Fashion designer Nicole Chatfield is hoping her debut at Cairns Fashion Week on Friday can be a launching pad for her clothing to be showcased to the world.

Chatfield, who is a Yirrganydji woman from the region spanning the coastline between Port Douglas and Cairns, says she likes how the CFW has been making connections globally.

She has also applied for her collection of "repurposed and upcycled” garments to feature in the fashion show at next year’s Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair - she will find out next month whether her label Goompi’s Girl has been accepted there.

“I wish I had a crystal ball, but I hope for the best,” Chatfield says.

“My aim is to create a sustainable product and see what happens.”

She says the 10 outfits to be displayed on the Cairns Screen Queensland Studios catwalk this Friday evening stem from her creative arts background, which includes designing and basketweaving.

“It is just an extension of my Aboriginality and connection to Country,” she says.

“Clothing is an expression of who you are.”

Chatfield decided to apply for CFW after a successful launch of her garment collection at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in July.

“CIAF was the pathway to building confidence.”