Creating Space for the Next Generation of First Nations Designers featuring Dr. Grace Lillian Lee

In this episode, Lauren Grace speaks with Dr. Grace Lillian Lee, founder of First Nations Fashion and Design, about the journey behind her work and the purpose driving it forward. Grace shares how FNFD began, not as a brand, but as a collective of First Nations designers creating together and exploring identity through fashion, art, and culture. From early showcases on Country in Yarrabah to the first all-Indigenous runway at Australian Fashion Week, this conversation reflects on what it means to walk in two worlds, holding cultural responsibility while navigating the fashion industry. Grace also reflects on her time in Paris, from working with Jean Paul Gaultier to completing a residency and launching her own couture collection,  and how that experience sparked a stronger focus on showing up globally, knowing those opportunities won’t always come to Cairns. At the centre of Grace’s journey is a clear focus, creating space, building pathways, and supporting the next generation of First Nations designers to step into the industry with confidence. Listen now to the full interview. ----more---- Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au   Meet Grace Dr. Grace Lillian Lee is a multicultural Australian artist and leader, known for her unique blend of traditional and contemporary art forms. She graduated with Honors in Fashion Design from RMIT in 2010 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Technology, Sydney in 2025. Lee's artistic journey began with "grasshopper weaving," taught by her mentor, Dr. Uncle Ken Thaiday, leading to her large-scale and wearable body sculptures that reflect family stories and cultural heritage. In 2017, she founded First Nations Fashion Design, promoting Indigenous cultural expression in fashion and art. Her work is showcased in notable institutions like the National Gallery of Australia and the Kluge-Ruhe Collection. Lee has collaborated with renowned artists and was named Indigenous Designer of the Year at the Australian Fashion Laureate Award in 2024. She made history in 2025 as the first Indigenous Australian to present at Paris Couture Fashion Week, earning recognition on the Business of Fashion 500 list. FNFD Web: https://firstnationsfashiondesign.com/pages/about-us FNFD Insta: https://www.instagram.com/first.nations.fashion.design/ FNFD FB: https://www.facebook.com/firstnationsfashiondesign