Dr Grace Lillian Lee

Grace Lillian Lee is a Samsep, Indigenous Australian designer, artist, advocate and the founder of First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), a national platform dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives through sustainable pathways into the fashion industry. A descendant of the Miriam Mer people of the Eastern Torres Strait, Lee is reshaping the landscape of Australian fashion by centring First Nations culture, talent, and sovereignty.

Since establishing FNFD, Lee has made it a fixture at Australian Fashion Week, showcasing First Nations collections annually since 2021. Lee is deeply committed to mentorship, nurturing the next generation of First Nations designers and fostering community-based industry access. Her own artwear, known for intricate woven forms, has garnered international acclaim, blending cultural practice with avant-garde design. 

In 2024, Lee’s influence reached a global stage through a landmark collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier, where she was handpicked to interpret his archive through her distinct lens, creating woven couture pieces that celebrated cultural lineage and innovation. Previous collaborations with brands such as The Iconic and Bonds have further amplified her message of inclusion, visibility and cultural pride in mainstream platforms.

In 2025, she made history as the first Indigenous Australian woman to present independently at Couture Fashion Week in Paris, showcasing off-schedule during the Autumn/Winter season.