Fresh off presenting at last year's 2023 Melbourne Fashion Week, this week Yorta Yorta/Boonwurrung woman and First Nations designer Corina Muir celebrated yet another win, with the return of her fashion brand Amber Days showcasing at PayPal's 2024 Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF).
Featuring in the festival's Urban Oasis Runway on Thursday the 7th of March, Muir and her fashion-forward womenswear brand were one of the selected Australian brands to participate in the independent runway.
"I feel so grateful, I think this is the 3rd or 4th time showcasing at Melbourne Fashion Festival and our second year in a row in the Urban Oasis Runway, which is personally one of our favourites," the Amber Days founder said.
"The last few months we have been working on our collection for MFF and also busy getting together a new children's collection. I have also personally been spending as much time by the ocean and out in nature as possible doing heaps of camping trips."
This week marks the first time Amber Days has showcased their collaboration with Gamilaraay Artist Michelle Jackson at MFF.
"We are so excited to showcase some pieces with Gamilaraay Artist Michelle Jackson's artwork again and we have also added in some styles in a rich earth tone inspired by my time over the summer soaking up the richness of Yorta Yorta country," Muir told Style Up before the event.
In addition to partnering with Muir, Jackson also designed the carpet interior of the runway which models walked down.
"Drawing inspiration from our Mob In Fashion branding, I wanted to create a piece that was vibrant, empowering, joyful and a huge celebration of Mob. The bright pink symbolises a new dawn - the emerging and established talent of Blak designers, creatives and models shining bright," Jackson said.
"Flannel flowers fill the carpet and represent the resilience and strength of Mob. Flannel flowers are known for thriving in the harshest of conditions and can overcome anything to still flower and bloom. Navy dhinawan (emu) eggs line the edges of the carpet depicting prosperity and moving forward."
Always in full support of the success and growing status of other First Nations designers, Muir said other First Nations designers are always an additional source of inspiration, reflecting what can be achieved in the fashion and design industry.
"I am always inspired and in ore by the amount of talented First Nations Designers," she said.
Whilst she is always designing and seeking additional sources of inspiration, the talented designer is looking forward to heading out to Gunditjmara Country and enjoying some quality time with family and friends.
"This year for me is taking every opportunity I get to get out of the city and spend as much time in nature as possible. After our runway, we are heading out to Gunditjmara Country to Port Fairy for the folk festival and for some saltwater swims."
As eager to spruce her garments as she is to create them, Muir mentions that 2024 is set to be the brand's biggest year so far.
"This year is our biggest year yet, we have some exciting events planned. Keep an eye out especially if you live in Sydney, in particular Bondi," she said.
With new opportunities, collaborations and collections all in arms reach, Amber Days is soon to be a household name.
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
