Little Rocket — one of Australia's largest First Nations-owned and operated creative agencies — is set to support leading First Nations fashion label Ngali at this year's Paris Fashion Week as part of the Australian Fashion Council's Global Gateways: Paris program.
The collaboration also marks the first time the agency has provided on-the-ground support for a First Nations fashion brand at an international trade mission.
Little Rocket Marketing and Events manager, Alissa Palma, will travel to Paris to work alongside Ngali founder and creative director Denni Francisco, providing right-hand, operational event support throughout the week-long program.
Held during Paris Fashion Week's Womenswear Spring/Summer 2027, Global Gateways: Paris provides Australian designers with an opportunity to connect with international buyers, media and industry leaders through the dedicated Australian Fashion Rooms showroom.
Delivered by the Australian Fashion Council in partnership with the NSW Government and Austrade, Global Gateways: Paris is Australia's largest coordinated international fashion trade mission to date.
The initiative has been established to create meaningful export opportunities for Australian fashion brands by providing the infrastructure, industry connections and international exposure needed to build long-term commercial relationships.
Australian Fashion Rooms brings together a select cohort of Australian designers whose work reflects the country's unique creative identity.
From First Nations design and cultural knowledge to craftsmanship, innovation and material experimentation, the showcase presents a distinctly Australian point of view through multiple design languages, creating a coordinated national presence in one of the world's most influential fashion markets.
Among the featured designers is Ngali, the multi-award-winning fashion label founded by Wiradjuri designer Denni Francisco. Renowned for its premium natural fibres, distinctive prints and timeless silhouettes, Ngali creates contemporary fashion inspired by Country, culture and collaboration.
Working closely with First Nations artists and creatives, the brand creates meaningful economic opportunities while sharing Indigenous stories with audiences around the world.
For Little Rocket, the collaboration reflects the agency's commitment to championing First Nations businesses beyond Australia's borders.
As one of Australia's largest First Nations-owned and operated creative agencies, Little Rocket partners with government, corporate and not-for-profit organisations to deliver strategic marketing, communications, creative and event solutions grounded in cultural integrity and authentic storytelling.
Supporting Ngali through Global Gateways represents a natural extension of the agency's purpose, using its expertise to help First Nations businesses access international markets and showcase Indigenous excellence on the world stage.
Little Rocket chief executive officer and director of Strategy John Burgess said the opportunity demonstrates the power of First Nations organisations working together.
"This is a significant milestone for Little Rocket," he said.
"We've spent years supporting First Nations businesses, artists and organisations to grow their impact across Australia.
"To now be supporting Ngali in Paris through Global Gateways is an exciting next step and demonstrates what's possible when First Nations businesses back each other on the international stage.
"Denni has built an extraordinary brand that celebrates culture through fashion. We're proud to stand beside Ngali and contribute our expertise so the team can make the most of every opportunity throughout the trade mission."
Beginning her career in fashion, Palma has extensive experience working across the fashion industry in marketing, events, communications and public relations.
Since joining Little Rocket in 2025, she has led strategic marketing campaigns, communications and events across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors while continuing to support initiatives that create opportunities for First Nations businesses and communities.
Throughout Global Gateways: Paris, Palma will act as Francisco's assistant and right-hand support, helping manage buyer appointments, showroom operations, event coordination, logistics, media engagement and day-to-day activities throughout the program.
Palma said the opportunity combines her passion for fashion with her commitment to supporting First Nations businesses.
"Beginning my career in fashion and having worked across the industry in marketing, events and PR, it's incredibly rewarding to return to the fashion world in this capacity," she said.
"Working alongside Denni throughout Global Gateways allows me to combine my experience in fashion, marketing and events while supporting one of Australia's leading First Nations fashion brands as it connects with buyers and industry leaders from around the world.
"It's also a proud milestone for Little Rocket. As one of Australia's largest First Nations creative agencies, we're honoured to support Ngali on the ground in Paris and help showcase the strength, creativity and innovation of First Nations businesses on an international stage."
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment between Little Rocket and Ngali to elevate First Nations creativity, strengthen Indigenous business and demonstrate the value of First Nations-led collaboration in creating new global opportunities.
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