Grace Lillian Lee Showcases The Guardians At Paris Couture Fashion Week

Grace Lillian Lee has made a historic appearance at Paris Couture Fashion Week, presenting The Guardians, a couture collection deeply rooted in First Nations culture and storytelling.

The exclusive showcase, held at 229LAB in the Marais district of Paris, is part of the official haute couture calendar. It positions Lee as the first Indigenous Australian woman, and the first Torres Strait Islander, to independently present a collection during the event.

Blending Culture, Ceremony And Design

The Guardians builds on Lee’s prior exhibition The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace, which was recently acquired by QAGOMA. This new collection draws from her heritage across the Torres Strait, China and Europe, combining traditional weaving, sculptural form and ceremonial elements.

The works include laser-cut acrylic beading and handwoven details, with the resulting garments forming part of an immersive narrative experience. Bold silhouettes are central to the visual language of the collection, emphasising cultural continuity through contemporary design.

Lee described the showcase as “more than a runway,” calling it “a historic celebration of culture, identity and resilience.”

“This moment is a tribute to my ancestors and a declaration of First Nations excellence on couture’s global stage,” she said.

Backed By Partners And Community

Lee’s presentation is supported by Epson Australia, her long-time digital print and projection partner, and has received backing from the team at Jean Paul Gaultier.

Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director at Epson ANZ, said the company was proud to continue its support.

“Grace’s work goes beyond fashion,” he said. “It embodies story, collaboration and cultural knowledge. We’re honoured to contribute to her international platform.”

The show coincides with NAIDOC Week and is accompanied by Lee’s artist residency at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. The residency was secured through a Creative Australia scholarship and includes eight other First Nations creatives and family members. Their involvement has helped shape the storytelling and performance aspects of the show.

A Global First For Indigenous Couture

While other Australian First Nations designers, including Letticia Shaw (Ticia Designs), have previously taken part in collective showings such as Flying Solo, Lee’s solo runway aligns with the formal Paris haute couture schedule.

Her presence in this context sets a precedent for Indigenous participation at the highest levels of international fashion.

“From collaborating with Jean Paul Gaultier to receiving my Honorary Doctorate, every moment has led to this,” Lee said. “I am proud, humbled and deeply grateful to my family, team and community who make the impossible possible.”

Showcase Information

Title: The Guardians
Date: 7 July – 10 July 2025
Location: 229 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France

Last Updated on July 9, 2025 by Nick Ross