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
5 Indigenous Designers to Catch at David Jones This Month!
5 First Nations Designers to catch at David Jones this month Fashionistas rejoice! Darwin Aboriginal Art Foundation (DAAFF)’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) has teamed up with David Jones to present the inaugural Pathways Program Pop Up. This Capsule Collection of...
Wearing it Well
Shadeene Evens wears The Boonkaj collection by Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, Country to Couture, Styled by Rhys Ripper, 2021, photo by James GilesWearing it Well Over the past six years, DAAFF’s annual Country to Couture event has become a leading national platform to...
A peek at the 2021 Country to Couture show!
Foxxy Empire, Country to Couture, 2021, photo by Charlie Bliss, Getty ImagesCountry to Couture in 2021 In August 2021, the iconic Country to Couture showcase once again returned to Larrakia Country, with an exciting runway featuring 13 First Nations collections....