National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2023

Launched in 2020, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), provide a vibrant and exciting platform to celebrate the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers, whilst contributing to the capacity building of the sector.

NIFA is proudly presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF) and has grown out of the success of the Country to Couture fashion runway event that is held every August as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) program. Country to Couture is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textiles and fashion design, and is a contemporary way of cultural storytelling, and sharing knowledge. The runway show has brought much attention to Indigenous fashion over the past four years, and places Darwin as the nation’s beating heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and fashion.

Australian Indigenous fashion is rapidly emerging and gaining global attention. The Northern Territory Government has recognised the need to support this developing space, and will work closely with DAAFF to ensure that the NIFA provides capacity building opportunities for Indigenous Art Centres, emerging Indigenous fashion and textile designers, and recognise excellence in the industry.

Celebrating the innovation of Australia’s First Nations peoples in fashion and textiles, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) return to Darwin in August. 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. 

The prestigious awards in 2023 include the:
• Traditional Adornment Award, supported by Northern Territory Government
• Community Collaboration Award, supported by Canberra Centre
• Business Achievement Award, supported by RMIT
• Wearable Art Award, supported by Robina Town Centre
• Fashion Designer Award, supported by Country Road

Canberra Centre in proud to partner with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) for the second year of sponsoring the Community Collaboration Award at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) in 2023. This award celebrates effective and productive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the textile and fashion industry.

Whilst you may not be front row at the Darwin show, you can stream NIFA from the comfort of your home. Find out more HERE.

Canberra Centre customers will also be able to see some of the incredible winning outfits on display on the Glass Floor located on level one in centre, with further details to be released soon.