Indigenous Fashion Projects

Indigenous Fashion Projects Building Fashion Futures. Be part of the First Nations fashion & textiles LEGACY. Home to Country to Couture, NIFA, IFP Runway & Pathways Program.

Welcome to Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and governed, the IFP collaborates with Indigenous Australians working in textiles and fashion, with a range of development programs, mentoring opportunities and promotional events. Brought to you by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF), home of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) and Country to Couture Runway.

Named in honour of Franchesca Cubillo’s Mother, the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award recognises an outstanding young...
29/05/2026

Named in honour of Franchesca Cubillo’s Mother, the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award recognises an outstanding young person between the ages of 15-25 years, who is excelling in a fashion related role in their community or the broader industry. ✨✨✨

Congratulations to the NIFA 2026 shortlisted nominees for the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award:
- Jake Powers
- Tiesha Munnich-Hewitt
- Zachary James O’Donnell

🔔 Join us on Wednesday 5 Aug for a sunset ceremony on Larrakia Country at the iconic Deckchair Cinema! Tickets available NOW via IFP.ORG.AU

See the full Nominee Shortlist here: www.ifp.org.au/nifa-2026-shortlist



Brought to you by Indigenous Fashion Projects as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, NIFA is supported by Presenting, Showcase and Designer Travel Partner QIC, Principal Media Partner NITV and award partners QIC, Pacific Werribee, Canberra Centre, Country Road, Franchesca Cubillo, RMIT University, and Desart, with ticketing partner Darwin Fringe Festival, and Generous Supporters Terri Layman & Michael Sitzler.

📸Courtesy of the Nominees
- Jake Powers, Behind the scenes of Country to Couture, 2025, Photo by Marley Morgan
- Tiesha Munnich-Hewitt, photo by Ernesto Daniel Creative
- Zachary (ZAKARI) James O’Donnell, Photo by The Garage Studio

For tens of thousands of years First Nations Peoples from around the continent have celebrated their cultures through tr...
29/05/2026

For tens of thousands of years First Nations Peoples from around the continent have celebrated their cultures through traditional dress. Supported by Desart, the Traditional Adornment award recognises the design of items, created and worn to define or express culture.This award aims to encourage the creation and acknowledgement of traditional cultural regalia. ✨✨✨

Congratulations to the NIFA 2026 shortlisted nominees for the Traditional Adornment Award:
- Cassie Fisher Patterson, Yanggurdi (Wild Blak Arts - Cassie Fisher Patterson)
- Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni, Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association

🔔 Join us on Wednesday 5 Aug for a sunset ceremony on Larrakia Country at the iconic ! Tickets available NOW via IFP.ORG.AU

See the full Nominee Shortlist here - www.ifp.org.au/nifa-2026-shortlist



Brought to you by Indigenous Fashion Projects as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, NIFA is supported by Presenting, Showcase and Designer Travel Partner QIC, Principal Media Partner NITV and award partners QIC, Pacific Werribee, Canberra Centre, Country Road, Franchesca Cubillo, RMIT University, and Desart, with ticketing partner Darwin Fringe Festival, and Generous Supporters Terri Layman & Michael Sitzler.

📸 Courtesy of the Nominees
- Cassie Fisher Patterson, Echidna spine necklace
- Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni, Tunga (bark basket) and parmijini (headband/armbands), courtesy of Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association

Big thank you to Country to Couture’s Premium Media Partner Peppermint Magazine for sharing the stories of First Nations...
28/05/2026

Big thank you to Country to Couture’s Premium Media Partner Peppermint Magazine for sharing the stories of First Nations designers and artists 🖤 Have a read:

Supported by Canberra Centre, the Business Achievement award recognises and celebrates leadership in an Aboriginal and T...
28/05/2026

Supported by Canberra Centre, the Business Achievement award recognises and celebrates leadership in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business. These creatives show both creative and commercial success in textiles and fashion, and are positively impacting the Indigenous fashion sector. ✨✨✨

Congratulations to the NIFA 2026 shortlisted nominees for the Business Achievement Award:
- David Leslie, Gali Swimwear
- Ikuntji Artists, Ikuntji Designs
- KAFTA - Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art
- Sarrita and Tarisse King, KingKing Creative

🔔 Join us on Wednesday 5 Aug for a sunset ceremony on Larrakia Country at the iconic Deckchair Cinema! Tickets available via IFP.ORG.AU

See the full Nominee Shortlist here - www.ifp.org.au/nifa-2026-shortlist



Brought to you by Indigenous Fashion Projects as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, NIFA is supported by Presenting, Showcase and Designer Travel Partner QIC, Principal Media Partner NITV and award partners QIC, Pacific Werribee, Canberra Centre, Country Road, Franchesca Cubillo, RMIT University, and Desart, with ticketing partner Darwin Fringe Festival, and Generous Supporters Terri Layman & Michael Sitzler.

