Empowering First Nations Designers. Reshaping Australian Fashion.
Image courtesy of Lillardia Briggs-Houston
About the Pathways Program
The Pathways Program is a capacity-building initiative designed to empower First Nations fashion designers to build sustainable careers and successful, culturally grounded businesses. Developed by the DAAF Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP), the program nurtures creative talent, supports business growth, and celebrates the richness and diversity of First Nations cultures.
Pathways fosters visibility, impact and intergenerational opportunity for First Nations-led fashion enterprises. By connecting designers and labels with leading fashion industry professionals, the program creates a unique two-way learning experience—grounded in respect, reciprocity, and real-world outcomes.
Through industry engagement, professional development and tailored support, Pathways strengthens both creative and commercial capability.
The Pathways Program is proud to be shaping a more inclusive, equitable and representative Australian fashion industry—one that champions the leadership, talent and voices of First Nations designers.
Walking Together.
Transforming Australian Fashion.
We are committed to ensuring First Nations peoples have fair and equal participation, representation, and leadership across the fashion industry. We champion innovation, creative practice, and new ways of working that create opportunities for First Nations designers and businesses to thrive.
We invite our partners, collaborators, and audiences to walk with us in this shared approach, shaping a fashion future that is inclusive, culturally strong, and led by First Nations voices.
Supported by Industry
The Pathways Program is presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s IFP.
Broader industry support for the program over the years has included David Jones, Australian Fashion Week, and Australian designer heavyweights.
In 2026 our industry partners include:
2026 Lead Education Partner:
2026 Workshop Partners:
Jane Doe Creation, The BlackCard, Hatch & Make, Elevate Wholesale Agency, Julie Shaw – Maara, Australian Fashion Council, Australian Fashion Week
2026 Alumni Sessions:
Cassandra Pons (Lazy Girl Lingerie), Juanita Page (JOSEPH & JAMES), David Leslie (Gali Swimwear)
2026 Designer Mentors:
Bianca Spender, Ingrid Verner – VERNER, Heidi Middleton – ARTCLUB, Julie Shaw – Maara
Official Accommodation Partner of the IFP Pathways Program 2026:
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Participants 2025-2027:
CLAIR HELEN
ATYENE
BY RACHEL PERKINS
LULUJARU
BY CISSY GORE-BIRCH
JARU GIRL DESIGNS
BY BIANCA LONG
YARRENYTY ARLTERE DESIGNS
LILLARDIA BRIGGS-HOUSTON
THE ALUMNI
2023-2024
GALI Swimwear – by David Leslie
Gammin Threads – by Tahnee Edwards
Ihraa Swim – by Nat Dann
JOSEPH & JAMES – by Juanita Page
KAMARA Australia – by Naomi Collings
Lazy Girl Lingerie – by Cassandra Pons
Miimi & Jiinda – by Melissa Greenwood and Lauren Jarrett
2021-2022
Maara Collective, By Julie Shaw
Native Swimwear, By Natalie Cunningham
Ngali, By Denni Francisco
Liandra Swim, By Liandra Gaykamangu
Indii, By Nancy Pattison
Kirrikin, By Amanda Healy
IFP Pathways Program News
Walking Together
Meet the new designer cohort for IFP’s Pathways Program! Together, they represent the next evolution in Australian Indigenous fashion: connected, collaborative, and unstoppable.
Pathways Program EOIs NOW OPEN
Calling all First Nations designers – be part of the inspiring development initiative created by Indigenous Fashion Projects and David Jones! The Pathways Program is designed to empower and elevate First Nations designers, nurturing their businesses and careers while celebrating the richness of First Nations cultures…
Behind the Collections
The David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway at Australian Fashion Week, showcased collections from GALI Swimwear, Ihraa Swim, JOSEPH & JAMES, Lazy Girl Lingerie, and Miimi & Jiinda. Celebrating stories of legacy, connection, and growth.
Miimi & Jiinda, IFP Runway, AAFW, 2023, Photo by Getty Images