2025 Country to Couture participants and NIFA finalists revealed
The events celebrating glamorous runway shows and incredible industry talent return to the NT in August. SEE THIS YEAR’S NIFA FINALISTS.
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The fashionable event that has brought glamorous runway shows and glittering gala awards to the NT is returning for its tenth year in August.
The highly anticipated Country to Couture runway event, as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) on Larrakia Country, has displayed over 120 fashion collections to date, with more than 1,000 unique looks worn by 250 First Nations models down the runway. It has sparked major industry collaborations, nurtured growing businesses and launched careers increasing the growth of Australia’s Indigenous fashion sector.
In 2025, for its ten-year anniversary, two runways will be showcasing 22 First Nations showstopping collections from across the country.
Alongside this “unforgettable” display of creativity and design, the 2025 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFAs) will be recognising 38 short-listed finalists of First Nations people working in fashion.
Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) manager, Michelle Maynard, said the momentous ten-year anniversary was an important time to reflect.
“It’s hard to believe Country to Couture began as a modest showcase nestled among the Art Centre booths at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair in 2016, and is now the largest showcase of Indigenous fashion in Australia,” she said.
“This is a moment for us all to reflect, acknowledge and show our respect for all the work that has been done by so many, so far.
“A moment to share celebration and excitement for the future.
“The NIFA is a vital event for celebrating and elevating First Nations fashion and textile design.
“We are seeing viable careers and futures being built that enable Indigenous wealth creation through the language of fashion, grounded in cultural integrity and knowledge
systems.
“All of the applications this year were outstanding, and I want to congratulate and celebrate every single nominee in their creative practice, their beautifully unique creations, and the generosity of story shared through their work.”
The short-listed nominees will be judged across seven categories, with judges Yatu Widders-Hunt, Lisa Waup and national brand Country Road’s Jessica Poynter selecting the winners.
On Wednesday, August 6, the winners will be announced under the stars at Deckchair Cinema.
Audience’s should expect ‘incredible talent’ and showstopping displays
Ahead of the awards, Darwin Convention Centre will be hosting the Country to Couture which is set to dazzle audiences with two themed runway shows.
Show one’s theme, named Threads of Country, is all about honouring the deep connection between First Nations people and the Land, Water and Country by celebrating timeless stories and using a blend of traditional and contemporary designs.
Show two is set to feature contemporary silhouettes and striking colours to reflect the diversity and strength of First Nations fashion with the theme Rising Colours: The BLAK Party.
DAAF community ambassador and Wakaman and Kuku Yalanji woman, Jessica Mauboy, said she is counting down the days until the collections take to the runways.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to see the incredible talent platformed by Indigenous Fashion Projects each August,” she said.
“And I’m especially counting down for this year’s showstopping Country to Couture – 10 years is an amazing achievement.
“It’s so empowering for our communities, to be able to see First Nations designers, artists, models and creatives dreaming big and getting the recognition they deserve.”
NIFA was initially launched in 2020 and is presented by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company.
Each category is supported by industry partners Canberra Centre, Eastland, QIC, Country Road, Helen Kaminski, Franchesca Cubillo, and RMIT.
Country Road sponsors the Fashion Designer Award, which includes a coveted 12-month industry mentorship for the winner.
Tickets to all DAAF 2025 events, which are held from August 7-10, will be released later this month.
2025 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS FASHION AWARD NOMINEES
Textile Design Award | Supported by RMIT
• Gregory Salt, Yalanji Arts, Mob: Yalanji, Location: Port Douglas, Queensland
• Joyce Dixon, Ikuntji Artists, Mob: Pintupi-Luritija, Location: Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory
• Karen Shuan, Yalanji Arts, Mob: Kuku Yalanji, Location: Port Douglas, Queensland
• Laurence Gibson, Yalanji Arts, Mob: Kuku Yalanji, Location: Port Douglas, Queensland
• Larissa Brumby, Ikuntji Artists, Mob: Ngaanyatjarra, Location: Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory
• Rhonda Sharpe, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Mob: Luritja, Location: Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Traditional Adornment Award | Supported by Helen Kaminski
• Cassie Leatham, Yanggurdi, Mob: DjaDjaWurrung / Daungwurrung, Location: Boisdale, Victoria
• Jenny Fraser, Mob: Migunburri Yugambeh, Location: Lismore, New South Wales
• Ngaire Pakai, Mob: Wiradjuri, Location: Blackalls Park, New South Wales
• Rena Ngalinggama Guyula, Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts, Mob: Djambarrpuyngu, Location: Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
