Welcome to Grace Lillian Lee’s debut couture collection at 229LAB in Paris during Couture Fashion Week on July 7, 2025.
This world-first event, inspired by Lee’s first major solo exhibition "The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace" (which premiered at Brisbane Festival 2024) features unique projections and sculptures as well as her signature Weave. It celebrates Torres Strait Islander culture by blending fashion, art, music, food and performance, offering a unique fusion of cultures and First Nations couture.
Each garment features colors and motifs aligning with Lee’s brand essence, reflecting various aspects of Grace's lineage, including her family background. The vibrant hues and intricate details honor her ancestry, which spans continents from Europe to China and the Torres Strait Islands.
This collection serves as an artistic tribute to the sacred land of north-west Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria, highlighting its breathtaking landscapes and cultural importance.
We recognize the Gangalidda and Garawa People and thank them for contributions to this project.
The setting for this showcase will be at the renowned 229 Lab which was founded in 2023 by artistic duo Marie Polo and Edouard Burgeat, 229 LAB is a showroom and art laboratory showcasing high-end creative projects for a variety of luxurious brands in Art, Fashion and Design in a fully renovated Haussmanian building in the vibrant center of Paris art and fashion district Place Vendôme.
To find out more click the link below and consider becoming a member or subscriber to their email list so you can stay up to date with what’s happening at this boundary pushing arts space.
Mitu means ‘Me & You’ in Torres Strait Islander creole
Connected by sea-country from the islands of Zenadth Kes in the Torres Strait to Wadandi Boodja in the Margaret River Region, Florence Drummond's songlines have always led her back to the ocean. It is here, amidst coastal vineyards and waterways, that her story takes root.
Florence is the founder of Mitu Wines; an Indigenous wine brand built with the sole purpose of bringing people together.
Walking with the Wadandi people and upholding their care for Country, sustainability remains at the heart of the Mitu label. The wines themselves are a testament to this land and an expression of the region’s unique climate and astonishing biodiversity.
Mitu is a story of belonging, a journey through saltwater lands, and a celebration of ‘me and you.’
It was crucial for Grace to seize this opportunity to empower and pave the way for other Indigenous-owned businesses, as we collectively share a deep passion for Black excellence across all industries. We feel incredibly privileged at Grace Lillian Lee Productions to receive support from this remarkable and historic company for this world-premiere event.
Click Here to learn more now!
Meet Luke ‘Bala Luke’ Currie-Richardson
‘The Guardian’ Lead model / Performer
Image by Wendall TeodoroLuke Currie-Richardson is an artist of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, known for his multifaceted contributions as a dancer photographer, writer, performer, and actor. He began his storying telling journey in 2000 learning and performing traditional dance with the gerib sik Torres Strait Islander Dance Group alongside his family in Canberra. His initial exposure to contemporary arts was with the youth dance ensemble Ql2 in their 2007 production “unspeakable”. Luke perused formal dance education at NAISDA Dance college and in 2010, commenced a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) at Queensland university technology (QUT). In 2012, he performed in Wesley Enoch’s ‘I Am Eora’ for the Sydney Festival and subsequently joined Bangarra Dance Theatre, where he was a company dancer from 2012 to 2018, showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary culture globally.
Beyond dance, Luke is accomplished photographer, capturing images that reflect his cultural heritage and community. He shares his award-winning photographic works via Instagram (@BL_Snaps). Currently based in Naarm, Luke continues to be a prominent figure in the Australia arts scene, using his diverse talents to share stories and celebrate his cultural heritage.
See more of Luke in action by clicking the links below:
Meet Kali Musa
Performer and model
Photograph by Tosin PopoolaKali is a Portuguese Romani dancer and model. Her work embodies fluidity with captivating storytelling reflecting her identity, unique cultural perspective and personal journey. Trained in New York and Los Angeles, she has been working internationally with different artists, having recently performed at Paris and Lisbon Fashion Weeks. As a member of the Ballroom scene, she is the Founding Mother of the Portuguese Pioneer Kiki House of Musa, and member of the International House of Elle.
In a very special collaboration, Grace Lillian Lee unveiled a specially designed sculptural couture costume for the Fashion Freak Show catwalk. Grace had been invited to collaborate directly with Jean Paul Gaultier in Paris in early 2024 to exchange knowledge, designs, and
During this collaboration, Grace met Kali, who was a ‘Freak’ involved in the outstanding production and would be showcasing the garment Grace created for the show. Since then, they have nurtured their relationship, with Kali modeling for Grace’s retail line and the ‘Australia Now’ shoot in New York City. Now, in 2025, Kali will be joining us for ‘The Guardian’s’ event in Paris.
See more of Kali’s shoot for Grace Lillian Lee and the Australia Now event click the link below:
Inside The 2024 Australian Fashion Now Exhibition New York - Vogue Australia
Watch ‘The Guardian’s’ Stomp the runway in
BENEDETTA BRUZZICHES IS A DIMENSION GOVERNED BY SPECIAL LAWS WHERE EVERYTHING IS PERFECT, BUT NOTHING WORKS AS IT DOES ELSEWHERE.
Their creations are born in the hills of Caprarola, in a factory nestled in the woods of Tuscia, where art and craft are in constant dialogue. In this serene setting, a close-knit group of young artisans, led by Benedetta and her brother Agostino, meticulously care for each bag, dedicating themselves to creating timeless jewelry.
In 2009, the Bruzziches siblings founded a company where the value of each individual is paramount, and wonder is the light that illuminates their days. Since then, the renowned bags, each with a name of its own, have been spontaneously chosen by extraordinary women from every corner of the world. To find out more about the amazing brand and the shoes you will see during this event please click the link.