After a whirlwind 2023 that saw her designs grace the Flying Solo runway at New York Fashion Week, First Nations fashion designer Colleen Tighe Johnson is poised to showcase her brand, Buluuy Mirrii, at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair’s (DAAF) prestigious Country to Couture runway. Colleen Tighe Johnson Set to Debut ‘Seven Sisters’ Collection at Country to Couture
Johnson, a proud Gomeroi woman from Moree, New South Wales, has successfully grown Buluuy Mirrii—meaning “Black Star” in Gomeroi—into a brand with international recognition. Reflecting on her recent success, Johnson shared, “Coming off the back end of New York Fashion Week has been very beneficial for Buluuy Mirrii, knowing we were able to get worldwide exposure and provide more opportunities.”
While this marks Johnson’s second appearance at Country to Couture, 2024 is special as it will see the Australian debut of Buluuy Mirrii’s new collection, Seven Sisters. “The story behind the collection is the story of the Seven Sisters that runs through the centre of Australia and through the middle of Gomeroi Country,” Johnson explained.
The opportunity to present at Country to Couture is a significant milestone for Johnson, as the event has become one of the most prominent platforms for First Nations fashion. Since its inception in 2016, the event has showcased top emerging and established designers, positioning itself as a vital part of the DAAF.
As the event approaches, Johnson and her team are fully immersed in preparations, eager to share their cultural stories with the world. “The Buluuy Mirrii team has been preparing for Country to Couture to connect and come together to celebrate and share our cultural stories with fellow designers showcasing on the biggest cultural platform with designers from all over the nation,” Johnson said.
With Buluuy Mirrii continuing to grow in both status and success, the debut of the Seven Sisters collection is anticipated to captivate both new and returning customers. Johnson emphasizes that her culture is the heart of her creative process, stating, “Culture is my influencer; it develops my creativity and outlines my unique cultural storytelling through fashion.”
The new Seven Sisters collection by Buluuy Mirrii will be presented at Country to Couture’s Boundless runway on Tuesday, 6 August 2024
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