With a commitment to cultural integrity, artistic innovation, and community empowerment, Indigenous Fashion Projects' popular Country to Couture runways will return this August, profiling some of the top performing First Nations designers Australia has to offer.
Held as part of the annual Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) program, Indigenous Fashion Projects hosts both the Country to Couture runways and National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA).
The events embody a cultural revolution, a vital bridge connecting remote, regional and urban Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with the global fashion stage.
Celebrating a decade of continuous growth and innovation, Country to Couture has platformed over 120 fashion collections, with more than 1,000 unique looks worn by 250 First Nations models down the runway.
The runway has sparked major industry collaborations, nurtured emerging Indigenous fashion businesses, launched countless careers and created new pathways in the industry, dramatically accelerating the growth of Australia's Indigenous fashion sector.
In 2025, the legacy continues to boom with two runways showcasing 22 First Nations collections from across the country, whilst supporting professional development opportunities within the event team.
With plans well underway, attendees can expect an unforgettable night to celebrate this historic milestone.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation's community ambassador and proud Wakaman and KuKu Yalanji woman, Jessica Mauboy shared her excitement for the event.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to see the incredible talent platformed by Indigenous Fashion Projects each August," Mauboy said.
"And I'm especially counting down for this year's showstopping Country to Couture - 10 years is an amazing achievement.
"It's so empowering for our communities, to be able to see First Nations designers, artists, models and creatives dreaming big and getting the recognition they deserve."
Indigenous Fashion Projects manager Michelle Maynard said she is looking forward to welcoming 2025's cohort of designers to the stage, including talented stylists Lindyn Rowland and Jake Powers.
"We're so excited to have a dynamic styling team for our 2025 shows, Lindyn Rowland - Head Stylist and Jake Powers - Assistant Stylist, both in developing roles under the mentorship of Karinda Mutabazi," Maynard said.
"The team are bringing a fresh creative vision to the shows with depth, meaning and vibrancy, and we continue to grow our workforce in specialised roles.
"It's hard to believe Country to Couture began as a modest showcase nestled amongst the Art Centre booths at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair in 2016, and is now the largest showcase of Indigenous fashion in Australia.
"This is a moment for us all to reflect, acknowledge and show our respect for all the work that has been done by so many, so far. A moment to share celebration and excitement for the future."
The 10-year anniversary of Country to Couture will be showcased across two breathtaking runways on Tuesday 5 August, followed by the National Indigenous Fashion Awards the following day.
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