The shortlisted NIFA 2025 nominees have been announced

From woven stories to wearable art, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) returns in 2025 with a dazzling showcase of First Nations creativity. Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP), the awards shine a spotlight on the cultural knowledge, innovation and design excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers. With support from the Northern Territory Government and leading industry sponsors, NIFA encompasses seven award categories, each celebrating a unique facet of fashion and textile artistry.

When will the winners be announced?

The National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2025 winners are set to be revealed on Wednesday 6 August at the Deckchair Cinema on Larrakia Country, Darwin.

2025 NIFA Nominees

Fashion Designer Award

Supported by Country Road

Honouring designers whose fashion labels demonstrate originality, commercial viability and cultural storytelling, this award offers a $5,000 cash prize or a 12-month mentorship with Country Road.

Shortlisted nominees:

• Clair Helen Parker, Clair Helen
• Tahnee Edwards, Gammin Threads
• Samala Cronin, MumRed
• Natisha Tabua, Off The Plantation
• Melissa Greenwood, Miimi & Jiinda

Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award

Supported by Franchesca Cubillo

Celebrating outstanding emerging talent aged 15–25 across fashion, textile, modelling, styling and wearable art, the winner receives a $3,000 prize.

Shortlisted nominees:

• Cindy Rostron
• Jake Powers
• Tiesha Munnich
• Elliot Mango Aplin

Textile Design Award

Supported by RMIT University

Highlighting innovation in printed, woven, dyed or digital textile work, this award offers a tailored professional development opportunity with RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles.

Shortlisted nominees:

• Rhonda Sharpe, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
• Larissa Brumby, Ikuntji Artists
• Karen Shuan, Yalanji Arts
• Greg Salt, Yalanji Arts
• Laurence Gibson, Yalanji Arts
• Joyce Dixon, Ikuntji Artists

Community Collaboration Award

Supported by Canberra Centre

This award honours partnerships between Indigenous communities and fashion or textile collaborators, where shared agency, economic benefit and cultural integrity are prioritised. A $10,000 cash prize is split between collaborators.

Shortlisted nominees:

• Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts x Helen Kaminski
• Djilpin Arts artists x Kate Sale and Fiona Gavino
• David Leslie, GALI Swimwear x Jake Simon, IYDA and Michal Nicolas, TEAMM8
• Wendy Hubert, Juluwarlu x Emily Wright, Nancybird
• Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association
• Gina Bundle

Traditional Adornment Award

Supported by Helen Kaminski

Recognising a single item of cultural regalia – such as head-dresses, cloaks or ceremonial adornment – this award highlights cultural preservation through wearable tradition. The winner receives a $3,000 prize.

Shortlisted nominees:

• Cassie Leatham, Yanggurdi
• Yarran Bundle
• Ngaire Pakai
• Rena Ngalinggama
• Jenny Fraser

Wearable Art Award

Supported by Eastland

Awarded for a single, expressive item that marries fashion and art, this category considers wearability, originality, and cultural storytelling. The winner receives a $5,000 prize.

Shortlisted nominees:

• Julieanne Gitjpulu Malibirr, Gapuwiyak Culture & Arts
• Andrew Wanamilil, Bula’bula Arts
• Cathy Ward, Waringarri Arts
• Cassie Leatham, Yanggurdi
• Cleonie Quayle, CQ Aboriginal Jewellery
• Ellen Trevorrow