Since showcasing her fashion brand Buluuy Mirrii - meaning "Black Star" in Gamilaraay language - at New York Fashion in 2023, First Nations designer Colleen Tighe Johnson status as a designer has only progressively grown.

This week the talented creative debuted her brand's newest collection, titled 'Women's Business' at Australian Fashion Week.

A proud Gomeroi yinarr from Moree NSW, Johnson's participation on the Australian Fashion Week runway was an exciting achievement for not only herself but also her community back home.

Before showcasing her new collection on the runway, Johnson spoke with Style Up earlier this week. From how it feels to participate in Australian Fashion Week to debuting a new collection to the industry's top media, press and buyers, Johnson shared all.

"Showing at Australian Fashion Week in Sydney is a runway I haven't showcased before so this will be my first for Australian Fashion Week, so I guess this one will be emotional, but very proud to be showcasing in my home state of NSW, This will ensure that Buluuy Mirrii will make a positive impact and strong effect on my career in the future," Johnson told Style Up.

"For Buluuy Mirrii in particular very exciting as a First Nations designer to promote the band and share our stories. As a fashion designer it's a great project to kick-off with the biggest event on the fashion calendar in Australia with AFW."

Johnson said the new collection's designs and colour palette are reflective of her community and culture as a First Nations woman.

"Buluuy Mirrii's newest collection is called ' Women's Business' this has been a satisfying project to compile and produce a unique collection with meaningful colour palette. Culture is a significant part of Buluuy Mirrii"s designs, through my label I'm reviving cultural and telling stories of the oldest living culture in the world on high grade textiles harnessing the spirit of my ancestors," she said.

"This collection is about Women's Business and the Matriarchs carrying the vision for future generations, and the colour palette are the blue tones of the Artesian Healing Waters of Moree."

Johnson also worked with several models who featured on her brand's runway including Buluuy Mirrii ambassador Jahna Lugnan.

"I had a lot of the fun on the runway, Colleen is amazing and I love walking for her. It was a great opportunity," said Lugnan.

When discussing how Buluuy Mirrii has evolved and grown over the years, Johnson shares that while there have been many factors to this, international exposure has certainly helped the brand in gaining status amongst Australian consumers.

"The international exposure has had a profound impact on Buluuy Mirrii providing a clear understanding for the future of Buluuy Mirrii. Over time Buluuy Mirrii has developed quality and growth to expand with the new generation and for the future of fashion industry and stay relevant to using sustainable products," Johnson told Style Up.

Johnson said she hopes to inspire younger generations and create a brand that is beneficial to both the planet and consumers.

"As a First Nations designer my brand is to continue and maintain growth with little damage to our environment and to continue for a long time with a profound impact for our future generations not only across the Australian fashion industry but also across the world," she said.

"Sustainability is very important to the label of Buluuy Mirrii. From a cultural perspective to use sustainable fabrics that have minimal environmental impact to Mother Earth with materials that are eco-friendly and recyclable to reduce the landfill. I'd like to leave a positive message of my cultural heritage by telling stories on high grade textiles impacting and pleasing customers making them feeling attractive and confident on the outside as well as on the inside."

When discussing what's next for Buluuy Mirrii, Johnson has plans to progressively grow the brand and its presence within both Australia and overseas. Despite already having showcased at New York Fashion Week, Cannes Film Festival Showroom, Canada's Fashion Speaks International and more, Johnson confirms that she is eager to continue this success, jumping from one opportunity to the next.

"Buluuy Mirrii's next project is Milan Fashion Week 2025. I see Buluuy Mirrii progressing and developing into sustainable and viable commercial business over the next few years," she said.

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