For young Indigenous designers watching from remote communities, Dahl is proof that a law degree isn't the only path to power. Sometimes, a needle and thread, guided by the stars, can change the world.
Collaboration is key. Dahl frequently collaborates with other Indigenous artists, ensuring that profit-sharing is equitable. When you buy a print designed by a specific elder from Elcho Island, that elder receives a royalty. liandra dahl
However, Liandra’s path was not linear. She initially pursued international relations and law, aiming to be a voice for her people in the political arena. Yet, the pull of creativity was too strong. While studying, she began noticing a glaring void in the fashion industry: there was no high-end, contemporary representation of her culture that wasn't a Halloween costume or a cheap tourist print. she launched "The Navigation Suit
In Yolŋu culture, the concept of Gurrutu (kinship and responsibility to all things) dictates that you cannot take from the land without giving back. Consequently, the Liandra Dahl brand operates on a zero-waste model. Deadstock fabric is transformed into limited-edition accessories, production runs are intentionally small to avoid landfill, and packaging is compostable. illustrating the loss of star knowledge.
In 2024, she launched "The Navigation Suit," an interactive piece housed at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. The suit—a full-body jumpsuit embedded with LED lights—replicates the night sky as it would have appeared over Arnhem Land in 1600. When a viewer approaches, the lights recalibrate to modern light pollution levels, illustrating the loss of star knowledge.