First Nations designer Denni Francisco is a talented creative who enjoys working hard and taking on almost every opportunity.
As the founder and lead designer behind Indigenous fashion brand Ngali, Francisco has wasted little time, kicking off 2024 with the news Ngali will be presenting at this year's 2024 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF).
Showcasing Ngali's new Autumn/Winter Bula collection, Francisco's brand is set to take to the MFF runway this evening at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.
Appearing on the Triumphant X PayPal Runway across two runway presentations (6:45pm and 8:30pm) Ngali is set to impress two seats of guests, which will include everyone from media and editors to buyers and influencers.
As the only repeat show in the program the Triumphant X Paypal Runway the opportunity to showcase the brands designers too two seating's of guest, is something no other Indigenous designers will have the opportunity to do during MFF.
"We have been fortunate to have participated in MFF each year since we started. We are always grateful for this opportunity as there is always such a great buzz in Melbourne for the event," Francisco said.
"I am so looking forward to immersing myself in the creativity that will show itself - on the runway but in true Melbourne style in the forecourt where all the attendees mingle. The venue is such a great open space for Melbourne to showcase participating brands inside but additionally the individual style of Melbournians overall. I love this vibe."
When discussing what guests can expect from the new Bula collection, Francisco shares that the new launch touches on the two design elements most important to Ngali.
"Bula translates in Wiradjuri language too two. The collection brings together the two elements that constantly inspire the Ngali Collections: stunning works of art that are translated into our prints and Country itself," she said.
"In this collection the magical patterns and colours of the gum trees that stand proudly across the land sit in unison with the colours and patterns of the translated artwork of Gija artist Lindsay Malay."
Francisco said she is delighted to share the stage with fellow Indigenous brands and Australian designers who are also succeeding in the fashion and creative industry.
"Always super excited to see the collections of our other First Nations' brands. The camaraderie and support for each other creates an energy that is wonderful to bask in. I am looking forward to sharing the runway with such iconic Australian brands as well," she said.
With Francisco striving to always be working on improving the brand, generating growth and encouraging greater representation, Ngali has had a busy start to 2024, with lots also pre-planned for the coming months.
"The last few months have been about finalising the collection for Autumn Winter. As a direct to consumer brand we work a bit later than the usual schedule within the industry. We are also preparing to participate in a First Nations trade mission to the USA which will happen in the second half of March. This activity falls into our export strategy so we are finalising the marketing collateral to align with this opportunity," Francisco told Style Up.
"The second year of our collaboration with Richmond Football Club is upon us and our Together We Dream event with them is scheduled for April. We will be sharing this event with other First Nations creatives, as is our vision but also the vision of RFC."
Whilst MFF may seem like only a small interstate opportunity when compared to larger upcoming projects, it is the buzz Australian runway events generate that lead to further international and overseas opportunities. For Ngali, events such as MFF, Australian Fashion Week and Melbourne Fashion Week have generated not only growth and attention but further aided in consumer trust and quality brand reputation.
"The next big fashion event for Ngali will be Pandora Australian Fashion Week. Before that it will be the trade mission to the USA, Middle East in June and working with Country Road on our collaboration for the 2024 festive season" she said.
With hype surrounding this evening's show only mounting, Francisco and her team at Ngali are excited to showcase the next iteration of the brand to both new and returning consumers.
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