The VERMIN installation in 4A LAB offers an in-depth exploration of how an environmental hazard – the feral cane toad – can be transformed into a sustainable luxury fashion material. This ambitious project began in the Torres Strait Islands, a region deeply affected by the invasive species, where Indigenous communities, local rangers and pest control officers are working to mitigate the toad’s impact on native wildlife and ecosystems.

Accompanied by artist talks and events, VERMIN highlights a commitment to environmentally conscious processes and supporting First Nations-led initiatives, while charting a path toward becoming 100% Australian owned and made.

By merging environmental rehabilitation with luxury design, VERMIN exemplifies how creative industries can address complex ecological and social challenges, presenting a powerful model for sustainable innovation.