From the Fitzroy Valley to Melbourne Fashion Week: Marnin Studio Makes Its Runway Debut
On Monday 19 October, Marnin Studio made its Melbourne Fashion Week debut, presenting at Ganbu Marra, the opening night runway show held at the National Gallery of Victoria's spectacular Gandel Hall.
For our artists and team, it was a remarkable moment. Work that begins in our studio in Fitzroy Crossing, shaped by the creativity, knowledge and experiences of Aboriginal women in the Kimberley, was shared with an audience on one of Australia's most celebrated fashion stages.
It was also an opportunity to stop, reflect and appreciate just how far the work of our artists has come.
From Country to the runway
Marnin Studio is part of Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre (MWRC), an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation based on Bunuba Country in the Fitzroy Valley.
The Studio provides a creative space where Aboriginal women can come together, develop their artistic practice, share knowledge and create opportunities through art, textiles and design.
Our work is grounded in the Fitzroy Valley, with connections extending to some of the most remote communities in the Kimberley.
Much of what happens in the Studio is quiet, everyday work. Artists experimenting with materials, developing designs, sharing ideas and supporting one another. It is creative work built through relationships, patience and a strong connection to culture and Country.
To see that work presented on the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week was a powerful reminder of its significance.
Ganbu Marra: One Mob
Presented as the opening night of Melbourne Fashion Week 2026, Ganbu Marra brought together an extraordinary collection of First Nations designers and creatives.
In Woi Wurrung language, Ganbu Marra means 'one mob', a fitting name for a runway celebrating the diversity, creativity and collective strength of First Nations fashion.
Under the creative direction and styling of Lindyn Rowland, the show provided a platform for First Nations designers to share their work, perspectives and creative identities with a national audience.
For Marnin Studio, being part of this collective celebration was particularly meaningful.
Alongside the excitement of seeing our designs on the runway was the opportunity to connect with other First Nations designers, artists and creatives, each bringing their own stories, cultural influences and distinctive approaches to fashion.
The evening was a celebration not only of beautiful garments, but of the people, communities and creative practices behind them.
A moment to take it all in
At Marnin Studio, our team is often focused on the next project, workshop, exhibition or opportunity for our artists.
There is always more to do.
But every now and then, an occasion comes along that encourages us to stop and recognise what has been achieved.
Standing in Gandel Hall, watching Marnin Studio's designs move down the runway beneath the spectacular stained-glass ceiling of the National Gallery of Victoria, was one of those occasions.
From the Fitzroy Valley to Naarm, our artists' creativity was being recognised and celebrated alongside some of the country's most exciting First Nations fashion talent.
For an art studio based in a remote Kimberley community, it was a significant milestone and one that our team will remember for a long time.
It also speaks to the importance of creating pathways for Aboriginal artists and designers to participate in the wider creative industries while remaining connected to their communities and cultural foundations.
Looking towards what comes next
Marnin Studio's first appearance at Melbourne Fashion Week builds on years of creative development, collaboration and growing recognition for the work of our artists.
From exhibitions and art markets to fashion showcases and collaborative projects, each opportunity helps create new connections and possibilities for the women involved.
Importantly, these opportunities also demonstrate the extraordinary creative talent that exists in remote Aboriginal communities and the value of supporting community-controlled spaces where that talent can flourish.
We extend our sincere thanks to Melbourne Fashion Week for inviting Marnin Studio to participate in this year's opening night, and to Lindyn Rowland for her incredible creative direction and for bringing together such a memorable celebration of First Nations fashion.
We also acknowledge our fellow designers, models, artists and everyone involved in bringing Ganbu Marra to life.
Most importantly, we celebrate the Marnin Studio artists and team whose creativity, dedication and hard work made this moment possible.
What began in the Fitzroy Valley has now reached the Melbourne Fashion Week runway.
And for Marnin Studio, this feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Stay tuned for what comes next.
Photography: Marnin Studio and Melbourne Fashion Week.
- Marnin Admin
