"The NIFA's (National Indigenous Fashion Awards) have been developed to really recognise and celebrate the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers." - Nina Fitzgerald.
The inaugural National Indigenous Fashion Awards were announced last weekend recognising six outstanding Aboriginal artists.
Leading up to the event, Nina Fitzgerald, Creative Director of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFAs) told NITV Radio that the NIFAs stem from the realisation that there is no fair or festival dedicated to Australia’s vibrant and evolving First Nations fashion scene.
Yet, Indigenous fashion has been booming over the past few years. “In 2019, we had more than 20 centres selling textiles, and more than 1500 people attended our Country to Couture runway show.”
“We are starting to see more Indigenous models and we are starting to see more awareness of this fashion in the media.”
Nina Fitzgerald also explained that the awards are structured in specific categories to ensure that designers are connected to relevant resources and support.
“There are six categories, developed to really capture this diversity. The fact that there’s contemporary and age-old practices and stories being used to develop this fashion space.”
