About Us

Hello! I'm Caressa Murphy, a proud Gumbayngirr woman. I am a fashion designer, artist, manufacturer and teacher, based on Dharawal Country, in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. With a passion for sewing, designing, art and Aboriginal advancement, I have been dedicated to making clothing for over 20 years.

Background

My journey began when I was 17. I left school in Year 11 to pursue my dreams of becoming a fashion designer. This initial spark led me to study a Certificate III in Fashion Design at the illustrious academy of East Sydney TAFE. I studied Fashion design for one year and then studied Fashion Manufacturing for a further year, securing a full-time job at the end of my training. This job taught me the ins and outs of the industry from the ground up from the cutting room to the dispatch room, to ordering fabrics and knowing the different suppliers, to patternmaking and grading. I retrained under the watchful eye of Mrs Bence, who was a prisoner of war in WWII. She was a phenomenal woman who, after being liberated, travelled to Paris to undertake her studies, which she taught me in the early 2000s.

My cultural journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. My mother is part of the stolen generation. She was adopted into a family with 4 other Aboriginal children who were also stolen and raised in Merrylands in the western suburbs of Sydney. She found her mum at the age of 20, I was 2 years old. Although making this connection, I was kept away from them until I was an adult. I have had many amazing teachers on my journey and they have given me the confidence to journey deeper into my identity. I have a deeper understanding of who I am, where I come from and the members of my family, especially the footprints left behind by some amazing matriarchs and the path I want to walk in their shadows and guided by their legacy.

Experience

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with many Australian fashion labels including a large bridal company. I have also worked backstage at a few fashion runway shows. I became a TAFE teacher in 2019, teaching fashion manufacturing and fashion business courses. Some of the highlights of my career include:

• Rainbow Serpent Dress was designed for the Deadliest Dressed Competition for the Sunset Ceremony for the Deadly's 2010.
• 2010 ARIA's dress
• Launching my first collection Spirit Tree in 2011
• Visiting Arhnem Land to work in collaboration with Babbarra Designs for their 2014 Australian Indigenous Week (AIFW) collection, alongside designing and making my own collection.
• 2015 co-design and make of a Logie's dress
• 2015 co-design and make for an All Aboriginal Circus - Chasing Smoke
• Becoming a fashion teacher.
• Launching Caressa Design in 2019 - a children and babies clothing and accessories label, which has had growing success over the years.
• Launching Made On Country in 2023.

Philosophy

My professional and personal philosophy is grounded in the core values of continuous growth and resilience, the ability to break negative moulds and perspectives, and to work in a community mindset. I believe that my purpose is to contribute positively to the lives of others, whether through my work or personal interactions. I strive to foster collaboration and accountability, recognizing that the best outcomes arise from diverse perspectives and teamwork.

I’m inspired by the mentors who have shaped my journey and the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. Adaptability is key; I embrace change as an opportunity for growth and learning. Ultimately, I aim to leave a legacy of kindness and impact, encouraging others to reach their full potential while navigating the complexities of both professional and personal life. In doing so, I aspire to be a part of the changemakers for First Nations people and their communities, driving self-determination through my work and collaborations.

Services

I specialize in:

• Design consultation
• Patternmaking and grading
• Garment construction

Personal Interests

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring new places. Whether it's enjoying a luscious ice cream in summer somewhere near the salt water, or sipping a delicious hot chocolate with white marshmallows only on my way to find the nearest most reliable source of heat, or walking along the beach with my family, I find joy and inspiration in these activities, especially being on Country and feeling Mother Earth between my toes.

Get in Touch

I love connecting with new people. Feel free to reach out to me at hello@madeoncountry.com or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. I look forward to hearing from you!