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.

Strong collaborations have the power to do more than create beautiful garments or collections. At their best, they stren...
19/06/2026

Strong collaborations have the power to do more than create beautiful garments or collections. At their best, they strengthen community, protect cultural knowledge, create pathways for future generations and ensure First Nations voices, leadership and storytelling remain at the centre of creative practice.
📝 Learn more about this year’s shortlisted collaborations for the 2026 NIFA Community Collaboration Award, supported by QIC on the IFP Journal: www.ifp.org.au/celebrating-collaboration, words by Lauren Rogers.

🔜 A reminder that NIFA tickets are on sale now - and selling fast! Don't miss out, head to IFP.ORG.AU for details.

📷️ Magnolia wears pieces by Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture NT, Country to Couture 2025, photo by Marley Morgan

For Bula’bula Arts artists and designer Marcia Russell of Black Cat Couture NT, fashion became a platform for cultural c...
18/06/2026

For Bula’bula Arts artists and designer Marcia Russell of Black Cat Couture NT, fashion became a platform for cultural continuation, community celebration and Yolŋu self-determination.

Following the success of their first collection, artists and community members brought fashion back to Country with an on-Country event in Ramingining, where Yolŋu designs were worn and celebrated by community, family and Elders.

The resulting couture collection, Garkambarryirri (Daybreak), brings together painting, weaving, fibre practice and ceremonial object-making as expressions of Yolŋu culture. L

ed by artists and grounded in Country, the collaboration celebrates cultural identity, strengthens intergenerational knowledge sharing and ensures Yolŋu stories continue to be shared by Yolŋu people themselves.

Congratulations to Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture NT, shortlisted for the 2026 NIFA Community Collaboration Award supported by QIC. Over on the IFP Journal, Lauren Rogers takes a look at the 4 outstanding collaborations on this year’s shortlist.

📝 Have a read www.ifp.org.au/celebrating-collaboration/

🔜 A reminder that NIFA tickets are on sale now - and selling fast! Don't miss out, head to IFP.ORG.AU for details.

📷️ Courtesy of Bula'bula Arts x Black Cat Couture - NT, Group photo by Alana Holmberg.

Stretching from Maningrida in Arnhem Land to Bangalore in India, the collaboration between Bábbarra Women’s Centre and T...
17/06/2026

Stretching from Maningrida in Arnhem Land to Bangalore in India, the collaboration between Bábbarra Women’s Centre and Tharangini Studio is a powerful example of international cultural exchange grounded in Indigenous governance and cultural respect.

Beginning in 2022, the partnership transformed more than 70 historic Bábbarra lino designs into traditional Indian woodblocks, preserving cultural narratives while introducing new textile-making techniques.

With artists retaining copyright, guiding approvals and travelling to India to work alongside Tharangini artisans, the collaboration created meaningful exchange between two ancient creative traditions while safeguarding important archival works for future generations.

Congratulations to Bábbarra Women’s Centre x Tharangini Studio, shortlisted for the 2026 NIFA Community Collaboration Award supported by QIC. Over on the IFP Journal, Lauren Rogers takes a look at the 4 outstanding collaborations on this year’s shortlist.

📝 Have a read www.ifp.org.au/celebrating-collaboration

🔜 A reminder that NIFA tickets are on sale now - and selling fast! Don't miss out, head to IFP.ORG.AU for details.

📷️ Courtesy of Babbarra Women's Centre and Tharangini Studio, Photo by Ziian Carey. Featuring: Cindy Rostron wearing her mother’s (Jay Rostron) and auntie’s (Carol Liyawanga Campion) woodblock printed sari ‘Merlemerle, Bolung & Billabong’.

The collaboration between Koorie Heritage Trust and RMIT University shows how community-led partnerships can create last...
16/06/2026

The collaboration between Koorie Heritage Trust and RMIT University shows how community-led partnerships can create lasting pathways for future generations of First Nations creatives.

Through the Indigenous-led Blak Design Program, First Peoples designers are supported with mentorship, professional development and industry access, helping build sustainable careers grounded in culture, storytelling and community connection.

