Denni Francisco grew up in Wiradjuri Country in remote central NSW. She spent school holidays camping in the shearing sheds with her cousins; listening to her Nan tell stories; and sitting in mulberry trees, making lipstick from the juice. It’s no wonder then, that her work is so tied to her beginnings and the creativity she nurtured as a child on Country. “Country provides wide open spaces for creativity to emerge. You just need to sit in it. I feel a sense of peace and contentment there – no matter what is happening in life generally it is always there, waiting,” she says. Denni clearly has creativity in spades – and determination. She left school at 15 to help support her family and obtained her Higher School Certificate at night school. “I love learning,” she says. “The world is full of learning opportunities, always.”

As the founder of Ngali, a sustainable fashion brand, that works with First Nations’ artists to translate world renowned artworks onto premium-quality clothing and accessories, there have been many learnings – and many accomplishments. Denni has been awarded designer of the year at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (twice), and this year, she became the first Indigenous designer to hold a solo runway at Australian fashion week. “My mission is to celebrate our culture and honour Country while supporting our First Nations creatives so that together we can make positive change to the economic standing of all, she says. 

     

As a First Nations business owner, Denni’s aware that she’s a role model for future Indigenous entrepreneurs. “I think all businesses have a responsibility to be businesses for good,” she says. “Businesses can be quite influential, so we need to influence in the best way possible.  Making a positive impact through the support of our artists and contributing to the education of our children living in remote areas of Australia is at the core of our WHY of being in business.”

Art is at the heart of everything Ngali does, and the brand began by collaborating with Gija artist Lindsay Malay. “His artwork is so amazing it can be adapted in so many ways for our collections,” says Denni. “Our collaboration is still going and still has so much further to go. In our solo runway at AAFW we introduced two new artists – Ngarrindjeri man Keedan Rigney  and  Muruwari Kamilaroi woman Laura Brown. For them, it was the first time they’ve taken their work into the fashion space. I am looking forward to continuing our journey with them.”

As for what lies ahead, Denni says: “Ngali is on an exciting journey. Given our vision is to take stunning art beyond wall display and onto garments to walk the streets and show up anywhere in the world, we’re looking internationally, so more people know who we are and why our culture has so much to offer.”

     


For more information, go to www.ngali.com.au