Nominations are NOW OPEN for the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) 2021

Who will you nominate this year?

DAAFF’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) is thrilled to invite you to nominate for this year’s National Indigenous Fashion Awards!

Launched in 2020, the NIFA provides a vibrant and exciting platform to celebrate the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Australia’s First Nations peoples in fashion and textiles, whilst contributing to the capacity building of the sector. 

Recognising and showcasing excellence across six categories, the award ceremony is a unique opportunity for the Australian and international fashion community to connect to the world’s oldest living cultures.

The prestigious awards recognise excellence across several areas and include the:

  • Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award
  • Textile Design Award
  • Fashion Design Award
  • Social and Environmental Contribution Award
  • Community Collaboration Award
  • Special Recognition Award

Nominate Here

We warmly invite you to make your NIFA 2021 nomination via the online form.

Nominations will close COB Monday 31 May 2021, and shortlisted nominees will be notified in June.

To discuss your application, please contact dave@daaf.com.au

Take a look at last year’s showcase…

As you know, 2020 was no usual year. In the face of the global pandemic, the inaugural National Indigenous Fashion Awards launched with a national broadcast on NITV! 

More than 36,000 viewers have tuned in watch the awards! Take a look as some of the beautiful moments from last year.

And this year…

The NIFA will make it’s debut as a physical event alongside the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and Country to Couture in the NT in August! Thanks to our partners at NITV, those of you unable to make the journey can also tune in via broadcast!

Save the Date | Tuesday Evening, 3 August 2021

More announcements to come…

Image Credits | 1) Peggy Griffiths, Legacy Dress, Emu Feather Bag by Gail Manderson, model Billie-Jean Hamlet, photo by Georges Antoni for marie claire. 2) Winner of the 2020 Fashion Design NIFA, Julie Shaw with models Charlee Fraser and Billie-Jean Hamlet, wearing MAARA Collective. Photo by Georges Antoni for marie claire. 3) NITV Live Facebook broadcast. 4) Arawunikiri, A Double Sided Spear used in ceremony, textile design by Bede Tungutulum, model Charlee Fraser, photo by Georges Antoni for marie claire.

Special Recognition Award 2020

Special Recognition Award 2020

by Nina Fitzgerald and Ellie Meyer   Image: Selina Nadjowh printing her design 'Dilly Bags and Bush Foods'. Photo courtesy of Injalak Arts.NIFA | Special Recognition Award In the lead up to the inaugural NIFAs, we’ll be delving into each of the six award...

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Textile Design Award 2020

Textile Design Award 2020

by Nina Fitzgerald and Ellie Meyer Image: North Tiwi Strong Womens Collection featuring textile design by Michelle Woody of Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association. Photo courtesy of North.NIFA | Textile Design Award In the lead up to the inaugural NIFA, we’ll be delving...

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Cultural Adornment & Wearable Art Award 2020

Cultural Adornment & Wearable Art Award 2020

by Nina Fitzgerald and Ellie Meyer Image: Lillardya Allirra Briggs-Houston, Dress & earrings. Photo by Julie Briggs.. NIFA | Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award  In the lead up to the inaugural NIFA, we’ll be delving into each of the six award categories,...

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