New wave of Indigenous talent joins prestigious national fashion pathways program
Three Northern Territory fashion designers have been selected for a prestigious Indigenous fashion program transforming traditional storytelling into wearable art. Read the details.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects program (IFP) has unveiled the IFP Pathways Program 2025–27 cohort, introducing six First Nations designers and their labels, including three from the Northern Territory.
From the red deserts of Alice Springs to the vast coastlines of the Kimberley, Western Australia, the six designers are said to bring creativity, deep cultural storytelling and a future-focused approach to design.
Pathways Program 2025-27 welcomes its first Art Centre participant with the talented Yarrenyty Arltere Artists from Alice Springs.
Known for its soft sculptures and vibrant textiles, the collective’s move into fashion represents an exciting intersection between the visual arts and design sectors.
Its work transforms community storytelling into wearable art, capturing what the Pathways Program stands for – connection, collaboration and culture in motion.
Another standout Territory artist was Clair Helen, who is from the Tiwi Islands but based in Western Australia.
A proud Tiwi designer, Helen creates wearable art that bridges tradition and innovation.
Her handpainted textiles and contemporary silhouettes have graced Australian Fashion Week, bringing Tiwi stories to the runway with striking elegance.
Clair Helen won this year’s NIFA Fashion Designer Award.
The third Territorian in the cohort is Atyene by Rachel Perkins from Alice Springs.
Founded by award-winning filmmaker Perkins, Atyene brings together Aboriginal art and contemporary fashion through collaboration with community Art Centres.
Her pieces are bold and grounded in cultural authenticity, showing that fashion can be both ethical and thriving.
Together, IFP and its partners are building a thriving Indigenous fashion sector that celebrates creativity, community and culture.
The newly announced cohort ensures the stories, skills and spirit of First Nations designers continue to inspire generations to come.
The collective’s expansion into fashion marks an exciting crossover between visual art and design, transforming community storytelling into wearable art that embodies connection, collaboration, and culture in motion.
The program’s strength lies in its community of practice and partnership model, connecting designers, mentors, and industry leaders through collaboration and shared learning.
A First Nations-led model, the program is embedding cultural integrity and advancing long-term sector impact.
“We’re really excited to announce our next cohort of Designers,” said IFP manager Michelle Maynard.
“It’s a powerhouse of talent, strength and cultural grounding, continuing our efforts toward building sustainable, self-determined futures.”
The program’s alumni include acclaimed Indigenous-led brands Maara Collective, Ngali, Liandra Swim, Miimi and Jiinda, Joseph and James, and Gammin Threads, who continue to influence both national and international runways.
For more information, please visit: https://www.ifp.org.au/programs/pathways/
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Originally published as New wave of Indigenous talent joins prestigious national fashion pathways program
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