These are the ones to watch. The winners of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards are here.

This event saw a talented group of 33 First Nations designers from all corners of the country, nominated across the NIFA six categories. And now, the winners have been announced.

Without further ado, here they are - congratulations to these talents, and to all the nominees too.

 

Peggy Griffiths

for the Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award – co-presented with DAAFF

Kieren Karritpul

for the Textile Design Award – co-presented with RMIT University and Ross Bonthorne

Maara Collective X Bula’bula Arts

for the Community Collaboration Award – co-presented with Northern Territory Government

Ninti One

for the Environmental and Social Contribution Award – co-presented with Northern Land Council

Bede Tungutaalum

for the Special Recognition Award – co-presented with Northern Territory Government

Julie Shaw

for the Fashion Design Award – co-presented with Country Road

 

The NIFAs are an event created to offer vibrant platform that highlight the talent, innovation and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander creatives. Conceived by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, this year's event was the very first in what will be a very exciting annual event - one which will introduce us to the future of fashion and the fashion designers to watch.

The NIFAs were broadcast on the NITV social channels on the evening of August 5. Hosted by Rachael Hocking, the presentation gave us a window into the world of the six winners. Viewers were able to hear directly from the winners who shared the stories of their lives and what inspires their creative process.

NIFAs awarded a combined prize value of $60,000 to the winners which includes promotion, support and development opportunities, travel, and cash.

The current moment is a troubled time for our creative sectors, ones which have been hit hardest by the shockwaves of the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts. For the creative industries to survive, we need to rethink how we value these important parts of our culture and identity. Events like the NIFAs are crucial to elevating and supporting the creatives in our community - and for giving emerging First Nations designers a platform for their inspirational work.

You can watch the full broadcast of the NIFA's below or head to the NITV Facebook page to watch it there.