Melbourne Fashion Week led the way in showcasing and spotlighting Australia's leading First Nations creatives this month, with the catwalk boasting more than ten Indigenous designers.

Last Monday ganbu marra runway opened the Week with an all-Indigenous runway.

Taking place within Melbourne Museum, the runway - now in its third year - showcased several First Nations designers exceeding industry norms and pushing boundaries, featuring a performance by renowned rapper and musician, BARKAA.

Designers and brands which featured in the 2024 ganbu marra runway included Amber Days, Baluchay, Clair Helen, Gammin Threads, Ihraa Swim, LORE, MumRed, Take Pride Movement, Yanggurdi and Yarrenyty Arltere Artists.

Attendees were thrilled to see new and emerging talent take to the runway - showcasing their own niche and specialties. Models including Bianca Hunt, Samantha Harris and Lindyn Rowland took to the stage.

"Every time I do a ganbu marra runway it's the same feeling, I love it. Power, Blak Excellence and the room is just filled with Black people," Rowland told Style Up.

Senator Lidia Thorpe also attended the events ganbu marra runway, showing her support as both a senator for Victoria and a proud community member.

While First Nations designer Clair Helen impressed with her bold and bright new collaborative collection with AARLI Fashion, Indigenous textiles and fabrics brand LORE made their MFW debut.

"I've said it before, but I am so proud of our community and how much talent is coming out of it. There's so much space for us to thrive, and it's inspiring to see Indigenous fashion growing and making such a powerful impact," she said.

"Some of the upcoming pieces are part of a collaboration with my long-time friend TJ from AARLI, featuring prints that are a signature to our previous collections."

"The black and white theme fits perfectly with my new collection, "Reflection of the Night," which is a deeply personal story. It's inspired by childhood memories of my sister and brother-in-law taking me to the beach at night, where we would look for creatures like Crocodile eyes and admire the moon's reflection on the landscape."

"That's why you'll see fluorescent colours in the collection—it represents the way the night sky reveals different colours, creating a harmonious and beautiful scene."

In addition to the ganbu marra runway, several other First Nations creatives participated in the week's presentations including Ngali, House of Darwin, Wa-ring, Clothing The Gaps, Marra Collective, Grace Lillian Lee and Solid Orche.

For First Nations organisation and clothing brand House of Darwin, founder Shaun Edward's choice to partner with Babbarra Women's Centre transpired into a natural fusion of talents.

"The Babbarra Women's Centre, located in the heart of Arnhem Land, is a renowned hub for female Aboriginal artists who create stunning textile designs and screenprints. Their work tells stories of the region, its people, and the land, all while supporting local women by empowering them through meaningful employment and skills development. Established in the early 1980s, Babbarra has become a symbol of creativity and strength for the Maningrida community, representing decades of tradition and artistry," he said.

"For this collaboration, House of Darwin has partnered with Babbarra Women's Centre to bring some of their iconic screenprint designs from the 1990s archives to life. These vintage designs, deeply rooted in Aboriginal culture and storytelling, will be printed on House of Darwin's core range of oversized shirts. The collaboration beautifully merges Babbarra's rich artistic heritage with House of Darwin's modern, socially conscious approach to fashion."

"This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration, blending tradition with contemporary fashion to create something truly special for the MFW runway."

In 2024 First Nations designers and creatives are carrying the torch for the culture and craft of the world's oldest living cultures. Designers are telling stories and sharing culture in a manner that resonates with both them and their audience.

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