Expressions of Interest
NOW OPEN!
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Expressions of interest are now open to be part of the 2025-2026 Pathways Program.
The Pathways Program is an inspiring development initiative created by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) and iconic Australian retailer David Jones. This program is designed to empower and elevate First Nations designers, nurturing their businesses and careers while celebrating the richness of First Nations cultures.
This collaboration unites the wisdom and creativity of the world’s oldest living cultures with the expertise of the world’s oldest continuously operating department store. Through combining shared knowledge and resources, the program provides participants with opportunities in capacity building, professional development, and showcasing talents on prominent platforms. These initiatives aim to foster successful and sustainable businesses and careers for First Nations designers now and for future generations.
The Pathways Program is proud to contribute to reshaping the landscape of Australian fashion, supporting a thriving and inclusive Indigenous fashion sector.
Now coming into its third iteration, the program boasts an extensive alumni including the likes of: Gali Swimwear, Gammin Threads, Ihraa Swim, Joseph & James, Kamara, Lazy Girl Lingerie, Miimi & Jiinda, Maara Collective, Native Swimwear, Ngali, Liandra Swim, Indii, and Kirrikin!
If you’d like to be the next First Nations designer or label to join this incredible cohort, then we’d love to hear from you! Apply via the link below, and read on to learn more about what the program entails.
Applications close on Sunday, 12 January 2025, 5pm ACST
Have questions? Join an online information session on Wednesday 18 December 2024, and/or Tuesday 7 January 2025.
“We’re all mob. And so we all unite in that sense. But we’re all different. We all showcase our culture in different ways. And so I think it’s beautiful to be able to have a platform that celebrates that uniqueness, but also the unification through our culture.”
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Alumni Designer Juanita Page of Joseph & James
Featured in Vogue Australia
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What to Expect?
Designers will participate in a two year program.
Year One
- Pathways Development Workshop Program with David Jones (online)
- Brand Foundations 101
- Intro to Buying and Wholesale
- Product and collection concept development
- Online Portal Access
- Resource library and a place to connect with alumni
- Immersive Learning Experience (in-person)
- Connect with David Jones and IFP in Sydney
- Meet and greets with industry;
- Join DJs brand showroom visits
- Insight into 2026 Industry event runway (TBC) and support to prepare
Year Two
- One-to-one mentoring with leading industry designer mentors
- Focus workshops (online & in person)
- Runway preparation support
- Show at a leading industry runway event
- Industry event showroom experience
- David Jones in-store pop up (TBC based on commercial readiness)
Benefits of the Program
- Two way learning which includes listening and the sharing of culture and stories, as well as developing a better understanding of the practicalities of growing a label in the global fashion industry.
- Access to valuable industry knowledge to grow your fashion label.
- Opportunity to present at an Australian fashion industry runway event.
- Build networks and connections with fashion industry leaders and expertise.
- Raise awareness & profiles of Indigenous designers.
- Gain a greater understanding of the business of fashion, buyers, cycles, nationally and internationally.
- Promote and elevate your brand.
- Grow your capacity for a successful and sustainable business and career.
IFP Support & Cultural Mentoring
IFP team provide support throughout the two year program. Cultural safety and advocacy, and your wellbeing are a priority to us. Our approach is to create systems of support that nurture an empowering experience for you.
“I’ve been connected with some really great mentors during my time here, and gained some really valuable insights into the industry.
I’m proud to be a part of the program that celebrates and empowers Indigenous creatives.”
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Alumni Designer Nat Dann of Ihraa Swim
Featured in Vogue Australia
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Who Should Apply?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers, labels and/or Art Centres aspiring to develop their fashion business and brand.
If you are looking to learn more about the workings of the industry, to strengthen your brand identity, and self determine how you would like to place yourself in the industry – then this program is for you!
When reviewing applications, the IFP panel will consider:
- The length of time your label has been established
- How many collections you have produced
- What your commercial activity has been in the last two years
- Indigenous agency in your business/label
- Appropriate cultural authority to produce and present garments and accessories (if relevant)
- Ethical, environmental and sustainable practice considerations
- Desire to grow your business
“Being part of the Pathways Program for two years, it’s a real honour to showcase our collection, and tell our stories.
What really excites me about the industry now is that we’re starting to see models tell our stories our way. And I hope that within ten years time, that’s amplified even more.”
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Alumni Designer David Leslie of GALI
Featured in Vogue Australia
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Apply for the Pathways Program
Our team are here to support you. If you have any trouble completing this form please reach out to us on ifp@daaf.com.au or 08 8981 0576, and we will help you complete the expression of interest.
Applications close on Sunday, 12 January 2025, 5pm ACST.
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Want to know more? Have some questions? Join an Online Information Session
We are offering two information sessions for Indigenous Australian designers, labels and Art Centres considering applying to the Pathways Program 2025/26.
This is an opportunity to learn more about the EOI process, and ask any burning questions about your EOI and the program.
We encourage anyone new to this process, as well as returning designers and labels to jump online for tips and info to improve your chances of success with your application.
Applying to the Pathways Program 2025/26 Information Session dates and times are below. Please note the time of the session for your State or Territory.
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
1:30pm – WA
3pm – NT
3:30pm – QLD
4pm – SA
4:30pm – VIC, NSW, TAS
Tuesday, 7 January 2025
1:30pm – WA
3pm – NT
3:30pm – QLD
4pm – SA
4:30pm – VIC, NSW, TAS
The Pathways Program is proud to contribute to reshaping the landscape of Australian fashion, supporting a thriving and inclusive Indigenous fashion sector.
#IFPpathways
All images by Suleiman Thomas, Dylan Buckee, and Getty Images at the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway at Australian Fashion Week 2024.