Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Indigenous fashion label Ngali, hosting an intimate meet and greet event with the designer, Denni Francisco in collaboration with the Indigenous Fashion Projects and Colleen Tighe-Johnson, who is presenting her first solo runway at AFW on 14 May 2026. 

Held at the hotel's signature restaurant, Atelier by Sofitel, the exclusive event will bring together emerging creatives, fashion media, and culturally engaged guests for an evening celebrating contemporary Indigenous design. The panel features Denni Francisco of Ngali, Colleen Tighe-Johnson of Buluuy Mirrii and a guest from the IFP Pathways Program. The event coincides with the energy and influence of Australian Fashion Week and will celebrate their connections with an intimate dinner at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.   

Guests will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before a Welcome to Country, followed by a two-course dining experience including two hours of free-flowing drinks. Throughout the night, guests are invited to explore and interact with curated pieces from Ngali and other featured creatives, offering a tactile connection to the stories woven into each design. The experience concludes with thoughtfully curated goodie bags, featuring contributions from Ngali, Kevin Murphy Hair products, Sofitel and other partners.  

Ngali, renowned for its storytelling through design and commitment to elevating Indigenous voices in fashion, will showcase its distinctive approach to craftsmanship and cultural expression. Guests will have the opportunity to engage directly with designer, Denni Francisco, gaining insight into the inspiration and narratives behind the collection that will be shown at their runway at Australian Fashion Week. 

“We're grateful to Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for hosting Ngali on the eve of our Australian Fashion Week runway. It's a meaningful opportunity to come together, connect, and share the stories of our community, while celebrating and elevating Indigenous fashion and art,” says Denni Francisco of Ngali. 

The event will also spotlight the IFP Pathways Program, an initiative dedicated to supporting the next generation of Indigenous talent within the fashion industry, reinforcing a shared commitment to creativity, mentorship, and meaningful representation. 

“We are honoured to partner with Denni, Colleen and Indigenous Fashion Projects to create a platform that celebrates both innovation and cultural heritage” says Sam Panetta, General Manager of Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.  “At Sofitel, we are passionate about curating experiences that connect our guests with art, design and community, and this event reflects that vision.”  

This partnership underscores Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour's ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and fostering meaningful cultural collaborations, while offering guests exclusive access to moments that define the city's creative landscape. 

Event: Ngali Designer Meet & Greet with IFP Pathways Program 
Location: Atelier by Sofitel, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour 

Date: 14 May 2026 
Time: 6:00 pm 
Tickets: $125 – Click here for Tickets 

About Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour 
Sofitel Darling Harbour is Sydney's premier luxury hotel, offering world-class accommodation, dining, and experiences overlooking the iconic Darling Harbour. Committed to cultural engagement and the arts, Sofitel creates spaces that celebrate creativity and connection. 

About Ngali 
Ngali is a renowned First Nations Australian sustainable fashion brand founded in 2018 by Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco, celebrated for translating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork into premium, everyday silk clothing. Based on the ethos "Together we create," Ngali collaborates with Indigenous artists, offering versatile, slow-fashion designs that honour Culture and Country. 

About Buluuy Mirrii Colleen Tighe Johnson is a proud Gomeroi Yinarr from Moree, New South Wales, living in Tamworth. Colleen uses her talents to harness the spirit of her Gomeroi ancestors and revive Gomeroi Dreaming Stories through her label, Buluuy Mirrii (Black Star in her Gamilaraay language). 

About IFP Pathways Program 
The Pathways Program, facilitated by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, empowers First Nations fashion designers through mentorship, industry access, and cultural exchange. Since its inception in 2020, Pathways has supported the growth of Indigenous-owned labels and strengthened the visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design in Australia.