Set to take place in August as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Indigenous Fashion Projects have revealed the shortlisted finalists for this year's National Indigenous Fashion Awards.
After receiving a record number of nominations, this year's finalists are said to be the best of the best.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) nominees have been shortlisted to 36 First Nations designers, artists, art centres and creatives across seven categories, with the winners to be selected by judges Yatu Widders-Hunt, Elaine George, Lisa Waup and Country Road's Nimmi Premaratne.
Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) manager Michelle Maynard said she is thrilled to see the popular awards ceremony return, noting that each year welcomes a new cohort of talented creatives.
"We're thrilled to celebrate another record-breaking year for the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, and would like to congratulate this year's nominees on being shortlisted," Ms Maynard said.
"Each year we are blown away by the incredible talent and works of both established and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers and creatives.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and governed, Indigenous Fashion Projects collaborates with First Nations Australians working in textiles and fashion, with a range of development programs, mentoring opportunities and promotional events.
Ms Maynard said this year's record number of nominees is a testament to the significant contribution First Nations designers are making in the fashion industry.
"We feel privileged to provide a national platform to showcase and recognise their works, regardless of their career stage, with the NIFA winners gaining access to invaluable industry exposure and partnerships, mentoring opportunities, and financial support," she said.
"It is sure to be an unforgettable evening on Larrakia Country when the winners are announced in front of the fashion industry, their peers, and community members at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards' ceremony on August 7th, 2024."
First launched in 2020, NIFA is proudly presented by IFP and supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company. Each award category is also proudly supported by industry partners: Canberra Centre, Eastland, QIC, Helen Kaminski, RMIT and Country Road.
Country Road sponsors the Fashion Designer Award, which includes a coveted 12-month industry mentorship for the winner.
Country Road brand sustainability manager, Fabia Pryor, said the popular fashion company was incredibly excited to be a part of both the NIFA and Country to Couture events for the fifth year running.
"We feel honoured to be a part of both the NIFA and Country to Couture for what is set to be their biggest year yet," Ms Pryor said.
"The showcase presents incredible opportunities to celebrate and learn from First Nations artists and designers and we look forward to connecting with the Fashion Designer award winner as we welcome them on a 12-month industry mentorship."
The seven NIFA winners will be announced as part of the sunset awards ceremony at Darwin's Deckchair Cinema, with audiences invited to buy a ticket to join the celebration.
The awards categories will recognise talent across seven categories including the Traditional Adornment Award, Community Collaboration Award, Business Achievement Award, Textile Design Award, Wearable Art Award, Fashion Designer Award and Young Achiever Award.
Over its several years in operation, NIFA has continued to provide a vibrant and exciting platform to recognise and celebrate the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers across seven categories.
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards will take place on Wednesday 7 August, 2024.
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