Pathways Forward: Culture, Creativity and the Future of First Nations Fashion

Words | Lauren Rogers

Banner Image | Helen and Shanita, Courtesy of Yarrenyty Arltere​

This week, First Nations designers from across the continent will gather in Sydney for an important moment of learning, visibility and cultural exchange as part of the Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) Pathways Program immersion at Australian Fashion Week (AFW).

From 11 to 15 May, the 2025–2027 cohort will step into one of the country’s most influential fashion spaces, connecting with industry leaders, mentors, educators and creatives while continuing preparations toward presenting their own runway collections in the future.

Presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s, Indigenous Fashion Projects, the Pathways Program is a two-year capacity building initiative supporting First Nations fashion designers to grow sustainable, culturally grounded businesses and creative practices. Now in its third iteration, the program continues to grow from strength to strength, nurturing the next generation of First Nations fashion leaders across the country.

Image | Miimi & Jiinda, Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway, Australian Fashion Week, 2024, Photo by Nina Franova, Getty Images

At its heart, Pathways is about cultural continuation, creative expression and self-determination.

It recognises that First Nations peoples are not new to fashion, adornment, wearable art, textiles or design practice. These expressions have existed on this continent for tens of thousands of years, deeply connected to identity, storytelling, ceremony, trade, innovation and community.

Today, First Nations designers continue carrying those cultural practices forward in contemporary and evolving ways.

Through the language of fashion, designers are sharing stories of Country, community, family, identity and future vision. They are bringing cultural knowledge into new spaces while shaping an industry that is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of First Nations perspectives, leadership and creativity.

The Pathways Program supports designers to engage with industry on their own terms while remaining grounded in culture, integrity and community. It also acknowledges that culture is living, adaptive and innovative, continuing to evolve through new materials, technologies, platforms and forms of storytelling.

The 2025–2027 Pathways cohort includes five outstanding labels, and it proudly features its first-ever Art Centre in the program, an Mparntwe-based collective. 

CLAIR HELEN, a proud Tiwi designer known for her bold wearable art and hand-painted textiles.

ATYENE, led by proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman Rachel Perkins, whose work celebrates collaboration with Aboriginal artists and art centres through contemporary fashion.

LULUJARU, founded by Jaru, Kija and Balanggarra designer Cissy Gore-Birch, blends contemporary silhouettes with strong cultural storytelling and ethical practice.

JARU GIRL/ MILKY WATER DESIGNS, created by proud Jaru woman Bianca Long, whose work reflects Country, sustainability and connection through earthy palettes and striking prints.

YARRENYTY ARLTERE DESIGNS, the celebrated Mparntwe-based collective known internationally for vibrant soft sculpture, textiles and culturally rich wearable works.

And LILLARDIA BRIGGS-HOUSTON, a proud Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta and Gangalu designer whose handcrafted textiles and garments honour slow fashion, sustainability and cultural practice.

Image Below | Jaru Girl Designs, by Bianca Long and Jaydene Long, ‘Milky Water’, Country to Couture, 2025, Photo by Marley Morgan

Over the next year, the cohort will continue to participate in tailored mentoring, educational workshops, cultural exchanges, and industry development opportunities.

A major milestone for the program this year is our partnership with RMIT as Lead Education Partner, delivering key educational and professional development components across the program. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening pathways into the industry while ensuring cultural integrity and First Nations leadership remain central to the learning journey. 

The program is also proudly supported by a growing network of mentors, collaborators and industry partners who help create meaningful, long-term opportunities across the sector.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Australian Fashion Week, Australian Fashion Council, Jane Doe Creations, Hatch & Make, Elevate Wholesale Agency, Julie Shaw from Maara, Bianca Spender, Ingrid Verner, David Leslie, Heidi Middleton, Kylie Zerbst and the many alumni, mentors, and contributors who continue to walk alongside the designers throughout this journey.

We also acknowledge Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Official Accommodation Partner of the IFP Pathways Program 2026, for generously hosting the cohort during the Australian Fashion Week immersion.

Image | IFP Pathways designers Bianca Long, Clair Helen and Cissy Gore-Birch at Sofitel Darling Harbour, 2026, Photo by Lauren Rogers

Michelle Maynard, Manager of Indigenous Fashion Projects, says the strength of Pathways lies in creating culturally safe and professionally supported opportunities for First Nations designers to thrive.

“Pathways was created to support First Nations designers in building sustainable futures on their own terms. Every year we continue learning, evolving and strengthening the program in response to the needs of community and industry. Watching this cohort step into Australian Fashion Week together is incredibly exciting because we know the talent, creativity and cultural strength they carry.”

As the 2025–2027 cohort arrives in Sydney today, Pathways continues to grow from strength to strength, carrying with it the creativity, knowledge and aspirations of communities across the continent.

A future grounded in culture.

A future led by First Nations voices.

A future already taking shape.

Image | Lillardia Houston – Briggs – Walmurra Collection, Model Cassie Black, Photo by Marley Morgan