NAIDOC Week 2025 offers the opportunity to shine the spotlight brightly on the extraordinary creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of Australia’s First Nations peoples. This year, in particular, the celebration resonates deeper as Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) returns to Larrakia Country for the 10th anniversary of its iconic Country to Couture runway and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA).
Since its humble beginnings in 2016, nestled among the vibrant stalls of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Country to Couture has blossomed into Australia’s largest and most influential Indigenous fashion showcase. Over ten inspiring years, it has catapulted over 120 unique fashion collections onto the runway, featuring more than 1,000 looks modelled by 250 First Nations talents – weaving together a tapestry of culture, innovation, and community pride.
A Cultural Revolution
The magic of Country to Couture lies not only in the garments but in the stories, heritage, and land that inspire every stitch and silhouette. The runways are a powerful bridge between remote, regional, and urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, connecting them to the global fashion industry while fiercely protecting cultural integrity.
This year’s 10th anniversary event promises an unforgettable experience across two runways, each with its own distinctive heartbeat: Threads of Country and Rising Colours: The Blak Party. Both showcases celebrate the profound relationship between First Nations people and their Country, with fashion that speaks of land, water, history, and future dreams.
Honouring Land, Water and Country
The first runway, Threads of Country, is a breathtaking homage to the natural world – the earth, sky, and water that sustain culture and creativity. Designers present collections drawing from earthy neutrals, soft sand tones, and the deep blues of sky and sea. These designs are not just clothing; they are walking stories of strength, survival, and connection to Country.
Among the highlights are stunning collaborations such as Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture’s “Garkambarryirri” (Daybreak), and Delvene Cockatoo-Collins’ mermaid-inspired “Warrajamba – A Mermaid in the Bay,” reflecting the spiritual and elemental forces of the land and sea. Each garment becomes a tribute to the timeless stories that nurture the soul of Indigenous fashion.
Rising Colours: The Blak Party – A Bold Celebration of Identity
Then comes Rising Colours: The Blak Party, an electric celebration of contemporary First Nations style. This runway pulses with bright colours, bold silhouettes, and an unapologetic assertion of identity. From streetwear to couture, this show embodies the vibrant diversity of Indigenous fashion today – fearless, innovative, and deeply rooted in culture.
Designers like Sandra and Shara Delaney from Salt Water Murris Quandamooka, with their collection Tabilbahn Yunggulba (Saltwater Tidal), and Nicole Enoch-Chatfield’s Goompi’s Girl “Kanyarra,” bring the runway alive with modern interpretations of heritage. It’s not just a fashion show; it’s a movement – a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of community.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards: Excellence and Empowerment
Following the runways, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards take place on August 6th, under the stars at Darwin’s iconic Deckchair Cinema. These awards are a vital platform, recognising the strength, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of First Nations creatives working in fashion and textiles.
This year, 38 finalists across seven prestigious categories have been shortlisted – from Textile Design and Traditional Adornment to Wearable Art and Business Achievement. These categories celebrate everything from stunning textile techniques to leadership in Indigenous fashion enterprises, highlighting the spectrum of talent flourishing in this sector.
Among the inspiring nominees are Gregory Salt of Yalanji Arts, Cassie Leatham of Yanggurdi, and Clair Helen Parker from the Tiwi Islands – each contributing uniquely to the growing Indigenous fashion narrative. The judges’ panel, featuring industry leaders like Yatu Widders-Hunt and Lisa Waup, along with Country Road’s Jessica Poynter, faces the exciting challenge of selecting winners from this outstanding pool of talent.
Fashion that Builds Futures
Indigenous Fashion Projects doesn’t just showcase fashion; it cultivates futures. The initiative nurtures emerging designers, models, and creatives, opening pathways for careers and wealth creation grounded in cultural knowledge and artistic excellence.
Jessica Mauboy, a proud Community Ambassador for the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation and Wakaman and KuKu Yalanji woman, emphasises the significance of this platform: “It’s so empowering for our communities, to be able to see First Nations designers, artists, models, and creatives dreaming big and getting the recognition they deserve.”
This year’s styling team, led by Lindyn Rowland and Jake Powers under the mentorship of Karinda Mutabazi, brings fresh vision and vibrancy to the runway, continuing to evolve the event’s cultural and artistic depth.
Style with Support
The awards also come with valuable business development opportunities and mentorship from industry heavyweights such as RMIT, Helen Kaminski, Country Road, and QIC. Since 2020, Country Road has proudly supported the Fashion Designer Award, providing mentorship and financial backing to winners, enabling sustainable growth and creative development.
Fabia Pryor, Brand Sustainability Manager at Country Road, reflects: “Supporting First Nations designers through the NIFA, Country to Couture, and broader IFP programs is vital for the future of the Australian fashion industry.”
NAIDOC Week 2025: A Time to Honour, Celebrate, and Inspire
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week this July, the legacy of Country to Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards remind us how fashion can be a profound expression of culture, identity, and hope. It’s a moment to acknowledge the past, honour the present, and envision a future where Indigenous voices and visions shine brighter than ever.
This milestone decade marks more than just runway shows and awards – it marks a cultural revolution, driven by Indigenous innovation and pride. For those passionate about fashion, culture, or community, attending these events offers a powerful, moving experience unlike any other.
Whether you’re a fashion insider, a cultural advocate, or simply inspired by the beauty and strength of First Nations peoples, mark your calendar for August 5th and 6th to witness history in the making.
Tickets for Country to Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards are available at IFP.org.au
Main feature image credit: Finale, Show Two, Country to Couture, 2024, photo by Dylan Buckee_201