Australian National Indigenous Fashion Awards announce winners

The seventh National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) were held in Darwin on Larrakia Country, bringing together 25 finalists from across Australia. The ceremony recognised excellence in seven categories, including fashion design, textiles, traditional adornment and emerging talent.

Delvene Cockatoo‑Collins, a designer from Quandamooka Country in Queensland, won the prestigious Fashion Designer Award and chose between a $5,000 prize or a 12‑month mentorship with Country Road. Lillardia Briggs‑Houston received the Textile Design Award for a hand‑dyed silk organza piece, earning a professional development placement with RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles. Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni was honoured with the Traditional Adornment Award for her bark‑basket (tunga) and other culturally significant works.

Other recognitions included the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award, presented to 19‑year‑old model Jake Powers. The event highlighted the growing influence of First Nations designers and their connection to Country, culture and sustainability.