The 2024 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) has recognised seven designers at this year’s event ceremony which took place in the Northern Territory last night during the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation week of cultural events.
The seven winners were selected from a shortlist pool of 36 finalists, with Queensland-based designer Simone Arnol taking home the Fashion Designer Award - supported by Country Road - while Ngali founder Denni Francisco scored the business achievement award supported by Queensland asset management firm QIC.
Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) and supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company, the 36 shortlisted nominees showcased their designs at the event, covering contemporary and traditional techniques and stories through textiles and fashion.
The awards were judged by Cox Inall Ridgeway director Yatu Widders-Hunt, Aboriginal model Elaine George, First Nations artist Lisa Waup and Country Road head of design for womenswear Nimmi Premaratne.
The seven award recipients will now gain access to industry exposure and partnerships, mentoring opportunities, and financial support, to help develop their artistic practice and business journeys. This includes the nationwide broadcast of the NIFA awards nationally on NITV on August 17, which will then be streamed via SBS On Demand.
“It’s been an incredible evening celebrating our NIFA winners and nominees,” IFP manager Michelle Maynard said. “This talented group continues to inspire us, telling their stories and their histories of a deep connection to Country through beautiful designs.
“This year we added the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award which recognises an outstanding young person between the ages of 15-25 years, who is excelling in one or more of the areas of fashion, textile design, modelling, styling, wearable art, adornment and jewellery.”
Yawaru woman Kahlia Rogers was revealed as the debut winner of this award.
“I feel incredibly humbled and grateful to have the honour of receiving this amazing award for the first time,” she said at the event. “I have felt so inspired by all the amazing artists and designers from across Australia tonight and I feel proud to represent my family and community.”
Winners spanned a range of categories from wearable art, textile design and traditional adornment, though to business achievement and community collaboration.
Speaking on Arnol’s win of the coveted Fashion Designer Award, Premaratne said Arnol’s creativity and artistry stand out.
“Her collection honours traditional techniques passed down through generations while embracing modernity,” Premaratne said. “With a design handwriting that is truly her own, Simone’s collections showcase her exceptional skill and dedication to quality, while celebrating her connection to Country and distinct creative style”.
Arnol herself said it was a privilege to receive the prestigious award.
"As part of the Fashion Designer Award, I can’t wait to start my 12- month mentorship with Country Road and it is an honour to have the opportunity to work, learn and collaborate with them.”
The 2024 NIFA winners and nominees will all have the opportunity to tour their designs at two QIC centres, including Canberra Centre in the ACT and Eastland in Victoria.
"We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the DAAF Foundation including the Indigenous Fashion Projects, and support the National Indigenous Fashion Awards for a third consecutive year,” QIC First Nations affairs lead Justin Welfare said.
“This collaboration is incredibly important to us as it aligns with the targets of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan to foster community partnerships with First Nations organisations, support employment, and increase procurement through First Nations-owned businesses.”
The other key winners include:
- Bábbarra Women's Centre member Jay Jurrupula Rostron, who won the Textile Design Award supported by RMIT.
- Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct teacher Philomena Yeatman, who won the Traditional Adornment Award, supported by Helen Kaminski.
- Multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston, who won the Wearable Art Award supported by Eastland.
- Western Australia-based emerging designer Kahlia Rogers, who won the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award supported by First Nations author Franchesca Cubillo.
- Miimi & Jiinda founder Melissa Greenwood and Unreal Fur founder Gilat Shani, who both won the Community Collaboration Award supported by the Canberra Centre.