It was hard to ignore Yapa Mali's culturally crafted Bunggan collection at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival's Back in Blak runway on Thursday.

Known for her passion for fashion, culture and community, Yapa Mali founder and designer Maddy Hope-Hodgetts said nothing is quite as rewarding as seeing a new collection walk the runway.

"We've just been slowly working on our new collection which has been challenging to fit in with everything else going on!" Hope-Hodgetts said.

"Our little dance group performed at Yabun in January which was very exciting. I always do my best to prioritise community and Culture but I managed to finish this deadly collection too, which I am very excited about.

"I feel very connected to this collection and the story and message is something I'm very passionate about."

Speaking on the new Bunggan Collection, Hope-Hodgetts said she feels connected to the new collection, with her creative process leading up to the curation of the collection based on country.

"I feel very connected to the Bunggan, spending most afternoons sitting by the river, practicing language and songs, weaving or just listening to Country," Hope-Hodgetts said.

"This is my creative process and just sitting allows the ideas of the artworks (prints) and collection come to me.

"Unfortunately the word Bunngan has now been culturally misappropriated and referred to as 'Bogan'.

"So the collection will also focus on revitalisation and reclamation of traditional Ngiyampaa language while sharing stories of Country and culture through fashion."

Hope-Hodgetts said similar to previous designs, the collection is earthy while featuring prints on linen and silk.

"But you'll see a lot more natural dyed fabrics, dyed from native plants, so the collection really holds the essence of the river and the scar trees along it," she said.

Hodgetts credits Yapa Mali's growth to not her own learnings as well as mentorship and support.

"I absolutely loved MFF last year and working with Mob in Fashion is great, it's a very safe and supportive space!" she said.

"The brand has definitely grown as well as myself, I learnt a lot being backstage with a lot of great mentorship.

"Without that connection, Yapa Mali wouldn't be here. But I hope to be able to share the collection with customers sometime in May

"It's important to continue the story telling and the important message of reclaiming language."

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