Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour announced an exclusive partnership with Indigenous fashion label Ngali this week, hosting an intimate meet and greet event with designer Denni Francisco in collaboration with the Indigenous Fashion Projects and Colleen Tighe-Johnson, who is presenting her first solo runway at AFW on May 14.
Held at the hotel's signature restaurant, Atelier by Sofitel, the exclusive event will bring together emerging creatives, fashion media, and culturally engaged guests for an evening celebrating contemporary Indigenous design.
The panel features Francisco of Ngali, Tighe-Johnson of Buluuy Mirrii and a guest from the IFP Pathways Program.
The event coincides with the energy and influence of Australian Fashion Week and will celebrate their connections with an intimate dinner at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before a Welcome to Country, followed by a two-course dining experience. Throughout the night, guests are also invited to explore and interact with curated pieces from Ngali and other featured creatives, offering a tactile connection to the stories woven into each design.
Ngali, renowned for its storytelling through design and commitment to elevating Indigenous voices in fashion, will showcase its distinctive approach to craftsmanship and cultural expression.
Guests will have the opportunity to engage directly with Francisco, gaining insight into the inspiration and narratives behind the collection that will be shown at their runway at Australian Fashion Week.
"We're grateful to Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for hosting Ngali on the eve of our Australian Fashion Week runway," ahe said,
"It's a meaningful opportunity to come together, connect, and share the stories of our community, while celebrating and elevating Indigenous fashion and art."
The event will also spotlight the IFP Pathways Program, an initiative dedicated to supporting the next generation of Indigenous talent within the fashion industry, reinforcing a shared commitment to creativity, mentorship, and meaningful representation.
"We are honoured to partner with Denni, Colleen and Indigenous Fashion Projects to create a platform that celebrates both innovation and cultural heritage" said Sam Panetta, general manager of Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
"At Sofitel, we are passionate about curating experiences that connect our guests with art, design and community, and this event reflects that vision."
This partnership underscores Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour's ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and fostering meaningful cultural collaborations, while offering guests exclusive access to moments that define the city's creative landscape.
The experience concludes with thoughtfully curated gift bags, featuring contributions from Ngali, Kevin Murphy Hair products, Sofitel and other partners.
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