Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) and David Jones have returned with the launch of their IFP Pathways Program for 2024, doubling the runway component at Australian Fashion Week this year.
Founded by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation in 2020, the IFP Pathways Program is a two-year fashion label development program in partnership with the department store. Past Australian designers and labels who have mentored as part of the program include Bassike, Bondi Born, ESSE, Alemais, Papinelle, Blanca and Jac + Jack.
Now in its second year of mentorship, this year’s lineup of First Nations designers include men’s swimwear label Gali Swimwear (pictured); women’s swimwear brand, Ihraa Swim; ready-to-wear menswear label, Joseph & James; undergarment brand Lazy Girl Lingerie; and womenswear from art and lifestyle brand Miimi & Jiinda.
Together on Gadigal Country, these designers will share their latest collections through two runway shows, a doubling on previous years, with one being an industry-only event followed by a runway for the general public.
“We are looking forward to a beautiful runway for 2024,” Indigenous Fashion Projects manager Michelle Maynard said.
“As our designers present their new collections, their stories are woven together inspired by land and waters, memory, culture and our people. Our show brings together our way of being, In Relation Way.”
Fellow designers and IFP Pathways participants in the current round, Gammin Threads and Kamara, will not be showcasing their designs on the runway this season. However, the pair will sell their collections later this year when they land in-store at the IFP Pathways Program Pop-Up at David Jones’ Elizabeth Street flagship.
“The IFP Pathways Program is a proud part of David Jones’ ongoing commitment to supporting diverse design perspectives and working towards a future fashion industry that is more inclusive and representative of First Nations design and cultures,” David Jones GM of womenswear, footwear and accessories Bridget Veals said.
“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation and of the Indigenous Fashion Projects’ role in facilitating the development of these designers through cross-cultural exchange and mentorship.”
“Our talented designers have been exposed to an incredible amount of guidance and mentorship over the past two years, and their final showcase at Australian Fashion Week will be an exciting chance to see their visions come to life as we round-out their program.”
Joseph & James founder and designer Juanita Page, a proud Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander woman, said the IFP Pathways Program has created opportunities for connection and growth.
“Showcasing at Australian Fashion Week in 2023 as part of the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway opened an opportunity for some really wonderful conversations, connections and learnings,” Page said. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of this runway again in 2024 and am looking forward to seeing where implementing what I’ve learned over the past 18 months will take us as a brand.”
The 2024 IFP Pathways Program participants’ second showcase will be held during Australian Fashion Week, presented by Pandora, on Thursday, May 16.
The five participants will also showcase their collections on Friday, May 17 at David Jones’ Elizabeth Street flagship.