The time for the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) has come around again, and this year's list of nominees has just been released ahead of the awards ceremony on August 3, 2021.
NIFA was brought to life with an aim to create and develop an awards event that champions innovation, diversity, and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers, whilst contributing to the capacity building of the sector. From the Country to Couture fashion runway event that is held every August as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) program, NIFA has grown out of this event as another opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and fashion to be recognized and celebrated for what it is.
There are six categories to be considered for within the award ceremony, including, Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award, whichRecognises worn items, created as fine or expressive art, used to define or express culture; Textile Design Award, including designs of woven, knitted or other textile constructions, as well as dyed, printed or surface ornamented textiles; Fashion Design Award which recognises a commercial fashion label with a minimum of two collections of original design of clothing, jewellery or accessories; Social and Environmental Contribution Award, celebrating excellence and leadership in environmental and social development understanding, and practice in relation to textiles and fashion; Community Collaboration Award providing recognition of effective and productive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the textile and fashion industry, and the Special Recognition Award, for a group, organization, or individual that has shown an exceptional contribution to the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textiles and fashion.
For its second year, 30 designers and artists have been nominated for the awards. You can see a full list of nominations, below, and will be broadcast on NITV on August 3.
Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art
Cassie Leatham – Wild Blak Arts
Krystal Hurst – Gillawarra Arts
Lillardia Briggs – Houston – Ngarru Miimi
Lydia Baker – Bush Magic Metal
Michelle Woody Minnapinni and Rachel Freddy Puruntatameri – Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association
Rhonda Sharpe – Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
Yvonne Odegaard – Moydra Designs
Textile Design
Alice Nampitjinpa Dixon – Ikuntji Artists
Deborah Wurrkidj – Babbarra Women’s Centre
Eunice Napapangka Jack – Ikuntji Artists
Francoise Lane – Indij Design
Keturah Zimran – Ikuntji Artists
Lillardia Briggs-Houston – Ngarru Miimi
Mavis Nampitjinpa Marks – Ikuntji Artists
Rhonda Sharpe – Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
Wayne Connolly – Yarrabah Art Centre
Fashion Design
Denni Francisco – Ngali
Nancy Pattison – Indii Swimwear
Natalie Cunningham – Native Swimwear
Environmental and Social Contribution
Annabel Amagula – Anindilyakwa Arts
Liandra Gaykamangu – Liandra Swim
Mylene Holroyd – Pormpuraaw Art & Culture featuring Simone Arnol designs
Community Collaboration
Hope Vale x QUT fashion collaboration – Wuwu (Soul) collection
Ikuntji Artists– Publisher Textiles
Special Recognition
