WOW Fits is a creative partnership initiative connecting WOW events with local designers, makers and fashion creatives.
Through the program, WOW MCs are dressed by designers from the communities in which our events take place, creating a visible platform for local talent while bringing fashion, identity and storytelling into the WOW experience. More than simply “what our hosts wear”, WOW Fits is an opportunity to celebrate distinctive local design, support creative enterprise and ensure the people and cultures of each place are reflected on the WOW stage.
The idea for WOW Fits was conceived by Francoise Lane for WOW Cairns 2026. Francoise brings to the concept her commitment to ethical creative practice, respect for Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), and the importance of authentic representation.
WOW Fits builds on that vision: creating meaningful connections between designers, place and audiences while giving local creativity a prominent place within the festival.
Artists
Lynelle Flinders
Specialising in hand printed textiles, artist Lynelle Flinders is a descendant of the Dharrba Warra Clan from the Starke River area north of Cooktown. Taking inspiration from her rich cultural heritage, Lynelle’s work highlights the growth, vibrancy and potential of Indigenous-led fashion and design.
Showcasing her work during numerous exhibitions, she continues to produce textiles based on knowledge and passion for her country and heritage. Her works have been showcased across several mediums with garments presented during the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s Fashion Performance since 2013.
With a growing repertoire of collections and exhibitions under her belt, Lynelle’s work as a design and textile artist exemplifies the potential of Indigenous-led fashion.
Lynelle Flinders is a textile designer and artist, her current practice as a textile artist showcases her works concentrating on hand printed textiles using various traditional and alternative materials to achieve her designs. Lynelle diverted her artistic talents to designing textiles and creating fashion for her label “Sown in Time”.
Francoise Lane
Francoise Lane is a Torres Strait Islander woman of Meriam and Kaurareg descent, Peoples of Zenadth Kes, with Filipino and Irish heritage. Her maternal family are from Keriri (Hammond Island) — a place of deep connection to Country, reef, tide and those who came before. She lives and works on Gabuda, Yindiji Country (Gordonvale, Far North Queensland). Francoise Lane is a member of the Indigenous Art Code, reflecting her commitment to ethical practice, ICIP respect and authentic First Nations creative values.
T H E I N S P I R A T I O N
The Sea Garden Collection was born from reef walks at Kerriri at low tide — the lagoon revealing coral formations, colour and texture in the cool of the day. Francoise imagined drawing up the hem of a dress to keep it from the salt water: that act of movement, ease and connection to place became the collection's spirit. Textile prints were created exclusively from the colours and patterns of coral, hand-drawn and translated into the Coral Combo and Coral Brush fabrics that run as a signature thread through every garment. This is clothing rooted in family, Country and everyday generosity.