• Yaraan Bundle, Mob: Gunditjmara, Location: Black Range, Victoria
Wearable Art Award | Supported by Eastland
• Andrew Wanamilil, Bula’bula Arts, Mob: Yolngu, Location: Ramingining, Northern Territory
• Cassie Leatham, Yanggurdi, Mob: DjaDjaWurrung / Daungwurrung, Location: Boisdale, Victoria
• Cathy Ward, Waringarri Arts, Mob: Miriwoong, Location: Miriwoong Country (Kununurra, Western Australia)
• Cleonie Quayle, CQ Aboriginal Jewellery, Mob: Malyingyapa Barkindj, Location: Merrylands West, New South Wales
• Ellen Trevorrow, Mob: Ngarrindjeri, Location: Meningie, South Australia
• Julieanne Gitjpulu Malibirr, Gapuwiyak Culture & Arts, Mob: Ganalbingu, Location: Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Fashion Designer Award | Supported by Country Road
• Clair Helen Parker, Clair Helen – Mob: Tiwi – Location: Perth, Western Australia
• Melissa Greenwood, Miimi & Jiinda, Mob: Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung Dunghutti, Location: Highland Place, New South Wales
• Natisha Tabua, Off the Plantation, Mob: Kalkugal Nation, Location: Melbourne, Victoria
• Samala Cronin, MumRed, Mob: Butchulla, Woppaburra, Lardil, Location: Thompson, Victoria
• Tahnee Edwards, Gammin Threads, Mob: Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award | Supported by Franchesca Cubillo
• Cindy Rostron, Mob: Bunungku, Location: West Arnhem, Northern Territory
• Elliot (Mango) Aplin, Mob: Waanyi, Gangalidda, Garawa, Location: Brisbane, Queensland
• Jake Powers, Mob: Bardi, Yawuru and Kija, Location: Broome, Western Australia
• Tiesha Munnich, Mob: Wadjigan/Yawuru/Bardi/ Jawi / Karajarri/ Mamu / Gunggandji, Location: Darwin, Northern Territory
Community Collaboration Award | Supported by Canberra Centre
• Djilpin Arts: Djilpin Arts artists: Julie Ashley, Noreena Ashley, Rita Cameron, Evangeline Wilson, Desleigh Sheilds, Jessie Ashley, with collaborators: Kate Sale – Kate Sale Jewellery, Fiona Gavino – Fibre Artist, and Fleur Parry – Art Centre Manager. Mob: Wagilak/Rittharngu (Djilpin Arts artists), Location: Katherine Gorge, Northern Territory
• Wendy Hubert, Juluwarlu, Collaborator: Emily Wright, Nancybird, Mob: Yindjibarndi (Wendy Hubert), Location: Roebourne, Western Australia
• Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts x Helen Kaminski, Collaborators: Julie Bukandjarri, Gary Bishop, Anna Ramatha, Marcia Mawulawuy, Leonie Guyula, Megan Guyula, Trevor van Weeren, Noreen Matay, Linda Gagati, Michelle Banalinydju, Rebecca Gamadala, Mavis Wuluku, Lucy Wanapuyngu, Kathy Guyule, Phoebe Hyles, Julieanne Gitjpulu, Joan Milwini. Mob: Yolŋu (Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts artists), Location: Gapuwiyak, Northern Territory
• Gina Bundle and community members, Mob: Bidwell, Jerrigah, Walbunga, Djiringanj Yuin/Monaro, Location: Mickleham, Victoria
• David Leslie, GALI Swimwear, Collaborators: Jake Simon, IYDA & Michal Nicolas, TEAMM8, Mob: Kamilaroi (David Leslie), Worimi-Biripi (Jake Simon), Location: Erskineville, New South Wales
• Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association, Mob: Tiwi, Location: Melville Island, Northern Territory
Business Achievement Award | Supported by QIC
• Magpie Goose, Amanda Hayman and Troy Casey, Mob: Wakka Wakka | Kalkadoon, Location: Brisbane, Queensland
• GALI swimwear, David Leslie, Mob: Kamilaroi, Location: Erskineville, New South Wales
• Ikuntji Artists, Mob: Luritja-Pintupi, Location: Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory
• Marley Morgan Photography, Marley Morgan, Mob: Wiradjuri/Yuwaalaraay/Gamilaraay, Location: Glenreagh, New South Wales
• Miimi & Jiinda, Melissa Greenwood, Mob: Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung Dunghutti, Location: Highland Place, New South Wales
• MumRed, Samala Cronin, Mob: Butchulla, Woppaburra, Lardil, Location: Wathawurrong (Thompson, VIC)
COUNTRY TO COUTURE 2025 PARTICIPANTS
Show 1
1. Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture, ‘Garkambarryirri’ (Daybreak)
2. Corella & Crow, by Rechelle Turner and Megan Daley
3. Delvene Cockatoo-Collins
4. Eleraze Creatives, by Sonya Coleman, Sonearae Bilney and Tallulah Bilney, ‘Tjindu’
5. Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, ‘Murrgan’
6. Jarli, by Corina Jadai, ‘Echoes of the Tide’
7. KingKing Creative, by Sarrita and Tarisse King, ‘Journey’
8. Lillardia Briggs-Houston, ‘Yaludhu Winhanganha’ (I Remember)
9. Nangarri Designs, by Rowena Morgan, ‘Connection to Taam’ (Country)
10. Simone Thomson Art, ‘Nugal Biik’ (Belongs to Country)
11. Yanggurdi, by Cassie Leatham, ‘Biik’
Show 2
1. Blak Sand by Sandra Delaney & Shara Delaney, Saltwater Murris Quandamooka, ‘Tabilbahn Yunggulba’ (Saltwater Tidal)
2. Goompi’s Girl, by Nicole Enoch-Chatfield, ‘Kanyarra’
3. Jaru Girl Designs, by Bianca Long and Jaydene Long, ‘Milky Water Western Collection’
4. Kourt, by Cortney Glass, ‘Dreaming of Home’
5. Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists, by Amanda Hayman & Troy Casey
6. Mimmim x TATIA, by Mim Cole and Tatiana Hoffmann, ‘Sunset Healing’
7. Mowanjum Arts and Cultural Centre x Milpali, ‘Reclaiming Country’
8. Nagula Jarndu Designs, ‘Jarndunil/Saheli Yagarramaguranjin’ (women/friends are creating together)
9. Simone Arnol, ‘Butterfly Kisses’
10. Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art, ‘Pirriya collection’
11. Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct, ‘Fire in the Sky’
Originally published as 2025 Country to Couture participants and NIFA finalists revealed
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