All the winners at the 2023 National Indigenous Fashion Awards

The best of Indigenous fashion talent from across Australia has been recognised at a record-breaking 2023 edition of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards. SEE THE PHOTOS.

Marley Morgan, Bianca Hunt and Lillardia Briggs-Houston all wearing Lillardia Briggs-Houston at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The very best of Indigenous fashion from across the country has been recognised at a record-breaking National Indigenous Fashion Awards in the Top End this week.

The judges had the difficult job of whittling a list of 66 nominees down to just six winners in the awards presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects.

The winners, including Lillardia Briggs-Houston, were recognised for their creativity, talent and contribution to the industry and will now receive a range of tailored mentorships and opportunities.

Indigenous Fashion Projects manager Michelle Maynard said the significant increase in nominations showed the growth in the sector for Indigenous talent.

“We’re so inspired by the breadth of work presented this year across the NIFA categories,” she said.

“The way we are seeing the transference of knowledge and story through the mediums of textiles and fashion are really exciting.

Noeline Briston, Ceclia petzler, Naomy Briston (nominated for wearable art), Josephine Newman, Patricia Paterson and Bernadette Crane at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“The work of this year’s winners all carry such a beautiful weaving together of traditional and contemporary practice imbued with deep connection, pride and love of Country and community.

“I think they really represent the heart of our people.”

Winners spanned a range of categories from wearable art, textile design and traditional adornment through to business achievement and community collaboration.

But it was Ms Briggs-Houston, a Wiradjuri, Gangulu and Yorta Yorta woman who took out the coveted Fashion Designer of the Year award.

“I am truly humbled and filled with gratitude for this incredible honour,” she said.

“It is a privilege to be recognised for my work and to be celebrated among a community of exceptionally talented First Nations designers and creatives at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards.

“As part of the Fashion Designer Award, I can’t wait to start my 12-month mentorship with Country Road and to have the opportunity to work with them and take my brand to new heights.”

Winners

Traditional Adornment Award – Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts artists

Community Collaboration Award – Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts artists x Aly de Groot

Business Achievement Award – Ikuntji Artists

Textile Design Award – Rowena Morgan, Nagula Jarndu

Wearable Art Award – Rhonda Sharpe, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists

Fashion Designer Award – Lillardia Briggs-Houston

ALL THE PHOTOS

Ciaran Dunne and Maggie Coggan. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Courtney Bateman, Caitlin Riedel, Bonnie Rennick and Wendy Rennick. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bernard Singleton, Simone Arnol, Michelle Yeatman, Philomena Yeatman, Chansey Paech and Franchesca Cubillo. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Roseranna Larry and Nisa Richy. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Marley Morgan, Bianca Hunt and Lillardia Briggs-Houston All Wearing: Lillardia Briggs-Houston. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Rodney Swan and Pippa Swan. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Robyn Berry, Julia Raath and Tuppy Mcintosh. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bill Kerwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Rachael Hocking. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tegan Jenkins. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kimberley Benjamin and Rupert Carr-Gregg. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sammy Perry, Chris Wilson, Brenda Napier, Blair Withers and Deanna Varga. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Melissa Schulz, Tiffany Ellul and Ellie Daly. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lee Wanapyugugu. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Maggie Gray. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Treena Christie. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Gary Stewart. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Naomy Briston. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tarryn Handcock. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Back left: Tegan Jenkins, Gabby Howlett and Emily Wright. Front left: Ava Christophers, Wendy Hubert, Mary Watson, Deahna Robinson and June Djiagween from Juluwarlu Art Group. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Gemma Cahill, Charlie Watt (Country Road), Ashley Martin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Shonte Molyneux, Hayley Mulardy and Kahlia Rogers. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Aunty Bilawara Lee and Barbara Baugh. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Milmarjah Thanba and Samala Thakialee Cronin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Roger Allen, Tammy Schlitz and Kate Marquard. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Noeline Briston, Ceclia Petzler and Josephine Newman. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ty Symonds, Elle Roseby and Lina Cabai from Country Road. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kristie Peters and Deanne Booth. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Leonie Guyula and Anastacia Guyula. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chansey Paech. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Angus Cole-Adams, Clare Horsfall and Lauren Stammers. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cassie Leatham. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chrischona Schmidt, Roseranna Larry, Kelly Dixon, Pam Brown, Hayley Dodd (Ikuntji artist) and Rachael Hocking. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Krystal Cutajar and Fabri Blacklock wearing Deboriginal design by Debra Beale. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Christina Howard and Maddy Hodgetts. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Amanda Hayman (Magpie Goose) with basket earrings by Philomina Yeatman of Yarrabah. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Artist Rowena Morgan and Sheree Ford. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin