fashion

Indigenous fashion label Ticia Designs makes international debut in Paris

Phoebe Blogg Published October 2, 2023 at 12.00pm (AWST)

A model on the Flying Solo runway wearing Ticia Designs. (Image: Maria Marouchtchak/Style Up)

Fitzroy Crossing designer, Letticia Shaw, showcased her collection at Paris Fashion Week on Sunday. Her label, Ticia Designs, is a fashion brand that fuses culture and craft with contemporary trends.

Despite presenting her brand's designs to an audience of established buyers, media and press at this week's Flying Solo Runway, Shaw appeared cool, calm and collected.

With this being the first time both the designer and her brand left Australia, feelings of excitement seemed to override any nerves.

*Fashion Designer Letticia Shaw at Paris Fashion Week's Flying Solo runway event. (Image: Maria Marouchtchak/Style Up)*

After audience applause and several smiles splashed across critic's faces, Ticia Designs impressed both local and international industry leaders.

Held at Paris' stunning La Galerie Bourbon, the event location added an additional touch of high-end luxury the Australian designer strives to capture within all her garments.

Aside from Shaw's stunning designs, emerging First Nations models Kahlia Rogers and Letisha Davies also stole the runway spotlight.

*Designer Letticia Shaw (middle) with models Kahlia Rogers (right) and Letisha Davies (left). (Image: Maria Marouchtchak/Style Up)*

After being accepted to showcase her designs in Paris, Shaw knew if there was any opportunity to support and provide opportunities to other young First Nations women she would quickly be on board.

"I hadn't worked with them (Kahlia and Letisha) before but It was suggested to me because I wanted to give the experience to two Indigenous models to also experience doing a fashion show in Paris," Shaw said.

With Paris' Flying Solo Runway being the first international modelling opportunity for both young women, they too, certainly gained the attention of industry leaders.

"I'm feeling so proud to have been able to represent an Aboriginal designer internationally," model Kahlia Rogers told Style Up.

Whilst they may have also been overjoyed with excitement, when taking to the runway the two models immediately switched to work mode. Strutting their stuff with their shoulders back and chin up, it was evident both Rogers and Davies had a wealth of experience.

*Letisha Davies wearing Ticia Designs on the Flying Solo runway in Paris. (Image: Maria Marouchtchak/Style Up)*

Presenting a series of the Ticia Designs collection saw models walk the runway in sequinned mini dresses, followed closely by floor-grazing maxi's and more relaxed brightly hued day dresses.

The majority of all dresses featured Ticia Designs iconic Lizard animal motif - which is of great importance and cultural relevance to Shaw.

This motif specifically stole the spotlight when model Kahlia Rogers stepped out in a sequinned gold maxi dress, with the Lizard motif covering the dress in small singular features.

*Kahlia Rogers wearing Ticia Designs on the Flying Solo runway in Paris. (Image: Maria Marouchtchak/Style Up)*

Stepping out to take her bow with a wide grin, it was evident Shaw was beyond thrilled with the audience's response to Ticia Designs.

After months in the design room and several hours of travel and meetings, Shaw's collection finally gained the status and recognition it truly deserved.

Impressing an international audience, locking in Melbourne Fashion Week and providing opportunities to two emerging models, it is clear Shaw is at the forefront of industry success.

With 2024 just around the corner, who knows what the talented designer will do next… however after her Paris debut it's likely Shaw's next project will make more headlines than one.

Ms Shaw's trip would not have been possible without the generosity of sponsors Roy Hill, Ms Gina Rinehart AO, Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation and Leedal Pty Ltd.

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