📸Courtesy of the Nominees
- Model Trent Owers wears Gali Swimwear, Lukarrara Pink with artist Pauline Gallagher, Photo by Jose Yutiu
- Ikuntji Artists Roseranna Larry [left] and Keturah Zimran [right] with the AYO Flagship Orchestra, Photo by Renee Brazel
- Marnin Studio designs worn by Kahlia Rogers and mentee model from Fitzroy Crossing, Photo by Michael Jalaru Torres, Courtesy of KAFTA
- Sarrita and Tarisse King, KingKing Creative, Melbourne Fashion Festival, Mob in Fashion - Beyond Blak runway, 2026

Supported by Pacific Werribee, the Wearable Art Award celebrates design, artistry, construction, wearability and cultura...
28/05/2026

Supported by Pacific Werribee, the Wearable Art Award celebrates design, artistry, construction, wearability and cultural expression. Recognising an individual designer for the creation of a single worn item of clothing, accessory or piece of jewellery that demonstrates excellence in design, craft and artistic expression. ✨✨✨

Congratulations to the NIFA 2026 shortlisted nominees for the Wearable Art Award:
- Julie Ashley, Djilpin Arts
- Lucy Simpson, Gaawaa Miyay
- Sarrita King - Artist X EDITION
- Samala Cronin, MumRed

🔔 Join us on Wednesday 5 Aug for a sunset ceremony on Larrakia Country at the iconic Deckchair Cinema! Tickets available NOW via IFP.ORG.AU

See the full Nominee Shortlist here: www.ifp.org.au/nifa-2026-shortlist



Brought to you by Indigenous Fashion Projects as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, NIFA is supported by Presenting, Showcase and Designer Travel Partner QIC, Principal Media Partner NITV and award partners QIC, Pacific Werribee, Canberra Centre, Country Road, Franchesca Cubillo, RMIT University, and Desart, with ticketing partner Darwin Fringe Festival, and Generous Supporters Terri Layman & Michael Sitzler.

📸Courtesy of the Nominees
- Julie Ashley, Woven wearable flower bouquet, Courtesy of Djilpin Arts
- Lucy Simpson, Dhanggal Nhiigiliirr Necklace, Glass river mussel shell (sand-cast glass on hand-twined fibre)
- Sarrita King X EDITION, Photo by Lauren Sutton
- Samala Cronin, MumRed, Milbi dress, Seven Sister Dreaming Collection, Photo Courtesy of CIAF

🎟 Tickets are now live for the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) 2026!Purchase here: https://buff.ly/qxDM2Nb Joi...
28/05/2026

🎟 Tickets are now live for the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) 2026!

Purchase here: https://buff.ly/qxDM2Nb

Join us on Larrakia Country for a spectacular sunset celebration at the iconic Deckchair Cinema, honouring the creativity, innovation and excellence of First Nations fashion and textiles.

Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects, an initiative of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, the NIFA celebrates emerging and established designers, artists and makers across seven prestigious award categories — shining a spotlight on the strength and future of Indigenous fashion.

Bringing together the Australian and international fashion community, the awards offer a unique opportunity to connect with the world’s oldest continuous living cultures through fashion, storytelling and design.

📍 5 August 2026 | Deckchair Cinema, Darwin
Secure your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable evening.

🎟 Tickets are now live for Country to Couture 2026!Show 1: https://buff.ly/TisldcP Show 2: https://buff.ly/tfYEkUI Retur...
28/05/2026

🎟 Tickets are now live for Country to Couture 2026!

Show 1: https://buff.ly/TisldcP
Show 2: https://buff.ly/tfYEkUI

Returning to Larrakia Country on 2–3 August 2026, Country to Couture showcases the cutting edge of Indigenous fashion through two unforgettable runway events celebrating First Nations designers, artists and creatives from across the continent.

Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects, an initiative of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, Country to Couture brings together contemporary fashion, culture, storytelling and innovation in a world-class runway experience.

As part of the 20th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, this year’s event promises bold new collections, powerful collaborations and an extraordinary celebration of Indigenous design excellence.

DAAF week is one of the Top End’s most anticipated cultural events — we encourage audiences to book early to avoid missing out.

