Through the vision of eyewear designer and stylist, Lindyn Rowland, the ganbu marra (meaning ‘one mob’ in Woi Wurrung) runway opened an impressive and inspiring week of fashion showcases at this year’s Melbourne Fashion Week.

The now-annual show celebrates Blak excellences with an exhibition of emerging and established First Nations talent. Featuring ready-to-wear collections by esteemed designers including Banbu, Gammin Threads, Goompi’s Girl, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and more, the opening runway saw meticulously crafted Indigenous prints, woven motifs, western style fringe and plenty of cowboy hats and boots. 

In the lead up to the event, I caught up with Mike Nguyen who is one of this year’s M/FW campaign ambassadors. Mike also walked in the opening night show, and so happens to be one of my friends.

When I asked Mike about the realities of modelling and what people often get wrong, he didn’t hesitate to be candid,

'The reality of modelling is often a harsh and unpredictable one’ he said. ‘It’s a reality full of rejection and let-downs’.

Often glamourised, the work can be mistaken for effortless, but it’s demanding and vulnerable work.

‘It’s one thing to be a signed model, but it’s another to be a booked one’.

He continued, admitting he’s grateful that modelling is just a side-gig for now within an industry that struggles to create spaces for diverse models, full time work can be hard to come by. Reflecting on his experience as a part of this year’s fashion week, he answered with enthusiasm,

‘I definitely feel elated being one of the faces of MFW this year — especially for someone who is considered to be an unconventional model. Never did I imagine I would have an opportunity like this! It still feels surreal’.

He described the atmosphere at the campaign shoot to be ‘light, easy and fun’, crediting the team behind the campaign for its success. ‘I honestly just felt like I was hanging out with my friends all day’ he said. This energy continued into the shows themselves. ‘Rehearsals and runways are always a blast. To be able to portray a different vibe and character in every show is one of the things I get most excited about’.

Melbourne Fashion Week is as much about storytelling is it is the clothes and this year’s headline theme, ‘Come as you are’, carried a personal significance for him,

‘this year’s campaign is really about fashion being something that everyone can enjoy — no matter what size or race you are. It should really be something everyone can engage with and experience’, he said, ‘for so long I thought as a bigger guy, fashion wasn’t something I could be a part of. But once I found brands, designers and silhouettes that worked with my proportions, I knew it was something I could explore and enjoy’. 

Creativity has clearly been a driving force in Mike’s journey and his admiration for his peers is evident, ‘I was particularly excited to see every single stylist flex their creative muscles this year. Stylists such as Joseph Romana, Lindyn Rowland, Karinda Mutabazi, Stuart Walford and Gideon D. Wilonja. Their visions and creativity never cease to amaze me’. As for designers, he noted, ‘I was really excited to see new works by Erik Yvon and Corcorancorin. Their use of materials, fabrics and their innovative construction really wow me’. 

Over time, however, he’s learned to be gentler with himself. ‘You start to let go of what you can’t change and realise it’s not always that deep. More often than not, the way you perceive yourself isn’t how others see you.’

As an unconventional model, he admits the mental gymnastics you go through can be exhausting,

‘at the end of day you have to learn to be your own biggest cheerleader and learn that you’re there for a reason’. 

That mindset also informs his approach to work when modelling means interpreting someone else’s vision, his ability to navigate the emotional balance seems tied to his creative instincts. ‘I like to think I’m adaptable,’ he said. ‘I can interpret a designer’s or brand’s vision and deliver whatever character they’re looking for. Having worked as an art director has definitely helped — I understand what makes a shoot come together, and that’s been a real asset in my modelling career’.

When the conversation turned to challenges, Mike spoke thoughtfully, ‘One of the most difficult parts of modelling is self-criticism. Seeing yourself repeatedly makes you focus on insecurities. You’d think being a signed model would boost your confidence, but often it doesn’t.’

Finally, I asked what his pre-show rituals are and his response was simple,

‘Plenty of sleep the night prior and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate’.

Set against the overcast skies of Melbourne’s CBD, this year’s theme enticed varied interpretations from attendees. From more tailored silhouettes to statement textures and bold patterns, the looks on display reflected a city that understands style as both personal expression and instinct. One guest confessed to me that she rushed home from her office to sporadically piece something together, proving there’s virtue in the chaos.

Embracing culture and creativity, spectators were invited into the 1Hotel ballroom to a world full of craftsmanship and storytelling. As the music began, guests eagerly leaned forward, searching for the first look of the night. 

The collections radiated vibrancy and innovation, though I felt that the grey-toned surroundings muted their impact and fell short of the energy on display. To me, this was a disappointing disservice to the designers who deserved a setting that matched their vision. The contrast between the dull carpet and harsh white lighting with the energy of the models and the garments they showcased felt misaligned and highlighted how much a space can truly shape our perception of fashion.

Despite this, my highlights from the designers that evening are as follows…