The 2024 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), organized by Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) and supported by the Northern Territory government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company, recently honored 36 nominees. The judging panel consisted of Yatu Widders-Hunt, Elaine George, Lisa Waup, and Nimmi Premaratne, who evaluated the nominees across various categories.
The judges reviewed the nominees’ work, considering creativity, talent, and contributions to the industry. The seven award winners were recognized for their exceptional work and will now benefit from increased industry exposure, mentoring, and financial support. This support is expected to significantly impact their artistic and business endeavors.
Award categories included wearable art, textile design, traditional adornment, business achievement, and community collaboration. Among the winners, First Nations designer Simone Arnol received the prestigious Fashion Designer Award, sponsored by Country Road. Arnol is known for her commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, drawing on traditional dye techniques to create textiles with rich, earthy colors.
Nimmi Premaratne, head of Design for Womenswear at Country Road and a judge for this year’s awards, praised Arnol’s creativity. “Simone’s work stands out for its unique blend of traditional techniques and modern design. Her collection reflects exceptional skill and a deep connection to her cultural heritage,” Premaratne said.
The 2024 NIFA winners and nominees will have the opportunity to showcase their designs at two QIC centres: Canberra Centre in the ACT and Eastland in Victoria, with support from QIC.
Justin Welfare, QIC’s First Nations Affairs lead, expressed enthusiasm about continuing the partnership with the DAAF Foundation and Indigenous Fashion Projects. “We’re excited to support the National Indigenous Fashion Awards for the third year in a row. This partnership aligns with our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan goals, which include fostering community partnerships and supporting First Nations-owned businesses,” Welfare said.
The winners of this year’s NIFA are:
Textile Design Award, supported by RMIT: Jay Jurrupula Rostron from Bábbarra Women’s Centre, Maningrida, Northern Territory.
Traditional Adornment Award, supported by Helen Kaminski: Philomena Yeatman from Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct, Yarrabah, Queensland.
Wearable Art Award, supported by Eastland: Lillardia Briggs-Houston from Albury/Narrandera, New South Wales.
Fashion Designer Award, supported by Country Road: Simone Arnol from Queensland.
Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award, supported by Franchesca Cubillo: Kahlia Rogers from Broome/Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia.
Community Collaboration Award, supported by Canberra Centre: Melissa Greenwood, Miimi & Jiinda x Gilat Shani, Unreal Fur from
Nambucca Heads, New South Wales and Melbourne, Victoria.
Business Achievement Award, supported by QIC: Ngali, Denni Francisco from Melbourne, Victoria.
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