Clair Helen Parker, an individual designer of original fashion apparel who has excelled both creatively and commercially, received the Fashion Designer Award at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards on Wednesday.
A proud Tiwi woman from Boorloo/Perth, Parker offers bespoke wearable art and ready-to-purchase pieces which reflect her deep cultural connection.
Heavily inspired by her childhood in the Northern Territory, Parker's designs merge Indigenous influences with modern fashion, telling rich stories through shape, colour and symbolism.
The prestigious Fashion Designer Award will see the multi-talented designer undergo a 12-month mentorship with Country Road tailored specifically to Parker's desired focus areas, while also covering aspects such as marketing, product development, sales, finance and sustainability.
"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," Parker 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."
National Indigenous Fashion Awards judge, Jessica Poynter, applauded Parker's selection, noting how her creative to connection to her culture is evident throughout her carefully crafted garments.
"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."
Having participated in many fashion weeks after designing several standout collections, the award is set to propel Parker's career as a highly respected First Nations designer.
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