FOLLOWING THE STIMULATING runways of both the Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) and First Nations Fashion and Design show at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards have announced their talented 2022 nominees.
Since 2020, the prestigious event has celebrated the creativity, diversity and expressive design qualities of some of the country’s best First Nations designers.
The joint partnership between the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF) and Indigenous Fashion Projects — also supported by the Northern Territory Government — aims to globally showcase both creatives based in our urban and regional cities but also those in the farthest-reaching remote communities.
The NIFA’s also contribute to the promotion of fashion design as a career with mentoring and networking opportunities available.
DAAFF Artistic Director and proud Eastern Arrernte visual artist, Shilo McNamee called the event a unique opportunity for the Australian and international fashion community to connect with the world’s oldest living cultures.
“The NIFA recognises excellence across multiple award categories and provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to gain attention and receive mentoring support, so they can not only build capacity, but thrive in the industry,” McNamee said.
Awards are recognised across six categories including the ‘Traditional Adornment Award,’ which honours designers who have created items or pieces of clothing considered “traditional cultural regalia,” as well as the ‘Wearable Art Award’ and ‘Textile Design Award.’
In continuing their support, Country Road will present the NIFA Fashion Design Award — which’ll see the winner gain a year-long mentorship program with the iconic Australian fashion brand.
“The award winner will receive a 12-month mentorship with Country Road, allowing them to connect with leaders in the fashion industry, access in-depth insights into Country Road’s retail operations and receive consulting on the needs of their brand,” Brand Community and Impact Manager at Country Road, Fabia Pryor said.
Notable nominees include Laura Thompson of Clothing the Gaps, Briana Enoch of Jarawee and 2021’s Indigenous Designer Of The Year Fashion Laureate nominees — Denni Francisco and Ngali x Warmum Art and Lillardia Briggs-Housten.
Industry experts judging the awards include founder and creative director of Kira Models, Perina Drummond, design manager of women’s wear at Country Road, Jacklyn Rivera, headof marketing and communications at the Australian Fashion Council, Pru-Ellen Thomas and the founder of #ausindigenousfashion on Instagram & Facebook, Yatu Widders-Hunt.Read more at:formal dresses perth | white formal dresses
