Darwin's Country to Couture highlights Indigenous designers

Australia's largest annual First Nations fashion showcase, Country to Couture, took place over two days at Darwin University’s Danala campus. More than 120 collections were presented, featuring designs that have previously appeared on international runways such as New York Fashion Week.

The event also hosted the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, with 25 nominees across seven categories. Winners were announced at Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema. Indigenous Fashion Projects manager Michelle Maynard said the showcase offers powerful acknowledgement for community visibility and the continuation of cultural knowledge. Designer Bobbi Lockyer, a Kariyarra, Ngarluma, Nyul Nyul and Yawuru woman, highlighted the importance of sharing stories through hand‑woven, beaded and embroidered pieces.

The showcase aims to strengthen the Indigenous fashion sector, celebrate creativity, and keep cultural stories alive for future generations.