Creating Pathways for our First Nations Designers
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) have partnered with iconic Australian retailer David Jones for the IFP ‘Pathways Program’ for Australia’s First Nations fashion designers.
Photo: Guyala Bayles wears Kirrikin, 2021, photo by Jess James for David Jones
About the Pathways Program
The Pathways Program, supported by David Jones, has been designed to facilitate support for First Nations designers across all stages of the development of a fashion label.
Through a series of workshops and mentorship, the Pathways Program is an opportunity for the iconic retailer and other industry experts to share their industry expertise and nurture the growth of Indigenous businesses.
With the wider fashion industry having much to learn from Indigenous designers, who are grounded in over 60,000 years of heritage, the program also provides a platform to engage in the sharing of stories and culture. Industry partners involved are there to listen and learn as much as they are to share their expertise.
Supported by Industry
The Pathways Program is presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s IFP, in collaboration with iconic retailer David Jones.
Broader industry support for the program includes Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) and has seen involvement from Australian designer heavyweights:
Charlotte Hicks of Esse Studios
Mary Lou Ryan and Deborah Sams of Bassike
Jacqueline Hunt and Lisa Dempsey of Jac & Jack
Dale McCarthy of Bondi Born
Lesleigh Jermanus of Alemais
Ana Piteira of Blanca
Renae James of Papinelle
Current Participants Include:
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
Alumni Designers Include:
- 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
Meet the Designers for 2023!
Get to know the designers behind the labels who’ll be showcasing at this year’s David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week!
Apply for IFP Pathways Program 2023
Applications to join the IFP Pathways Program in 2023 are now open! Supported by David Jones, could this be the next opportunity to grow your fashion label?
The IFP Runway Returns to AAFW 2022!
Presented by Afterpay & supported by David Jones, Indigenous Fashion Projects, are proud to be returning to Afterpay Australian Fashion Week on Tuesday 10 May at 8pm! The IFP Runway will feature NEW collections from six renowned First Nations women…
Images: 1) Guyala Bayles wear pieces from Kirrikin and Amanda Healy, IFP Pathways Program x David Jones, First Nations Capsule Collection, 2021, photo by Jess James. 2) IFP Pathways Program Designers, Photo by Terence Ow, courtesy of David Jones. 3) Miimi & Jiinda, IFP Runway, AAFW, 2023, Photo by Getty Images