Supported by QIC, this award recognises strong, two-way relationships between First Nations communities and the textile ...
27/05/2026

Supported by QIC, this award recognises strong, two-way relationships between First Nations communities and the textile and fashion industry. Collaborations where social and economic benefits flow to communities, and where First Nations Peoples’ agency in the process is front and centre. ✨✨✨

Congratulations to the NIFA 2026 shortlisted nominees for the Community Collaboration Award:
- Babbarra Women's Centre x Tharangini Studio
- Bula'bula Arts x Black Cat Couture - NT
- Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists
- Koorie Heritage Trust Inc x RMIT University, Blak Design Program

🔔 Join us on Wednesday 5 Aug for a sunset ceremony on Larrakia Country at the iconic Deckchair Cinema! Tickets available from Thursday via IFP.ORG.AU

See the full Nominee Shortlist here: www.ifp.org.au/nifa-2026-shortlist



Brought to you by Indigenous Fashion Projects as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, NIFA is supported by Presenting, Showcase and Designer Travel Partner QIC, Principal Media Partner NITV and award partners QIC, Pacific Werribee, Canberra Centre, Country Road, Franchesca Cubillo, RMIT University, and Desart, with ticketing partner Darwin Fringe Festival, and Generous Supporters Terri Layman & Michael Sitzler.

📸Courtesy of the Nominees
- Abigail Namundja holding her late mother, J. Wurrkidj woodblock design 'Buluwana la Ngalyod', Banglore, 2024, Photo by Ziian Carey
- Bula'bula Arts artists and Black Cat Couture NT, Photo by Alana Holmberg
- Blak Design Installation, Koorie Heritage Trust x RMIT (Blak Design Program)
- Dean Kieron, Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists (Amanda Hayman)

Indigenous textile design holds deep meaning. A medium that offers freedom, where the use of the vibrant colours in text...
26/05/2026

Indigenous textile design holds deep meaning. A medium that offers freedom, where the use of the vibrant colours in textile design is represented in new expressions of old stories, which enable artists to stretch their imagination. Presented by RMIT University, this award celebrates and recognises excellence in Textile Design. ✨✨✨

Congratulations to the NIFA 2026 shortlisted nominees for the Textile Design Award:
- Artists of Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art (collective), Tjarlirli Art
- Corin Corcoran, corcorancorin
- Lillardia Briggs-Houston,
- Lorna Shuan, Yalanji Arts, Yalanji Arts - Mossman Gorge

🔔 Join us on Wednesday 5 Aug for a sunset ceremony on Larrakia Country at the iconic Deckchair Cinema! Tickets available from Thursday via IFP.ORG.AU

See the full Nominee Shortlist here - www.ifp.org.au/nifa-2026-shortlist/



Brought to you by Indigenous Fashion Projects as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, NIFA is supported by Presenting, Showcase and Designer Travel Partner QIC, Principal Media Partner NITV and award partners QIC, Pacific Werribee, Canberra Centre, Country Road, Franchesca Cubillo, RMIT University, and Desart, with ticketing partner Darwin Fringe Festival, and Generous Supporters Terri Layman & Michael Sitzler.

📸Courtesy of the Nominees
- Sabrina Butler and Talia Bennett in Tjukurla, Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art, ‘Pirriya’, Photo by Kate McGrath
- Corin Corcoran, Melbourne Fashion Festival, Back in Blak Runway by Mob in Fashion, 2025
- Lillardia Briggs-Houston, Hand dyed silk organza
- Model with design by Lorna Shuan, Kurriyala (Carpet Snake) textile print, Courtesy of Yalanji Arts

Since 2020, Country Road has proudly presented the NIFA Fashion Designer Award. The award recognises a designer who has ...
26/05/2026

Since 2020, Country Road has proudly presented the NIFA Fashion Designer Award. The award recognises a designer who has excelled both creatively and commercially. ✨✨✨

Congratulations to the NIFA 2026 shortlisted nominees for the Fashion Designer Award:
- Bianca Long, Jaru Girl,
- Delvene Cockatoo-Collins
- Ebony Kruger, .Noire
- Samala Cronin, MumRed

🔔 Join us on Wednesday 5 Aug for a sunset ceremony on Larrakia Country at the iconic ! Tickets available from Thursday via IFP.ORG.AU

See the full Nominee Shortlist via the link here: https://buff.ly/oDHfyIT



Brought to you by as part of Foundation, NIFA is supported by Presenting, Showcase and Designer Travel Partner QIC, Principal Media Partner and award partners QIC, , , , Franchesca Cubillo, , and , with ticketing partner , and Generous Supporters Terri Layman & Michael Sitzler.

📸Courtesy of the Nominees
Jaru Girl by Bianca Long, Milky Water Western, Photo by Sarah Duguid
Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, 'Where Dilly Bags Catch the Light' exhibition Brisbane Quarter, 2026, Photo by Claudia Baxter
Ebony Noire by Ebony Kruger, Melbourne Fashion Festival - Beyond Black Runway by Mob in Fashion, 2026, Photo by Lucas Dawson
Samala Cronin, MumRed, Seven Sister Dreaming Collection, Photo courtesy of CIAF

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Darwin, NT
0801

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+61889810576

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