David Jones has partnered with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s (DAAFF) Indigenous Fashion Projects.
David Jones will present its Pathways Program for Indigenous Australian fashion designers.
The initiative is part of David Jones’ ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous design and culture.
The Pathways Program will be a rolling 12-month program facilitated through workshops, seminars, mentoring and network opportunities - providing support at all stages of the development of a fashion label and connecting labels with fashion industry leaders and their expertise.
David Jones womenswear GM Bridget Veals said it is an important milestone.
"Providing an opportunity to design talents who may not have the platform to reach a commercial level is crucial to the development and enrichment of our industry.
"It broadens our fashion offering and allows for deep storytelling and a greater connection and understanding of cultures.
"Our role in the program is to listen and understand the needs of our First Nations fashion designers and provide support at all stages of the development of a fashion label.”
The first Indigenous designer to participate is Ngali founder Denni Francisco, with further designers to be announced in the coming weeks.
“David Jones in my mind depicts quality which is important to us," Francisco said.
"They have worked with Indigenous brands before, so I feel they have a respect and understanding of what is important to us, that our businesses go beyond the creation of product.
"Their support of Ngali and other Indigenous labels helps a bigger audience celebrate our culture and creativity and also helps add a meaningful dimension to the fashion choices customers make, because our culture is embedded in everything we do.
"I am excited to take this journey with them,” Francisco said.