Culture on the Catwalk
Art, fashion and culture collide on the catwalk, as Indigenous Fashion Projects’ (IFP) Country to Couture and National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) return to showcase First Nation’s fashion.
By Kate Conway
This years Country to Couture event is the largest ever, a record 22 collections hitting the runway across two shows, showcasing a wonderful mix of talent from emerging designers and exciting collaborations, established labels and designers, with plenty of local and regional talent.
“We're going to see lots of new, vibrant and earthy textile prints in a range of styles – from funky streetwear to elegant and intricate couture pieces. There are some really beautiful and fun pieces,” IFP Manager Michelle Maynard says.
Featuring works from remote community Art Centres including Ikuntji Artists, Anindilyakwa Arts, Bábbarra Women’s Centre and Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, the shows seamlessly blend Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary fine art with high end fashion.
The NIFA acknowledge excellence across six award categories including business, fashion design, community contribution and traditional elements. This year, there are 66 nominees on the shortlist, the record-breaking number evidence of the expanding practice of First Nations fashion and textile design.
“There's an excitement, there's a buzz of energy and increasing confidence to nominate, be proud and be recognised for the beautiful and important work people are doing,” Maynard says.
“As a national award program, the NIFA have a wonderful, very grassroots accessibility to it, whether you reside in the bigger cities or in one of our remotest communities. It's what the NIFA are about, acknowledging, showcasing and sharing in celebrating the excellence of our First Nations fashion and textile design from right across our country.”
If you’re a fashion fanatic or love Indigenous art and design, witness the exciting unveiling of vibrant new collections first hand and celebrate the thriving First Nations fashion industry.
Country to Couture
WHEN TUE 8 AUG | 5PM & 8PM
AT DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE
COST $40-$85
National Indigenous Fashion Awards
WHEN WED 9 AUG | 6-8.30PM
AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA
COST $25
INFO ifp.org.au | darwinfestival.org.au
Image: Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts in collaboration with Aly De Groot Art, Country to Couture, 2022. Photo: Dylan Buckee
