In the world of fashion, where creativity knows no bounds, Colleen-Tighe Johnson, a proud Gomeroi woman hailing from the small town of Moree in New South Wales, is making waves on a global stage with her fashion label 'Buluuy Mirri' (which means Black Star in Gomeroi).

Building on her success, Colleen-Tighe Johnson has taken her Indigenous-inspired fashion brand, Buluuy Mirri to international runways, including New York Fashion Week (SS17 and FW17) and Cannes Film Festival. Johnson is definitely no stranger to overseas runways.

After making her US debut in New York City in 2017, this week Johnson returned to the popular city to present Buluuy Mirri's new 'Miyay miyaay' (Gomeroi for Seven Sisters) collection.

This was in New York Fashion Week's infamous Flying Solo runway event. Flying solo is a curated fashion collective, where new and emerging designers showcase their work from all around the world.

Flying Solo is also the largest display of independent fashion designers in New York – hence, all designers work together to fully leverage the power of collaboration within opportunity.

In Australia, Johnson is known for her ability to transfer her inspiration and cultural storytelling onto a series of exquisite Buluuy Mirri designs, and this week on the Flying Solo runway she has done just that – but in New York City of course.

Whilst the Flying Solo runway was not Johnson's first time presenting her garments overseas, it was an opportunity for the talented designer to further cement her status as a successful Australian-based ,Indigenous creative.

Synonymous with Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and contemporary style, Colleen has been building her successful fashion brand in domestic and high couture fashion circles for over 10 years.

With New York City's scenic skyscrapers as the backdrop, Buluuy Mirri took to the Flying Solo runway with the same flair as the label's passionate designer herself.

Whilst all of Buluuy Mirri's collections focus on a seasonal colour palette and natural materials, this 8 piece Miyay miyaay' collection spruced vibrant hues, cinched waists and galaxy-like prints.

Miyay miyaay strives to pay homage to Johnson's rich culture and craft, all whilst fusing lively colour-ways with modern prints.

"I hope this collection inspires how to look into the future of what's happening in design"

"I can see in my own collection over the last 10 years how I've emerged as a couture designer. I can see the difference in Buluuy Mirri collections over the years", said Johnson.

Continuing to be largely influenced by her grandmother – whom taught ballroom dancing – Johnson's 'Miyay miyaay' collection is brimming with the same vibrancy as the ballroom itself.

"My inspiration comes from my grandmother, she was a high profiled community person, she taught ballroom dancing and was the head nurse at the Moree segregated section of the Moree District Hospital"

"I used to watch her on an old sewing machine, she never used patterns or anything she just made ballgowns for the debs, so that's where the inspiration and the passion comes from", said Johnson.

Whilst all Johnson's collections are largely inspired by her grandmother, the Miyay miyaay collection further touches on the designer's passion towards dreamtime storytelling.

Speaking on the creation of the galaxy like 3D printed collection, Johnson shares that the choice to use stars throughout the screen-printed material was a deeper reference to her culture.

"Stars give us connection to our land and blood lines" Johnson told Style Up.

Further reminding attendees of Johnson's respect for the land and it's ecosystem, Miyay Miyaay utilises natural and sustainable fabrics.

Giving back to the earth is at the core of Buluuy Mirri.

Whilst sustainable design choices may seem like a common option for many creatives right now, continuing to utilise sustainable practices and materials was of great importance to Johnson when creating this collection.

"All the fabrics are natural and sustainable, what I'm heading toward is mainly sustainable fabrics so it doesn't go into landfill and it goes back into earth everything about Buluuy Mirri is about cultural heritage," said Johnson.

Whilst this was an opportunity for Johnson to further establish and build her reputation with overseas designers and creatives, it also exposed the designer and her label to a variety of international media, buyers and press.

Some of the media and press seen at the Flying Solo runway event helmed from publications including, NYLON, Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and more.

Although future plans for Buluuy Mirri are still being discussed, for the time being Johnson and her team are focusing on this moment of success and the sense of achievement it brings.

With the Australian designer and her team having raised funds for this event and international trip through a GoFundMe and various generous sponsors, it is evidently clear that Johnson's passion for community, culture and fashion, is at the heart of what she does – and continues to do.

"People have asked over and over for advice and I say just go with your heart and go with you head… dreams do come true"

"Here I am at New York Fashion Week, Flying Solo. The support of sponsors and people around me like National Indigenous Times, has even given me a positive outlook from today"

"I think Buluuy Mirri has a really bright future", said Johnson.

When asking the down-to-earth designer what her post-show plans are, Johnson reveals she is eager to sit down, relax and indulge in some self-care.

"I want to sit down, have a yarn and eat something healthy", said Johnson.

*Colleen and Buluuy Mirri's participation on the Flying Solo runway would not have been possible without the generosity of Roy Hill, Mrs Gina Rineheart AO, Paspaley and National Indigenous Times.

New York Fashion Week 2023 runs from 7 September to 13 September.

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