THE Nambucca Valley born and female-led First Nations fashion house, Miimi & Jiinda, makes its European debut at Paris Fashion Week from 1-7 October.
It is a historic milestone.
Founded by artist and designer Melissa Greenwood, a proud Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung, and Dunghutti woman, together with her mother and master weaver Lauren Jarrett, Miimi & Jiinda brings ancestral stories, matriarchal wisdom, and a vision of sustainable luxury to the global luxury fashion stage for the first time.
“This special moment in time belongs to my great grandmothers, grandmothers, mother and aunties, and my daughter – our matriarchal line,” Melissa told News Of The Area.
“What we’ve created is memory woven into garments, now walking proudly on one of the world’s most celebrated stages.”
Having taken a step into Europe by establishing their production facility within historic ateliers in Portugal, Melissa feels deeply aligned with the partnership.
“The ateliers we partner with are led by women, carrying the same matriarchal strength and spirit that has always guided Miimi & Jiinda.”
At Paris Fashion Week, Miimi & Jiinda will preview its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, “Gaagal Wanggaan”.
The collection is presented in a dedicated showroom offering the international press, buyers, and industry insiders an exclusive preview.
Meaning ‘South Beach’ in Gumbaynggirr, Gaagal Wanggaan reflects resilience, belonging, and connection to Country and Earth.
Its palette of soft coastal blues, deep ocean greens, and sandy neutrals evokes the ever-changing interplay of ocean, sand, and sky.
Fluid, timeless silhouettes mirror the rhythm of waves and the Bindarray River, while natural, sustainably sourced fabrics ground the collection in cultural and ecological integrity.
Each piece is designed as a wearable ceremony, carrying the spirit, memory, and stories of Country wherever it is worn.
Miimi & Jiinda works exclusively with high-quality, natural, and responsibly sourced fabrics including European Flax-certified linen, organic cotton, silks, and low-impact denim.
Smaller runs and woven adornments continue to be created in Australia, preserving a living connection to homelands.
Each garment is designed on Gumbaynggirr Country to be timeless, collectible, and ceremonial, affirming that true luxury embodies cultural regeneration, sustainable craft, and deeply connected to Country and Earth.
For Miimi & Jiinda, sustainability is inseparable from culture.
This Paris debut is the beginning of Miimi & Jiinda’s European journey, paving the way for a full launch into the market in 2026.
By Andrea FERRARI
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