Popular First Nations fashion brand Ngali stole the spotlight with an impressive reveal at Melbourne Fashion Week's Opulent Tastes runway on Tuesday.
Showcasing the brand's new Yawa collection (Yawa-"journey"), Ngali designer and founder Denni Francisco shared the meaning behind the new collection and it's relevance to the brand's core values.
"The Yawa Collection: Yawa - 'journey' is our thread between past and future. The collection connects to our continued journey, honouring all that has gone before and all that is yet to come," she said.
"Draped silks, flowing kaftans represents movement, and fine embroidery trace the tracks of Country. All guided by Yindayamarra, a journey that is gentle, respectful and honouring of all who walk the path with us."
Since making history with the first First Nations solo runway at Australian Fashion Week, the brand has earned recognition across various leading fashion publications including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire and Elle.
Although not the brand's first time on the runway, Ngali's presentation at this year's Melbourne Fashion Week (MFW) was special, with Francisco saying she is always excited to return to MFW and engage in the energetic atmosphere.
"It is always exciting to be in Melbourne during MFW and showing as part of the program makes it even more exciting and special. I love the atmosphere and the build as we get the week underway," she said.
"Until the week starts, it is a great opportunity to take a walk through the city to explore all the fashion hubs: including of course, the First Nations hub outside Melbourne Town Hall."
The trendy fashion brand also gained additional attention this month following their recent collaboration with Australian fashion and lifestyle brand, Country Road.
For the collaboration, Ngali worked alongside Antikirinya-Matu Yankuntjatjara artist, community leader and educator, Pearl Austin, whose artwork painted at Umoona Community Art Centre, Coober Pedy forms the foundation of the collection.
The idea of a collaboration had been many years in the making. Francisco completed a mentorship with Country Road in 2021 and 2022 after winning the Fashion Design award at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, an experience which sparked conversations about bringing First Nations fashion to a wider audience.
"Country Road x Ngali collaboration was launched on the 13th of October and the response has been huge (some of the reason it has been hectic this week). We have just completed a shoot in the studio for our new gifting collection in readiness for the festive season," Francisco told Style Up.
She said the brand has a range of upcoming projects to be rolled out in the coming months.
"Some exciting things are underway for Ngali in the coming 6 months. There will be more to tell at the start of the new year," she said.
"I am staying present in the now but excited for sure of what is to come."
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