Indigenous Fashion Projects returns to Larrakia Country this August, with Australia's largest annual showcase of First Nations fashion entering an exciting new era.

Presented as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation's landmark 20th anniversary program, The National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) and Country to Couture runways continue to champion cultural integrity, artistic innovation and community empowerment, while creating pathways for First Nations designers, artists and creatives on a national and global stage.

This year, 25 nominees have been shortlisted across seven award categories, celebrating the strength, innovation and future of First Nations fashion and textile design across Australia.

Indigenous Fashion Projects Manager Michelle Maynard said the growth of NIFA reflects the strength, creativity and cultural leadership shaping First Nations fashion across Country.

"NIFA creates a space where First Nations designers and creatives are recognised and celebrated by their peers, communities and the wider industry," she said.

"That acknowledgement is powerful. It's more than an award. It's about community, visibility and celebrating the continuing cultural knowledge, creativity and hard work behind every designer and artist.

"These moments can be transformative for creatives and continue to strengthen the Indigenous fashion sector as a whole."

The 25 shortlisted NIFA nominees will be reviewed by an esteemed judging panel including Lisa Friedl (Country Road), Julie Shaw (MAARA Collective) and Lindyn Rowland (Rowland Vision).

The winners will be announced at the NIFA sunset ceremony at the Deckchair Cinema on Larrakia Country. The event will also be broadcast by Principal Media Partner, NITV, for those unable to attend in person.

Following last year's milestone 10-year celebration, for the first time ever, Country to Couture 2026 will expand to a two-night runway showcase, taking place across Sunday the August 2 and Monday August 3.

Maynard said the expansion to two nights reflects the continued growth and momentum of First Nations fashion across Australia.

"Country to Couture has grown into one of Australia's leading First Nations fashion events and one of the most important sector-building platforms in our sector," she said.

"It provides valuable exposure, capacity building and professional development and a bridge to accessing broader industry opportunities.

"We are excited to head into our next decade of Country to Couture and deliver this years shows back on Country in the landscaped terrace garden at Charles Darwin Universities newest city campus, 'Danala'.

"As we bring new experiences to our audiences, we create new opportunities for our teams and participants to grow and keep nurturing the platform as a space where community, culture and creativity lead."

The runways will be held at Charles Darwin University's Danala Campus, set within an outdoor landscaped forecourt centred around a heritage boab tree.

Danala, meaning "dillybag" in Larrakia language, represents a space for holding and sharing knowledge, reinforcing the event's deep connection to Country, culture and community.

Presenting 21 First Nations collections, Country to Couture presents two distinct runway experiences:

Show One, Carried by Our Matriarchs - From legacy we rise, celebrates the rhythm carried by women, the artistry, their collaboration, their lore.

An honouring of matriarchal strength and the grace of Ancestral knowledge moving through the sacred cycles of Blak women.

Show Two, Imprints and Memory - Seasons of the Land, Waters and Sky, reflects the many lands and waters where the same sky stretches above us.

As a living archive the sky holds memory. It moves in cycles, the changing seasons guiding rhythms of life. Lands, waters and sky sustain our living cultures, showing us that when Country flourishes, so too can we.

Since beginning as a modest showcase amongst the Art Centre booths at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair in 2016, Country to Couture has evolved into Australia's leading platform for First Nations fashion innovation, championing cultural storytelling, artistic excellence and empowering representation on a national stage.

Across the past decade, the runway has showcased more than 120 Indigenous fashion collections, presented over 1,000 looks and featured more than 250 Indigenous models representing diverse language groups and communities from across the country.

DAAF Foundation's Community ambassador, Wakaman and KuKu Yalanji woman, Jessica Mauboy said: "Every year I'm blown away by the creativity, storytelling and cultural pride showcased through Indigenous Fashion Projects."

"It's so exciting to see the community and excellence at the NIFA, and to see Country to Couture continue to grow across two nights!

"It's incredibly powerful for our communities to see First Nations designers, artists, models and creatives being celebrated on such a major platform, while sharing culture and creating opportunities for the next generation."

Part of DAAF Foundation's major 2026 program on Larrakia Country, alongside the 20th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (6-9 August), Country to Couture will be showcased across two breathtaking runways (2 and 3 August), followed by the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (5 August).

Tickets to attend will be released on May 28 via IFP.ORG.AU, with the NIFA awards set to be broadcast nationally on NITV.

For more fashion, culture, arts and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.