Applications are now OPEN to be part of the IFP Pathways Program 2023!

Banner Image | Models wear Ngali by Denni Francisco, Print adapted from Lindsay Malay, Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022, Photo by Josh Howlett

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) have partnered with iconic Australian retailer David Jones for the ‘Pathways Program’ for Australian Indigenous fashion designers. The Pathways Program has been designed to facilitate support for First Nations designers in the commercial development of a fashion label.

Through a series of workshops and mentorship, the Pathways Program is an opportunity for the iconic retailer and other industry experts to share their industry expertise and nurture the growth of Indigenous businesses.

With the wider fashion industry having much to learn from Indigenous designers, who are grounded in over 60,000 years of rich cultural heritage, the program will also provide a platform to engage in the sharing of stories and culture. Industry partners involved are there to listen and learn as much as they are to share their expertise.

Broader industry support for the program includes Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) and Australian designer heavyweights bassike and Bianca Spender.

Past participants have gone on to be part of industry opportunities with David Jones and the IFP Runway at AAFW! These have included award winning First Nations labels such as Ngali, MAARA Collective, Kirrikin, Native Swimwear, Indii Swim and Liandra Swim.

Could this be the next opportunity to grow your fashion label?

Image | Jenaya Okpalanze in MAARA Collective by Julie Shaw, Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022, Photo by Josh Howlett