The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation has announced the winners of the inaugural National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA).
Broadcasted live last night via NITV's social media and hosted by Rachael Hocking, the NIFA showcased collections and designs from Australia's leading and emerging designers and artists.
The inaugural event saw 33 First Nations fashion creatives nominated across six categories.
Speaking on the program, DAAFF chair Franchesca Cubillo said that the organisation was thrilled to introduce the awards to the industry.
"The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation is so proud to provide vibrant platforms to support Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander artists and Art Centres.
"Our fashion programs are having an incredible impact on the Indigenous art sector and this is an exciting time for the industry.
"[These] awards showcase talented Indigenous Australian artists, and share their amazing fashion and textile designs to the world," she said.
The winners of the inaugural NIFAs are:
- Peggy Griffiths, for the Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award – co-presented with DAAFF
- Kieren Karritpul, for the Textile Design Award – co-presented with RMIT University and Ross Bonthorne
- Maara Collective X Bula’bula Arts, for the Community Collaboration Award – co-presented with Northern Territory Government
- Ninti One, for the Environmental and Social Contribution Award – co-presented with Northern Land Council
- Bede Tungutaalum, for the Special Recognition Award – co-presented with Northern Territory Government
- Julie Shaw, for the Fashion Design Award – co-presented with Country Road