The National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) has returned to Larrakia country in style after a two-year hiatus.
First Nations excellence was celebrated across six categories, which saw designers and artists from across the country acknowledged for collaborative projects, traditional designs and wearable art.
"The NIFA provides a platform that continues to gain local and global attention," said Creative Director of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Shilo McNamee.
"It celebrates creatives throughout the industry and provides pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
Business Achievement Award- Laura Thompson, Clothing The Gaps
Laura Thompson is a Gunditjmara woman and Co-owner and managing director of Clothing the Gap. Source: Darrian Traynor/ Getty Images.
Co-founder of the label, Laura Thompson, is the recipient of this year's Business Achievement Award, recognising her community leadership through fashion.
As a business, Clothing The Gaps is inspiring the next generation, with over 24 young First Nations people employed on its team.
Fashion Designer Award- Denni Francisco, Ngali
Model Samantha Harris walks the runway in a Ngali design by Denni Francisco. Source: Supplied
The Wiradjuri designer's label Ngali has attracted significant international attention, and shone at the Indigenous Fashion Projects show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022.
The award will see Ngali benefit from a continued 12-month business mentorship.
Traditional Adornment Award- Esther Yarllarlla
Winner Esther Yarllarlla with fellow artists of Bábbarra Women's Centre. Source: Supplied
Her award-winning woven mókko piece was commissioned by Bábbarra Women's Centre.
Mókko are made for women and are worn as day wear with an opening at the back.
Her works are often high in demand, with pieces known to sell out at Maningrida Arts and Culture Arts Centre.
Wearable Art Award- Lillardia Briggs-Houston, Ngarru Miimi
Designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston thanks the audience following her Ngarru Miimi show during the First Nations Fashion + Design show last year. Source: Getty Images: Stefan Gosatti
Her vibrant prints and handmade garments are all created to tell a story or relive a memory from her upbringing.
Lillardia's work has also featured in publications such as Vogue Australia, and featured in the First Nations Fashion and Design runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021.
Community Collaboration Award- Mimili Maku Arts, Linda Puna x Unreal Fur
Jack Tuftie from Unreal Fur accepted the award on behalf of all the winners. Source: Supplied
In a strong two-way partnership, the collaboration ensured Aunty Linda's artwork translated appropriately to fabric prints.
Each element of the collection was developed in consultation with the Art Centre, artist and Unreal Fur.
During the project, Aunty Linda directed a fashion shoot on Country supporting young women in Mimili Community to develop skills in photography and videography.
Textile Design Award- Philomena Yeatman
Philomena Yeatman accepting the award with her husband by her side. Source: Supplied
The Yarrabah artist's work has been recognised nationally, appearing in collections at the Queensland Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia.
Through her textiles, she talks about family history and brings traditional stories to life.
As part of the award, she will receive a workshop with RMIT's textile design department.
You can watch the full National Indigenous Fashion Awards on Wednesday, August 10 at 9.30pm on the NITV Facebook page.