Guided by a First Peoples First framework, the program honours Indigenous ways of knowing and doing while fostering confidence, cultural strength and creative agency.

Its impact continues to grow, with alumni establishing businesses, securing employment and gaining recognition across Australia’s arts and design sectors.

Congratulations to Koorie Heritage Trust x RMIT, Blak Design Program, shortlisted for the 2026 NIFA Community Collaboration Award supported by QIC. Over on the IFP Journal, Lauren Rogers takes a look at the 4 outstanding collaborations on this year’s shortlist.

📝 Have a read www.ifp.org.au/celebrating-collaboration

🔜 A reminder that NIFA tickets are on sale now - and selling fast! Don't miss out, head to IFP.ORG.AU for details.

📷️ Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust x RMIT University, Blak Design Program

Long-standing relationships, trust and shared storytelling are at the heart of Magpie Goose’s collaboration with Quandam...
15/06/2026

Long-standing relationships, trust and shared storytelling are at the heart of Magpie Goose’s collaboration with Quandamooka artists from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

Bringing together established, mid-career and emerging artists, the collection transforms stories of Country, language, food-gathering practices, seasonal cycles and ancestral connection into contemporary textiles and garments.

With artists involved throughout every stage of the design process and a licensing model that supports fair remuneration and cultural agency, the collection celebrates the richness of Quandamooka Country while creating visibility, pride and opportunities for cultural storytelling through fashion.

Congratulations to Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists, shortlisted for the 2026 NIFA Community Collaboration Award supported by QIC.

Over on the IFP Journal, Lauren Rogers takes a look at the 4 outstanding collaborations on this year’s shortlist.
📝 Have a read www.ifp.org.au/celebrating-collaboration/

🔜 A reminder that NIFA tickets are on sale now - and selling fast! Don't miss out, head to IFP.ORG.AU for details (link in our bio).

📷️ Courtesy of .au and Quandamooka Artists, .burns.artist .enoch. Runway photos at Country to Couture 2025 by Dylan Buckee

“I would describe my work as an experimental process of self-discovery and growth. I use my work as a therapeutic tool t...
14/06/2026

“I would describe my work as an experimental process of self-discovery and growth. I use my work as a therapeutic tool to express my past and traumas, utilising recycled materials and bringing them new life, whilst showcasing and acknowledging their history, as to not be forgotten where it came from.
I hope others can see themselves in my work and use it as a means to empower themselves and appreciate where they came from and their environment being a reflection of that.”
- Corin Corcoran, corcorancorin
Textile Design NIFA Nominee

Quote as featured in Vogue Australia: The National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2026 nominees are here 💫 ✍️ Words by Jonah Waterhouse, read it here ➡️ https://buff.ly/pPyRmSR

🎟️ Reminder to grab your NIFA tickets before they sell out! Over at IFP.ORG.AU

📷️ Courtesy of Corin Corcoran

Fashion with Impact 🖤 Choosing to buy from First Nations designers and artists is more than a purchase — it's a meaningf...
12/06/2026

Fashion with Impact 🖤

Choosing to buy from First Nations designers and artists is more than a purchase — it's a meaningful way to celebrate strong cultures, and empower self-determined businesses.

Every piece carries a story. These are contemporary designs, grounded in culture, community, connection to Country, and the unique perspectives of First Nations peoples.

Get ready for the IFP Fashion Booths at DAAF this year - back and bigger than ever, with an incredible lineup of fashion from across the continent:
➖️ Atyene
➖️ DandiArt
➖️ Deadly Denim
➖️ Delvene Cockatoo Collins
➖️ Gammin Threads
➖️ Haus of Dizzy
➖️ Ikuntji Artists
➖️ Juluwarlu
➖️ KAFTA
➖️ KingKing Creative
➖️ Ku Arts Textiles Project
➖️ Kuku Bulkaway Arts
➖️ LIANDRA
➖️ LULUJARU
➖️ Magpie Goose
➖️ Marayn Menswear
➖️ Marnin Studio
➖️ Milky Water Western and Jaru Girl
➖️ Mumred
➖️ Waringarri Aboriginal Arts

