Empower and support Blak desigers this Black Friday
This Black Friday, let’s redefine the shopping experience. Instead of a frenzy of mass consumption, we’re celebrating Blak Friday—a movement to intentionally support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and artists. But this isn’t just about a single day; it’s about investing in a future where First Nations creativity thrives.
We’re shining a spotlight on the incredible talent emerging from our design community: the current participants and inspiring alumni of our Pathway Program. These designers are not just creating beautiful, culturally rich products; they are building sustainable, independent businesses, sharing vital stories, and strengthening their communities. Get ready to discover the pieces that carry deeper meaning—pieces created on a journey of growth, passion, and culture.
When non-Indigenous people wear First Nations fashion, they are participating in an expression of allyship and support of Indigenous people. The generosity in First Nations designers sharing their culture through fashion is a privilege that non-Indigenous people should not take lightly.
Atyene (pronounced Ah-chen) embodies the spirit of country through design, offering collections that resonate with meaning and purpose. Ayene’s first collection is a collaboration with Utopia Art Centre and Iltja Ntjarra. These two community operated Art Centres continue the artistic traditions associated with renowned artists Emily Kngwarray and Albert Namatjira. The families of these artists continue these traditions, holding culture strong, and this collaboration is a further innovation, sharing their culture in a wearable form.
Gammin Threads designs reflect lived experiences, shared stories, and the everyday language that connects community. When you choose to buy from Gammin threads, you’re supporting Blak business and self-determination.
Clair Helen, a proud Indigenous designer and artist from the Tiwi Islands, is renowned for her unique fusion of traditional and contemporary design. As the first Indigenous graduate from the prestigious Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney, Clair has carved a significant path in the fashion world, drawing inspiration from her rich heritage and childhood experiences in the Northern Territory.
Images provided by designers
More on the IFP Blog
Two Stylists Take Over…
This year’s David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway will be led by head stylist Lindyn Rowland and head stylist mentor Karinda Mutabazi. Both stylists are leading figures within their line of work, Lindyn Rowland is a proud Wiradjuri and Waiben Island...
We’re Back for Australian Fashion Week!
First Nations designers return to Australian Fashion Week for the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway!Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) and David Jones welcome the return of the IFP Pathways Program for 2024, nurturing and overseeing the designs of seven...
NIFA 2024 Nominations – Have Closed
NOMINATIONS_ Nominations for the National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2024 are now closed. Who will you nominate this year?Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) is thrilled to invite you to nominate for this year’s National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA)! Launched in...