The National Indigenous Fashion Awards were held in Darwin last night to recognize First Nations creatives in the fast-growing industry
Babbara Women’s Center in Arnhem Land and Maningrida artist Esther Yarllarla were recognized at the awards
Artists and organizers say the Indigenous fashion industry creates opportunities for economic development and cultural awareness
According to one of the people behind the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, the fast-growing industry is a gateway for greater recognition of First Nations people and culture more broadly.
“When we come together as Australians to make decisions around things like an [Indigenous] voice to parliament … people will have a better understanding,” Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Chair, Franchesca Cubillo, said.
“Because they’ve had those conversations with First Nations people, because they’ve bought those textiles or they’ve seen paintings or fashion.
“All of these important first steps allow First Nations people to take their place in Australia and be valued and appreciated.”
The awards started during the COVID lockdown in 2020. (Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
The third annual NIFAs — which saw Indigenous designers and artists from all over the country recognized for their work — were held in Darwin last night.