fashion

ganbu marra runway sets the tone at Melbourne Fashion Week

Phoebe Blogg Published October 21, 2025 at 12.00pm (AWST)

The ganbu marra runway opened Melbourne Fashion Week on Monday. (Image: Long Story Short)

Frontrunners of First Nations fashion were spotlighted on the ganbu marra runway to commence Melbourne Fashion Week on Monday.

This year's all Indigenous runway event showcased several emerging and established First Nations brands and designers, including Banbu, Kaninda, Yanggurdi, King King Creative, Yapa Mali, Gamin Threads and more.

The runway also profiled creations coming from some of Australia's most renowned art centres, including work from the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists.

*Monday's ganbu marra runway showcased First Nations brands and designers including Banbu, Kaninda, Yanggurdi, King King Creative, Yapa Mali and Gamin Threads. (Image: Long Story Short)*

When it came to garment styling and creative direction, multi-talented First Nations creative Lindyn Rowland took on the role of creative director and runway stylist, with Karinda Mutabazi as consultant and mentor.

Known for his down to earth nature, creative drive and polished styling choices, Rowland was the perfect fit to lead the creative direction of such a popular runway.

"I have walked in the ganbu marra runway every year since, and now I'm styling the show.. I truly manifested this," Rowland told Style Up.

"I believe as a stylist you're booked to bring your personal flavour to the show - and of course I have no plans leaving my 'Concrete Cowboy' era, so that is exactly what this year's show is."

*Behind the scenes at the ganbu marra runway. (Image: supplied)*

From culturally inspired cowboy-eque jumpsuits to floor grazing sequinned maxi dresses, in 2025 the ganbu marra runway showcased a slice of everything.

Whilst designers were inspired by their own individual niches, it was clear they all shared a passion for creating garments which fused elements of Country into their designs.

"I like to think of Banbu as the 'out-there cousin' among First Nations designers - it reflects a bit of how I feel in my own family: bold, playful, and a little unexpected," Banbu designer Brooke McGlone said.

"Each piece has movement and personality, letting people express themselves while staying comfortable and effortless. It's contemporary style with meaning, made to feel authentic and individual.

"There's a lot of love that goes into every stage of the process, from sketching to sewing, to make sure everything feels cohesive and true to Banbu."

*A model on the ganbu marra runway. (Image: Long Story Short)*

*Stylist Lindyn Rowland at work behind the scenes during Monday's ganbu marra runway. (Image: supplied)*

Taking place from 20-26 October under the theme 'Come As You Are', this year's Melbourne Fashion Week invites guests from far and wide to be part of a citywide celebration of self-expression.

This year the program features six premium runways at standout locations across the city.

They include the brand new sustainable luxe retreat 1 Hotel Melbourne, the Italian artisanal dining hub il Mercato Centrale, the acclaimed Melbourne Recital Centre, the striking 101 Collins Street, Kensington's vibrant Younghusband, and a return to crowd favourite Little Bourke Street with Emporium Melbourne.

Showcasing a mix of emerging, independent and established designers, Melbourne Fashion Week continues its focus on sustainability and inclusivity while celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures and Australia's diverse fashion community.

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