Kicking off Australian Fashion Week, First Nations designer Colleen Tighe Johnson returned to the runway Monday, showcasing her brand's (Buluuy Mirri) latest collection.
Led by a collective of First Nations design talent and opened by internationally recognised Indigenous model Billie-Jean Hamlet, Buluuy Mirrii took to the runway with a collection that fused cultural storytelling, craftsmanship, identity, and contemporary fashion.
Having been creating for over 15 years, Johnson is no stranger to the runway. As the designer of Buluuy Mirri, she brings a deeply personal and cultural vision to this collection, Love from Gamilaraay.
The collection is a celebration of Gamilaraay culture, language, land, animals, and people, reflecting deep connections.
From the riverbanks of Moree in the beautiful Gwydir Valley to the runway of Australian Fashion Week, Buluuy Mirrii officially opened this year's program with a collection that was inspired by the Mehi River and the skies of our Gamilaroi Country.
The collection honours the strength, beauty, and resilience of the Gomeroi people, proudly known as Murris.
Johnson draws from memories of growing up in Moree, surrounded by strong kinship family, grandmothers, sisters, and community, who sewed clothing by hand, supported local events and dances and debutante balls, and carried themselves with great pride, beauty, and confidence despite having very little.
"NSW is my home state, so I am really proud to be opening in my home state," Johnson told Style Up.
"The collection is about love to Gamilaraay nation, it is about giving back to my nation by showcasing the flora and fauna and the rivers."
Buluuy Mirri featured 25 looks from the collection "Love from Gamilaraay" celebrating the Gamilaraay culture, language, land, waterways, skyways, animals, and people.
It is a story of remembrance, strength, beauty, and love for First Nations peoples.
Looking ahead, Johnson shows no signs of slowing down but rather speeding up, confirming she already has another collection in the works.
"Follow your heart, that's what I have done," she said.
"The next collection is already in the works, so I am concentrating on the business side."
Sponsors include Amplified Beauty Australia, Baagi Milaygiin, DeLorenzo, Nood Australia, Pacifica and Ruwi Botanicals.
For more fashion, arts, culture and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
