.
While the decision on the mini dress came from her current love over the style, "I'm just really into mini dresses at the moment. Because, you know, I always talk to my mum, and say, "Oh, like, should I wear a mini dress?" And she's like, if you are young and feel comfortable doing it, wear it. And yeah, anything that I feel comfortable in, and I feel like I can rock." As her own personal everyday style is influenced by her three older sisters, and with being 22 she's just "finding her way". "By experimenting different types of styles with my friends – my best friend Annabel, we just borrow each other's clothes and really just play with it," she elaborates.
In the final moments of preparation, Madden accessorises with jewellery from Bulgari’s Serpenti collection and a matching handbag. As the night is about to begin, her excitement becomes palpable, sharing moments like this are so special and "important". To see the rise of "incredible Indigenous creatives" and to be that "representation and to show, little kids who might see images from the night or might come to watch Hamilton, seeing an Indigenous woman wearing an Indigenous design, I think it's just so important that, that is everywhere".
