Known for her niche designs and artistic eye for fashion, First Nations designer Ebony Rose Kruger returned to the Melbourne Fashion Week (MFW) runway this week to showcase her brand's latest collection on the ganbu marra runway.
"This is not my first time working at MFW I've been fortunate enough to assist with other shows and was part of Ganbu Marra back in 2022," Kruger told Style Up.
"But this is my first time rejoining the team as a designer."
Thrilled to be presenting her designs at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Kruger expressed just how meaningful the night was for her.
"Having worked behind the scenes with so many designers, it's an honour to now be showcasing alongside them on the runway," she said.
"Presenting my work at the NGV, one of Melbourne's most prestigious museums a place that has exhibited designs by some of my idols makes it feel even more special."
"When I think about where I come from and the journey that's brought me here, this moment feels especially meaningful."
Speaking on the creative process leading up to Fashion Week, Kruger explained what goes into creating and executing a runway-ready collection.
"The process has reminded me how much determination and perseverance design takes," she said.
"You're thinking about construction and fabrication, and sometimes things don't work out the way you planned. You have to pick yourself up, problem-solve and keep going. I can be a perfectionist, so I keep my alterations mentor Jenny's advice in mind: "First, you have to make it exist and perfect it later.
"And the behind-the-scenes work definitely isn't always pretty. My housemate Sas says I look like a mad scientist during the late-night work sessions."
Featuring everything from floor-grazing gowns to graphic T-Shirts, Kruger revisited her earlier collection, adding a few new elements.
"I decided to revisit my earlier collection, adding a few pieces and restyling some of the existing looks to give them a fresh perspective," she said.
"Next year, I'd really like to take things a little slower, build on my craftsmanship and gradually develop a whole new collection.
"I'm keen to experiment with some couture techniques, too."
Hoping to further build on her craftsmanship, Kruger said she is looking forward to slowing down and developing the brand.
"I'm keen to experiment with some couture techniques, I'm still looking for a studio... my back can't handle doing patternmaking on the kitchen floor anymore," she said.
"I'm also keeping an eye out for creative grants and hoping to make more trips to Mparntwe and New Zealand."
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