Off the back of being the inaugural recipient of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Cultural Couture Award, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins has been named as the winner of this year's Fashion Design Award.

Presented at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) and supported by Country Road, the prestigious award recognises a designer who is paving the way in their craft.

NIFA judge and Country Road Creative Director, Lisa Friedl, hailed Cockatoo-Collins as this year's winner, praising her ability to weave together craft and storytelling through a contemporary lens.

"Delvene's work channels culture and story through a timeless yet relevant fashion lens. Her collection is beautifully balanced, with a restrained yet effective use of design elements," Friedl said.

Cockatoo-Collins will be offered either a $5,000 prize or a 12-month mentorship with the Australian fashion label, providing valuable support to continue developing her creative practice and business.

For Cockatoo-Collins, fashion is deeply connected to family, Country and the stories carried through generations.

Her practice is inspired by the knowledge and techniques passed down from her mother, Evelyn Parkin, and grandmother, Bethel Delaney — connections which continue to shape her evolving creative journey.

Speaking to Style Up about receiving the award, Cockatoo-Collins said the recognition has encouraged her to continue exploring the stories embedded within her work.

"It's really encouraging for me to continue on that pathway to keep exploring those stories," she said.

Based on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Cockatoo-Collins draws inspiration from the natural environment surrounding her, incorporating elements of Country into her designs - from fallen banksia bark to washed-up quampie shells.

Her practice is one of constant movement and creation.

After presenting several new collections across multiple runways last year, moments of stillness are rare.

"It's probably a good time for me to pause and really reflect on my work," she said.

"I'm sometimes up printing at 4 a.m., dying [fabrics] and watching the pot overnight.

"With winning this award, I'd really like to sit and celebrate and acknowledge myself in that space. So it's time to pause."

Cockatoo-Collins said she looks forward to more quiet mornings by the water with her husband, coffee in hand, taking in the sight of dolphins swimming through the shallows and appreciating the simple moments on Country.

Looking ahead, Cockatoo-Collins said she is excited to work alongside Country Road and gain new insights that support the continued growth of her business.

Country Road has proudly supported NIFA since 2020, reflecting the brand's ongoing commitment to creating meaningful pathways for First Nations designers and celebrating the next generation of creative talent.

"I'm looking forward to meeting their team and seeing what they know and how they're gonna help me in a way that is suitable to my little business and the way that I run," she said.

"I think there's a true value in having First Nations work out there, and I'm really excited about where that's going to lead everybody. It's important to create these spaces and see younger designers come through."

Hosted by Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP), NIFA - alongside Country to Couture - has cemented its place as Australia's leading celebration of First Nations fashion.

Together, the two events provide a national platform which honours cultural authority, creativity and innovation, while creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations designers and artists to build sustainable careers.

Indigenous Fashion Projects Manager, Michelle Maynard, said NIFA continues to play a vital role in recognising and elevating First Nations talent.

"NIFA celebrates the diversity and strength of the First Nations fashion community, recognising designers whose work is shaping the future of Indigenous fashion while remaining grounded in culture," she said.

"We are proud to continue to showcase the incredible skill and rich continuum of cultural connection.

"These moments can be transformative for creatives and continue to strengthen the Indigenous fashion sector as a whole."

Cockatoo-Collins joins a growing cohort of First Nations designers redefining Australia's fashion landscape through culture-led design and innovation.

Her latest accolade not only celebrates her own creative vision but also highlights the increasing momentum behind Indigenous fashion as a powerful force within the industry.