lifestyle

Black Bold and Beautiful 2026 to showcase Indigenous fashion and leadership

Joseph Guenzler Published March 17, 2026 at 6.30pm (AWST)

Delvene Collins Collection. BBB 2025 celebrated Indigenous women through fashion, culture and connection. Image: Joseph Guenzler.

The Black Bold and Beautiful Luncheon will return to Magandjin (Brisbane) in April, continuing an event that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across fashion, culture and business.

The 2026 Black Bold and Beautiful (BBB) Luncheon will take place on Monday 27 April at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together Indigenous designers, speakers and community members for a day of fashion, discussion and connection.

Founded in 2009 by Quandamooka and Bundjalung woman Aunty Sandra King OAM, the event has grown into one of the country's leading Indigenous women's gatherings, combining fashion, discussion and networking opportunities for Indigenous women and businesses.

Aunty Sandra King said the event was created to provide a space where women can gather, connect and support each other.

"That's what it's all about and this event does it," Ms King said.

"It lifts their spirit up."

*Aunty Sandra King OAM. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)*

Since BBB began, more than 5,000 people have engaged with the event as participants, volunteers, supporters and attendees, reflecting the continued demand for spaces that celebrate Indigenous women's leadership and creativity.

The 2026 luncheon will centre on the theme "Truth Telling and Indigenous Education", placing a focus on knowledge sharing and conversations about Indigenous history, learning and community leadership.

Aunty Sandra King said the event continues to support women at different stages of their journeys.

"It has helped our women who are survivors, those in business and those who are just trying to find themselves," Ms King said.

A lineup of prominent voices has been confirmed for the 2026 program.

Guest speakers include historian and author Professor Jackie Huggins AM, CEO Noeleen Lopez, Dr Noritta Morseu-Diop and Professor Anne Pattell-Gray, alongside Deadly Funny Grand Final-winning comedian Janty Blair from Naarm.

The event will be hosted by emcee Corina Reuben.

*Reppin' Nation Collection at the 2025 BBB. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)*

Indigenous designers will again take to the runway as part of the BBB fashion showcase.

Designers featured on the catwalk this year include Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Briana Enoch's Jarawee Designs and emerging student designer Kira Turner.

Alongside the luncheon and fashion parade, the event also features an expo showcasing Indigenous women in business and the creative industries.

The BBB Luncheon continues to promote its guiding message for attendees to "B Informed, B Inspired, B Empowered."

Tickets for the 2026 Black Bold and Beautiful Luncheon close at midnight on Monday 20 April, with discounts available for secondary students and group bookings.