Translating to "born" in Kooma/Guwamu, Banbu is a brand which believes clothing is a powerful form of self-expression and a celebration of individuality.
The statement rang true this week as Banbu's new Desert Dream collection was unveiled to an upbeat tune on Melbourne Fashion Week's ganbu marra runway.
Banbu's showcase left audience members with a true taste of what the brand embodies and values.
With a mission to create pieces which make the wearer feel confident, empowered, and uniquely themself, Banbu strive to design each garment with the aim of enhancing the wearers personal style, offering a sense of joy and satisfaction with every wear.
"Our goal is to evoke pride in self-expression, allowing you to shine in your own way," Banbu says.
"Inclusivity and self-expression are at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate diversity and strive to create fashion that embraces all body types, genders, and identities, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated through our designs."
Founded by talented Indigenous designer and creative Brooke McGlone, the brand has also been created with sustainability and caring for Country front of mind.
Banbu's pieces are ethically designed and manufactured in Brisbane (Magandjin), with a commitment to sustainability.
The brand prioritise ethically sourced materials and thoughtful design practices which honour both the environment and the skilled artisans who bring our garments to life.
"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," McGlone told Style Up.
"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.
"I was approached to show at MFW and I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be back in Melbourne showcasing again. It's always exciting to have more people discover Banbu and see how the brand continues to evolve."
Commenting on how she chose to incorporate her inspiration into the new Desert Dream collection, McGlone said dancing and moments of joy with loved ones shaped the collection's garments.
"The collection is inspired by music, memories, and nature-especially a sunset party in Cunnamulla with a disco ball catching the last light," she said.
"Dancing and moments of joy with loved ones have always shaped how I see movement and energy, and that feeling informs each design.
"Every look captures that spirit of celebration, freedom, and connection, bringing it to life through playful, bold, and expressive fashion."
When discussing how she prepared for the large-scale runway event, McGlone said is has been a busy few months full of trial and error.
"It's been a mix of experimenting and refining - I've been playing with new fabrics, textures, and colours, and working closely with my manufacturer in Brisbane to bring these ideas to life," she said.
"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."
McGlone said she is eager to build the brand's presence on the runway and continue to create collections which fuse Country with contemporary fashion.
"I'm looking to grow Banbu as a small business and make it more accessible - having more pieces/sizes available online and continuing to build the brand's presence," she said.
"I'd also love to collaborate with more First Nations creatives and keep finding new ways to tell stories through fashion."
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