🔜 Shop & meet the designers at DAAF, 6-9 August 2026
📍Garramilla / Darwin, Larrakia Country & online
🎟️ Free entry Friday-Sunday - Register at daaf.com.au/daaf-2026

“This Dhanggal Nhiigiliirr is a work years in the making, holding the memory of seasons and cradling generations of kins...
11/06/2026

“This Dhanggal Nhiigiliirr is a work years in the making, holding the memory of seasons and cradling generations of kinship and balance across Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay Country. Crafted in glass from an impression of a large 80-year-old mussel shell collected from the dry riverbed at the height of drought, it represents more than 2 million of these freshwater keystone species that perished in our river systems between 2017 to 2020.
This work was created to be worn with a story to hold and remember, and developed through a project to reinstate value to waste material (remanufactured television glass). As an object of identity and adornment, it symbolises the weight we carry in these times of ecological crisis and the responsibility we hold to nurture and sustain Gunimaa—Country and our waterways.
My hope is to celebrate the breadth, depth, and sophistication of First Nations storytelling, continuing practice, and innovation, and the power of fashion and contemporary design grounded in tradition to advocate for the needs of Country, water, and our future generations. I am proud to represent my community and our Ngurrambaa through this work and its acknowledgement this year at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards.”
- Lucy Simpson, Gaawaa Miyay
Wearable Art NIFA Nominee

As seen in Vogue Australia: The National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2026 nominees are here 💫 ✍️ Words by Jonah Waterhouse, read it here: https://buff.ly/pPyRmSR

🎟️ Reminder to grab your NIFA tickets before they sell out! Over at IFP.ORG.AU

Stunning weaving work by Kamilaroi man Zachary James O’Donnell, nominated for this year's Ceclia Cubillo Young Achiever ...
09/06/2026

Stunning weaving work by Kamilaroi man Zachary James O’Donnell, nominated for this year's Ceclia Cubillo Young Achiever Award, supported by Franchesca Cubillo 🖤

At just 20 years old, and coming from one of the most remote communities in Australia, Zachary is dreaming big and working to show what is possible for First Nations youth in fashion. An artist, dancer, designer, poet, and storyteller, Zachary's journey is one to watch!

"I come from Tennant Creek, a very small community on Warumungu Country in the Central Desert of the Northern Territory. So I knew that a big part of my practice was to inspire people to dream bigger than what they believed was possible. I try to show that through my work. I especially wanted to highlight my talents from a young age and show that there are more creative outlets for Indigenous youth.
I’ve worked with Our Young Mob / Our Mob, Ku Arts, Nyinkka Nyunyu, Barkly Regional Arts, The Creator Incubator and SewnByMob to show that if I can do this, than other young mob can do this and deserve a spot in this industry." - Zachary James O’Donnell

A reminder that NIFA tickets are on sale now - and selling fast! Don't miss out, head to IFP.ORG.AU for details.

📷️ wearing ‘BibuBibu’ Weaving by Zachary James O’Donnell, Photo by The Creative Cate

“Our work is connected to Country, family, and storytelling. Through fashion and art, we create pieces that celebrate Ab...
08/06/2026

“Our work is connected to Country, family, and storytelling. Through fashion and art, we create pieces that celebrate Aboriginal culture in a contemporary way while honouring the legacy of our father, William Jungala King.
Through our design, we hope to create greater visibility, authenticity, and accessibility to affordable Aboriginal-designed clothing for mob, while also creating opportunities for other First Nations creatives. We want our work to inspire connection, and a stronger presence for Blak stories to be seen, worn, and celebrated globally.”
- Sarrita & Tarisse King, KingKing Creative
NIFA Business Achievement Nominees

Quote as featured in Vogue Australia: The National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2026 nominees are here 💫 ✍️ Words by Jonah Waterhouse, read it here: https://buff.ly/pPyRmSR

🎟️ Reminder to grab your NIFA tickets before they sell out! Over at IFP.ORG.AU

📷️ Cassie wears KingKing Creative at Country to Couture 2025, photo by Dylan Buckee

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GPO Box 2342
Darwin, NT
0801

Telephone

+61889810576

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