Following her standout debut at the 2024 Brisbane Fashion Festival, Brooke McGlone, the creative force behind banbu, returned to the runway for PayPal's Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025.

Taking part in the Back in Blak Runway, McGlone unveiled her latest collection, 'Desert Dream 2.0,' which fused cultural storytelling with a contemporary, Y2K-inspired aesthetic.

Known for intertwining her Indigenous heritage with playful, experimental fashion, McGlone delivered a showcase that balanced familiar favourites with exciting new designs.

A proud Kooma and Ugarapul woman, McGlone is currently balancing full-time work while growing her emerging fashion label.

Inspired by "meaningful memories and places," McGlone shared that the moments she cherishes most are interwoven into each of the pieces.

Honouring her nan through banbu's iconic 'Doily Set' and reflecting Country within throughout her mesh designs, McGlone aimed to honour the deep hues from the long 10-hour sunset drives taken to visit family.

"These moments carry so much significance, and I've woven that sentiment into each design," she told Style Up.

Inspired by "music, memories and nature," McGlone explained that she seeks inspiration with anything and everything.

Influenced by "a party at sunset, with the backdrop of a Cunnamulla sky as the sun sets and a giant disco ball catching the last light," McGlone emphasised how she translated some of her most cherished memories within 'Desert Dream 2.0.'

"Dancing has always been a source of joy for me, and some of my fondest memories are of being surrounded by loved ones, watching them move with happiness and freedom," she said.

"That energy, nostalgia, and connection shape my designs-each look reflects what I imagine people wearing in those moments of celebration.

"Through my collections, I aim to capture that spirit of joy, movement, and togetherness, bringing it to life through fashion."

True to its fun aesthetic, McGlone hopes that banbu's latest collection motivates wearers to take a step outside of their comfort zone, in the pursuit of finding their unique style through a desire to experiment.

"I hope my collection encourages people to have fun with fashion and experiment with their style," she said.

"It's about embracing new ideas, playing with different textures and silhouettes, and feeling confident in what you wear.

"More than anything, I want people to see fashion as a way to express themselves and enjoy the process of getting dressed."

Sharing the Back in Blak Runway on Thursday night with nine other First Nations designers, McGlone expressed her excitement about showcasing at the festival's premium, high-energy show.

"If this experience is anything like the last, I know it will be even more special - especially now, stepping onto the runway as a designer," she said.

McGlone told Style Up that her focus for banbu has been on building a close relationship with her manufacturer to refine her range, in the midst of preparations for her Naarm/Melbourne runway debut.

With plans to enter production over the next few months, banbu is quickly establishing itself as an Indigenous brand to watch.