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General News

20 November, 2020

Indigenous designer on course for Fashion Capital of the world

First Nation’s fashion is poised to hit the world stage with the first Aboriginal Australian designer ever invited to debut at Milan Fashion Week next year.

By Nicole Gibson

Make up & Photo credit: Cass Ellmer Makeup Artist
Make up & Photo credit: Cass Ellmer Makeup Artist

The label MURRII QUU COUTURE is set to grace the same catwalks as fashion icons Versace, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana when local Indigenous designer Cheryl Creed’s creations feature in the Emerging Talent category at Milan Fashion Week in March 2021.

While there are many fashion weeks around the globe, Milan is iconic and considered one of the world’s big Four Fashion Weeks alongside New York, Paris and London.

The Woree based designer, who is one of just 10 designers from across the globe to be selected, said the invitation was a dream come true.

“I was in an online meeting when I got the email and I had to read it five times and I couldn’t believe it,” Cheryl said.

“Milan is the fashion capital of the world.

“This is a really big deal for someone coming from a small Indigenous community to now be presenting on a Milan runway.”

Cheryl fell into the field in 2017 after being asked if she would like to become a designer during a modelling assignment. 

With a background as a professional artist, she jumped at the chance and MURRII QUU COUTURE was born.

The semi sustainable label takes existing garments and refashions them into high-end evening gowns.

While the invitation is a dream come true for Cheryl, it does not come without it’s challenges.

Cheryl needs to raise funds of around $20,000 to cover the costs associated with the opportunity including registration, creating and sewing a bespoke collection for the event and freight.

“The funds will cover sourcing my sustainable materials, design costs, registration and shipping fees,” she said. “If the borders open by then I would love to go over there as well.”

In order to raise the funds her supporters have established an exciting fundraising program on her behalf.

It includes a Go Fund Me page and black-tie gala auction of some of Cheryl’s past creations including gowns that have graced the walkways of Mercedes Fashion Week in Brisbane and Melbourne Fashion Week.

Australian Indigenous fashion designers are under-represented in the fashion world both nationally and internationally.

Local designer and artist Grace Lillian Lee is the director of not-for-profit organisation First Nations Fashion & Design which was founded to help support the growth of Indigenous fashion.

Grace said awareness of Indigenous designers was growing nationally and Cheryl’s achievement was an important step for raising this globally.

“I think we all dreamed of going to Milan so how fantastic that someone’s actually doing it,”she said.

“For it to be seen globally and especially at Milan - we know Milan is the fashion capital of the world, especially during the pandemic, I think it’s a pretty bold statement.

“It’s a huge inspiration for the next generation.”

To support Cheryl, follow MURRII QUU COUTURE’s Facebook and Instagram pages or to make a donation visit: au.gofundme.com/f/help-murri-que-couture-get-to-milan-fashion-week.

 

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