Since its launch in 2020, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) have discovered and celebrated incredible First Nations talent in the Australian fashion industry. This year’s finalists are no exception to the rule. The 2026 cohort has officially been revealed, with 25 finalists up for awards across six categories.
This year, the awards are returning to Larrakia Country (Darwin), where an award ceremony to formally announce the winners will be held in a sunset ceremony at the Deckchair Cinema on 5 August and broadcast across the country.
Run by the Indigenous Fashion Projects – which is part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation – the program also runs the Country to Couture runway, which for the first time, will expand to a two-night event, taking place on the Sunday and Monday prior to the awards event. The nominees were selected by an expert panel of judges including: Lisa Friedl – Country Road, Julie Shaw – MAARA Collective, and Lindyn Rowland.
Get to know the official nominees of this year’s NIFA awards, below – and stayed tuned for the winners announcement in August 2026.
Fashion Designer Award
- Delvene Cockatoo-Collins
- Ebony Kruger (Ebony Noire)
- Bianca Long (Jaru Girl / Milky Water Western)
- Samala Cronin (MumRed)
Textile Design Award
- Lorna Shuan, Yalanji Arts
- Lillardia Briggs-Houston
- Artists of Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art (collective)
- Corin Corcoran
Traditional Adornment Award
- Cassie Fisher Patterson, Yanggurdi
- Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni, Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association
Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award
- Tiesha Munnich-Hewitt
- Jake Powers
- Zachary James O’Donnell
Community Collaboration Award
- Bábbarra Women’s Centre x Tharangini Studio
- Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture NT
- Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists (Amanda Hayman)
- Koorie Heritage Trust x RMIT (Blak Design Program)
Business Achievement Award
- Sarrita King and Tarisse King / KingKing Creative
- David Leslie / Gali Swimwear
- Ikuntji Artists / Ikuntji Designs
- KAFTA (Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art)
For more First Nations fashion, you might like our guide to First Nations fashion designers or First Nations creative minds to follow on Instagram.
Feature image: Artists of Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art (collective)
