Coffs Harbour’s Miimi & Jiinda to shine at 2023 Australian Fashion Week

A mother and daughter from Coffs Harbour will be among the trendsetters at Australian Fashion Week, with striking indigenous-themed designs likened to wearable art. Here’s their story.

Melissa Greenwood: “Everything we make is really well made. And it’s made in Australia.”

The rich, the famous, and two strong pioneering women from Coffs Harbour will take centre stage at the Australian Fashion Week in Sydney.

Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood – mother and daughter respectively – are one of just seven designer firms whose labels will be showcased at the indigenous Fashion Projects Runway on Wednesday night.

It will be a glittering exposure for the stunning creations from the Coffs based label Miimi & Jiinda, which was born just five years ago.

Ms Greenwood – a proud Gumbaynggirr woman – said this will be the first time her designs have been featured at the national fashion week.

The Burraaba collection from Miimi & Jiinda of Coffs Harbour will be showcased at Australian Fashion Week in Sydney. Picture: Supplied

“I’m very excited and a little bit nervous because it’s the unknown,” she said from Sydney, where she and her mum – a master basket weaver – are preparing.

In the spotlight will be their Burraaba collection – with 13 ‘looks’ to swan down the runway from 8pm.

Melissa Greenwood and Lauren Jarrett founded indigenous design company Miimi & Jiinda at Coffs Harbour in 2018.

Their segment will open with Ms Jarrett weaving on stage (with natural plants foraged from country in Coffs).

In the crowd will be Channel 10 news reporter Narelda Jacobs and actor Miranda Tapsell – both adorned in Miimi & Jiinda designs in a show of support.

The Burraaba collection from Miimi & Jiinda. Picture: Supplied

“Mum’s driving down because she’s a bit scared about flying,” Ms Greenwood said.

“We have our fitting with the models on Saturday and it’s all a bit chaotic.”

Their garments to be showcased include “gorgeous flowing silk, long dresses and tailored linen suits”, while all the models will carry a woven piece such as a necklace as part of their outfit.

The Burraaba collection is strikingly different. Picture: Supplied

A special performer at the indigenous fashion runway will be music superstar Jessica Mauboy.

“We have a lot of family and friends flying down for it and we’re so excited,” Ms Greenwood said.

Exposure at Australian Fashion Week has the potential to open big doors for the Coffs enterprise.

Entertainer Jessica Mauboy will add to the star quality in Sydney.

“We are hoping to partner with some department stores but we don’t want to be mass producing,” Ms Greenwood said.

Their indigenous designed clothing has been described as “wearable pieces of art”.

“Everything we make is really well made. And it’s made in Australia,” Ms Greenwood said.

“My label is inspired by the teachings of my elders, it’s elegant and sophisticated yet deeply grounded in Jagun (country) evoking emotion, and rich storytelling through my hand painted designs.”