Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation's Indigenous Fashion Projects have announced nominations for the 2026 National Indigenous Fashion Awards will open on Monday, February 16.
Presented by DAAF Foundation and IFP, the NIFA provides an exciting and vibrant platform which showcases innovation, diversity and ethical practices of First Nations people in fashion and textiles, recognising excellence in seven award categories.
The NIFA is known for providing emerging and established Indigenous designers, creatives and Art Centres pathways to elevate their careers.
As part of the NIFA, the Fashion Designer award offers the winner a 12-month business mentorship opportunity with iconic Australian fashion lifestyle brand, Country Road.
Last year's Fashion Designer Award winner, Clair Helen, described the NIFA as life-changing, saying the NIFA has been incredibly meaningful.
"Winning the Fashion Designer Award last year was a huge milestone, and it was amazing to be recognised for all the hard work over the past decade," she said.
"Even though it's still the beginning of my mentorship with Country Road as part of NIFA, it has already been incredibly inspiring helping me take my career to the next level and connect with opportunities I never imagined.
"Since then, I've had the chance to showcase my work more widely and continue sharing stories and cultural narratives through my fashion. For anyone considering applying or nominating, I'd encourage them to embrace this opportunity NIFA is such a supportive platform that celebrates First Nations creativity and can really help you develop as a designer."
The winners will be chosen by a panel of industry judges and announced at the NIFA Ceremony on Wednesday, August 5 on Larrakia Country.
The NIFA recognises talent across seven award categories including Fashion Designer Award, supported by Country Road, Traditional Adornment Award, supported by Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation, Community Collaboration Award, supported by QIC, Business Achievement Award, supported by Canberra Centre, Textile Design Award, supported by RMIT, Wearable Art Award, supported by Pacific Werribee and the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award, supported by Franchesca Cubillo
The NIFA is supported by QIC, Pacific Weribee, Canberra Centre, Country Road, Franchesca Cubillo, RMIT, DAAF Foundation, Ticketing Partner Darwin Fringe Festival and Principal Media Partner, NITV.
Nominations open on Monday, 16th February, 2026 and close on the 16th March, 2026.
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