Set to return to Larrakia Country this August, Indigenous Fashion Projects' National Indigenous Fashion Awards is set to showcase and celebrate the best First Nations fashion in Australia.
Taking place on the 6th of August, the Awards (NIFA) celebrate and recognise the strength and innovation of First Nations peoples working in fashion.
This year, a shortlisted 38 finalists will be recognised across seven categories, with the winners set to be announced at the Deckchair Cinema.
The 2025 NIFA judging panel includes Yatu Widders-Hunt, Lisa Waup and Country Road's Jessica Poynter.
Indigenous Fashion Projects manager Michelle Maynard said this year's pool of applicants highlights the growing talent emerging from First Nations communities.
"The NIFA is a vital event for celebrating and elevating First Nations fashion and textile design. The pool of applicants has grown annually since it began and is a testament to the expansiveness of activity in our sector. It's not just a hobby," she said.
"We are seeing viable careers and futures being built that enable Indigenous wealth creation through the language of fashion, grounded in cultural integrity and knowledge systems. This sector is important and needs to be acknowledged and supported in its potential, and in the role it plays in creating brighter futures, out of the deficit situation that is still current.
"All of the applications this year were outstanding, and I want to congratulate and celebrate every single nominee in their creative practice, their beautifully unique creations, and the generosity of story shared through their work."
Beyond the popular awards ceremony, NIFA brings with it business development, financial and mentorship support from leading fashion figures including Helen Kaminski, RMIT, QIC, and Country Road.
Since 2020, Country Road has been a proud presenter of the Fashion Designer Award.
Brand sustainability manager at Country Road, Fabia Pryor, said "every year we're blown away by the cultural expression, storytelling and design of the nominees".
"We look forward to connecting with this year's Fashion Designer award winner and being a part of their journey. Supporting First Nations designers through the NIFA, Country to Couture and broader IFP programs is vital for the future of the Australian fashion industry," she said.
This year the five finalists for the highly anticipated Fashion Designer Award are Clair Helen Parker, Melissa Greenwood, Natisha Tabua, Samala Cronin, and Tahnee Edwards. The winning designer will also receive a $5,000 prize or a 12-month industry mentorship with Country Road.
The mentorship program is tailored to the needs and focus areas defined by the mentee, covering areas such as marketing, product development, sales and finance and sustainability. A $5,000 cash prize is offered as an alternative to the mentorship, where the mentee requires investment in business related travel, capital, or operational expenses.
Other award categories include the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award, Community Collaboration Award, Business Achievement Award, Wearable Art Award, Traditional Adornment Award and the Textile Design Award - with each award supported by different industry partners.
Whilst the full list of finalists can be found online, several renowned First Nations brands and creatives have been announced as finalists including Gali Swimwear, Ikuntji Artists, Miimi & Jiinda and Cindy Rostron.
The 10-year anniversary of Country to Couture will be showcased across two breathtaking runways on August the 5th, followed by the National Indigenous Fashion Awards on August the 6th.
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