The best looks from the crowd at the ganbu marra runway

photography by molly burmeister

words by lara daly

Melbourne Fashion Week’s opening night runway was one to remember.

Monday night marked one of the most anticipated events on the Melbourne Fashion Week program: the ganbu marra runway. Set against the grand backdrop of the National Gallery of Victoria, it was an electrifying showcase of First Nations creativity, both on the runway and on many of the guests themselves.

When we spoke with Lindyn Rowland, the show’s creative director and lead stylist, he told us to expect a “Ghetto Opera”, and he certainly delivered. As promised, attendees witnessed a full spectrum of design talent, starting with the billowing printed silk resortwear from labels like Van Ermel Scherer, Saretta the Label and Yapa Mali, before reaching a crescendo with Rowland Vision – shades on, suave suiting and pops of cobalt, complete with strobe lighting and Charli xcx’s House blasting through Gandel Hall.

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Emerging label Ebony Noire finished strong, blending traditional elements like croc leather and fur pelts with a streetwear edge. Overall, the 10 designers featured left us in awe of the craftsmanship, diverse aesthetics and stories coming out of First Nations creative communities.

As a proud media partner of M/FW, our boots were on the ground to capture some of the standout ensembles before, during and after the show (see our highlights from the runway here). Enjoy all the style inspiration snapped by Molly Burmeister below.