Recognising and showcasing excellence across six categories, the award ceremony is a unique opportunity for the Australian and international fashion community to connect to the world’s oldest living cultures. Find our more about NIFA HERE
The NIFA 2022 Winners Have Been Announced!
Proudly presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation as part of Indigenous Fashion Projects, meet the winners of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) 2022:
Community Collaboration Award, sponsored by Canberra Centre
This award recognises strong, two-way relationships between First Nations communities and the textile and fashion industry. Where social and economic benefits flow to communities, and where First Nations peoples’ agency in the collaboration process is front and centre. Linda Puna of Mimili Maku Arts and collaborators Unreal Fur will receive five thousand dollars from Canberra Centre.
LINA PUNA X UNREAL FUR
Mimili Maku Arts
Instagram: @mimili_maku_arts X @UNREAL_FUR
Website: Linda Puna x Unreal Fur
The Linda Puna x Unreal Fur capsule collection of outerwear was 18 months in the making! This project was a new kind of collaboration for all parties involved, and with the support of Copyright Agency they took their time to slowly develop and maintain best practice Indigenous agency and leadership each step of the way. Each element of the collection was developed in consultation with the Art Centre, artist and Unreal Fur. From the swing tags, to fabric samples and of course the final designs, ensuring that Linda’s artwork translated appropriately to the fabric prints.
As part of the project, Linda directed a fashion shoot on Country supporting young women in Mimili Community to develop skills in photography and videography and engaging the next generation of youth with the Art Centre. Throughout this project Linda has been recognised as the cultural and artistic leader she is. With the support from her Art Centre, community and family, Linda was able to launch the collection as part of her first solo exhibition in Melbourne at Alcaston Gallery, which was a big celebration of her ongoing resilience and leadership both in the arts and disability advocacy.
Fashion Designer Award, sponsored by Country Road
This award recognises original fashion apparel with creative and commercial excellence.
DENNI FRANCISCO
Ngali
Instagram: @ngali_australia
Website: Ngali
No stranger to the NIFA, this is Denni Francisco's second year as the recipient of the Fashion Designer Award. Denni’s label Ngali has been recognised as helping to elevate the Indigenous fashion sector with high quality garments that have attracted significant international attention.
The Wiradjuri designer’s collections evolve through the lens of Yindayamarra – fashion that shows respect, is polite, considered, gentle to Country and shows honour to the cross Country collaborations they enjoy with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.
The Wearable Art Award, sponsored by the Northern Territory Government
The Wearable Art Award celebrates design, artistry, construction, wearability and cultural expression.
LILLARDIA BRIGGS-HOUSTON
Ngarru Mimi
Instagram: @lillardiabriggshouston
Website: NgarruMiimi
Lillardia Briggs-Houston is a textile and fashion designer whose practice began at the early age of 10, taught by her maternal grandmother on her Country in Narrungdera, Wiradjuri Country NSW. Lillardia’s prints and garments are all created to tell a story or relive a memory from her upbringing.
Lillardia’s award winning garment was hand printed, hand painted and sewn on Country. Every detail is meticulously created, with the hand painted merino wool knit jumpsuit embellished with 2 metre reeds, the skirt hand dyed and printed. A printed head veil in the same material as the skirt is matched with collected bottlebrush seed earrings.
Textile Design Award, sponsored by RMIT University
PHILOMENA YEATMAN
Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct
Instagram: @yarrabahartsandculture
Website: Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct
Artist Philomena Yeatman shaped her career in Yarrabah. Here, the Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct showcases culture, history and identity through hand-crafted pottery, painting, woven basket and textiles.
A renowned master weaver, Philomena fuses traditional dyed pandanus and cabbage palm fibres with modern materials. Her textile work is a prime example of knowledge transfer, as she pulls inspiration from her Old Peoples’ stories and local history. Through her textiles, she talks about family history and brings traditional stories to life.
Traditional Adornment Award, sponsored by Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
For tens of thousands of years First Nations Peoples from around the continent have celebrated their cultures through traditional dress. This Award shines a spotlight on the design of these items.
ESTHER YARLLARLLA
Babbarra Designs
Instagram: @babbarradesigns
Website: Esther Yarllarlla
Esther is a Kunibidji artist living in Maningrida with a deep knowledge of traditional weaving and knotting. Through her art practice she contributes to the recognition and preservation of her culture. Her woven works are high in demand, cherished for their durability and fine style, with pieces known to sell out at Maningrida Arts and Culture!
