The 10th anniversary Country to Couture runway and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards drew the leading lights of Australia's fashion world to the Top End this month.

Indigenous Fashion Projects, established by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, founded Country to Couture to provide a platform for First Nations designers to showcase their creative excellence though works inspired by Country, community and culture.

"It's been exciting and inspiring to watch the team work together this year," said Indigenous Fashion Projects Manager Michelle Maynard.

This year welcomed ten new designers, alongside returning Art Centres and designers, including Nagula Jarndu Designs and Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct who have shown collections in multiple years, from the very first Country to Couture runway show in 2016.

Talented First Nations creative Lindyn Rowland took on the role of Head Stylist alongside returning Assistant Stylist Jake Powers, and model mentor Cassie Puruntatameri, under the mentorship of Karinda Mutabazi.

"Through close collaboration with artists, I've developed an eye for blending traditional elements with contemporary fashion, ensuring that authenticity is at the forefront of every presentation," said Rowland.

"I feel a deep sense of responsibility to uplift, empower and amplify Indigenous voices in the fashion industry. I'm committed to these artists, designers, and creators. Each garment tells a story, we're here to celebrate excellence.

This year the milestone celebration also marked a decade on Larrakia country, delivering the largest and most diverse representation of First Nations fashion. The 2025 runway event featured 20 collections with 25 brands represented, and welcomed more than 80 artists, Art Centres, independent designers and brands either on stage or behind the scenes.

While Show 1, 'Threads of Country', honoured the deep connection between First Nations people and their land, Show 2, 'Rising Colours: The BLAK Party', celebrated the significant 10-year milestone of Country to Couture.

The event featured a high-energy performance from respected First Nations musician, BARKAA.

DAAF Foundation's Executive Director, Claire Summers, reflected on the significance of this year's event.

"Tonight's show was an exhilarating celebration of how First Nations designers and artists master traditional practices to inform contemporary design," Summers said in a post-event statement.

"This evening's milestone represents more than just a decade of runway shows, it embodies a cultural revolution that continues to redefine Australian fashion, it's incredible to see how Country to Couture has evolved from a showcase celebrating Indigenous textiles into the nation's premier platform for First Nations fashion innovation."

Also bringing several fashion enthusiasts to Darwin this month was the annual National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFAs)

The NIFAs were established to celebrate and recognise the strength and innovation of First Nations designers working in fashion and textiles, while presenting a platform to showcase talented creatives by championing their innovation, diversity and ethical practices.

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 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.

Indigenous Fashion Projects manager, Michelle Maynard, said the Awards night was "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 industry partnerships, experience and financial support from fashion industry leaders 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."

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."

The Canberra Centre is currently hosting a showcase of award-winning designs from the 2025 National Indigenous Fashion Awards, presented in partnership with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation.

The exhibition will also travel to Eastland (Melbourne) in June 2026 for Reconciliation Week.

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