Colleen Tighe Johnson

Colleen Tighe Johnson is a renowned fashion designer and proud Gomeroi woman.

Colleen uses her creative talents to harness the spirit of her Gomeroi ancestors and revive Gomeroi Dreaming Stories through each design. Her label, Buluuy Mirrii (Black Star in her Gamilaraay language) has been featured on international runways in Melbourne, Darwin, Sydney, New Zealand, Canada, New York Fashion Week in 2017 and 2023, Cannes Film Festival and Paris Fashion Week. Colleen tells cultural stories within her designs – unique commissioned Gomeroi artworks are printed onto luxury fabrics and used to design couture garments showcased on her runways. Her designs have been worn by many outstanding Women, including Dr Casey Sullivan, NSW Aboriginal Women of the Year 2024.

In addition to her successful design work, Colleen has blended her creative fashion talent with the Buluuy Mirrii Youth Development Program providing First Nations youth with an entry point into the world of fashion. Now in its fifteenth year, this program has enabled many young First Nations people from Tamworth, Moree and surrounds to participate in cultural development whilst gaining industry skills. The Buluuy Mirrii Youth Development Program meets young people where they are at – providing mentors from across the community who work with them to support them as individuals. There have been many success stories from this program, with many young women going on from Buluuy Mirrii to have impressive careers in fashion and entertainment.

Colleen Tighe Johnson has had an enormous impact on the women in her local community as well as exemplifying the creativity and talent of First Nations people to international audiences.