Indigenous Fashion Projects announced the winners of this year's National Indigenous Fashion Awards as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation's annual program of fashion, art and cultural events on Wednesday.
The seven category winners - Rhonda Sharpe, Rena Ngalinggama Guyula, Cleonie Quayle, Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association x Tiwi Artists, Miimi & Jiinda - Melissa Greenwood, Clair Helen Parker and Cindy Rostron - were selected from a shortlist of 38 finalists.
Each award winner was selected in recognition of their creativity, talent and business contribution to the ever-evolving Australian fashion industry.
Winners spanned a range of categories including young achiever, fashion designer, wearable art, textile design and traditional adornment, through to business achievement and community collaboration.
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFAs) celebrate and recognise the strength and innovation of First Nations designers working in fashion and textiles, whilst presenting a platform to showcase talented creatives by championing their innovation, diversity and ethical practices.
Indigenous Fashion Projects manager, Michelle Maynard, explained how much the awards mean to participants, the broader fashion industry and the local community.
"Tonight has been another intimate celebration of this year's NIFA winners and nominees. It's wonderful to shine the light on the design skill and talent across our communities, and to nurture the vitality of our creative sector," Maynard said.
"NIFA is such an incredibly important evening to be part of. You get to share in the discovery and awe of the vibrant design landscape, the beautiful and diverse designers, artists, and their stories.
"You really get to feel the depth of cultural connection and belonging being articulated through textiles and fashion, whilst witnessing the impact of the awards, as the winners share the emotion of what it means to them."
This year's judging panel included Yatu Widders-Hunt and Lisa Waup alongside new addition, head of design for accessories at Country Road, Jessica Poynter.
Award recipients will have access to invaluable industry partnerships, experience and financial support from leading fashion industry heavyweights including Helen Kaminski, RMIT and QIC.
Additionally, the winner of the prestigious Fashion Designer Award, Clair Helen Parker, will have the opportunity to undergo a 12-month mentorship with Country Road, tailored specifically to Clair Helen's desired focus areas, covering aspects such as marketing, product development, sales, finance and sustainability.
NIFA judge, Jessica Poynter, applauded Clair Helen's selection.
"Clair Helen's connection to Indigenous elements and the transformative nature of wearable art radiates through every piece she creates", she said.
"Her powerful statement describing her designs as a means of cultural expression really resonated with me. That sentiment carries through in the textiles, stories, and spirit of her work, reminding us that fashion can be a living canvas of identity and heritage."
Designer Clair Helen said she was honoured to receive the award in recognition of her efforts.
"I'm honoured to receive this award. Over the past decade, I've dedicated myself to mastering my craft to share my culture and create pieces that express identity and lift people's spirits," she said.
"Fashion is a powerful vessel for change, and while I'm still on my journey, this recognition feels like the start of something bigger, a step toward sparking change and empowering others through creativity and community."
Canberra Centre will unveil a striking showcase of award-winning designs from the 2025 National Indigenous Fashion Awards in late August, presented in partnership with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation.
The exhibition will also travel to Eastland (Melbourne) in June 2026 for Reconciliation Week.
Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects and proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company, nominees and award winners showcase the very best techniques and storytelling through their show-stopping textile and design.
Celebrating fashion design, textile innovation, wearable art and community collaboration, the showcase highlights the creativity and culture of First Nations designers.
The 2025 National Indigenous Fashion Awards winners
Textile Design Award: Supported by RMIT
Winner: Rhonda Sharpe, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists | Mob: Luritja | Location: Mparntwe, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Traditional Adornment Award: Supported by Helen Kaminski
Winner: Rena Ngalinggama Guyula, Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts | Mob: Djambarrpuyngu | Location: Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Wearable Art Award: Supported by Eastland
Winner: Cleonie Quayle | Mob: Malyingyapa Barkindj | Location: Merrylands West, New South Wales
Community Collaboration Award: Support by Canberra Centre
Winner: Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association x Tiwi Artists | Mob: Tiwi
Business Achievement Award: Supported by QIC
Winner: Miimi & Jiinda, Melissa Greenwood | Mob: Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung Dunghutti
Fashion Designer Award: Supported by Country Road
Winner: Clair Helen Parker | Mob: Tiwi | Location: Boorloo, Perth, Western Australia
Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award: Supported by Franchesca Cubillo
Winner: Cindy Rostron | Mob: Bunungku | Location: Maningrida, Northern Territory
Highly Commended: Djilpin Arts artists x Kate Sale & Fiona Gavino
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