Beanies hit the runway.

The inspirational landscapes of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre have led to a unique collaboration between fashion designer Karla Spetic, Tourism NT, and a group of artisans in Alice Springs.
Spetic drew inspiration from the raw, desert hues of the Red Centre, and the contrasts that occur across the landscapes, when compiling her latest collection.

So when she needed a beanie to complement one of her outfits, it seemed a natural fit to approach the members of the annual Alice Springs Beanie Festival to create it for her.
One of the Northern Territory’s most quirky events, the Alice Springs Beanie Festival is a celebration that elevates the humble and practical headwear into an art form.

Tourism NT Chief Executive, Maree Tetlow, said the collaboration would bring the energy and colour of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre and the Alice Springs Beanie Festival to a new audience.
“The Northern Territory is full of characters and personality and this festival is one of many to really capture that spirit,” she said.

Kerry Elsome-After the fire

Winner of the 2005 People's Prize,
Alice Springs Beanie Festival.

Photograph by Merran Hughes