By Olivana Lathouris

Topic: Fashion

Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 pm

Seven artists won prizes at the 2026 National Indigenous Fashion Awards.

In short:

First Nations artists and designers from Australia were recognized at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards in Darwin.

The event shows art from different cultural and language groups, using various mediums and techniques.

Some winners said their art helps pass on traditional knowledge, connect to culture, and honor loved ones.

A partnership between a women's center in the Northern Territory and an art studio in India was recognized at the awards.

The event is Australia's largest showcase of First Nations fashion, celebrating Indigenous designers, artists, and creatives.

The awards were presented at Darwin's Deckchair Cinema.

The ceremony took place in Darwin, attended by locals and art enthusiasts.

The event was presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation as part of Indigenous Fashion Projects.

Cindy Rostron is pictured with a wooden stamp used by designers, modeling clothes made by her mother and aunt.

International collaboration was recognized

A partnership between the Bábbarra Women's Centre and Tharangini Studio won the Community Collaboration award.

Padmini Govind and Janet Marawarr accepted the award.

The collaboration translated 78 Indigenous designs into woodblock stamps for printing.

The two women-led organizations found 'textile magic' working together.

They used a craft-led dialogue, as English is their fourth language.

The woodblocks can last up to 100 years if made from the right materials.

Deborah Wurrkidj and Rosanna Bonson wore sari designs printed by hand at Tharangini Studio.

The artistic practice helps pass on cultural knowledge and honors loved ones.

Padmini Govind said the art is about more than design.

Marawarr said the partnership will help pass down cultural knowledge to the next generation.

Abigail Namundja held a wooden stamp designed by her late mother.

Family history and culture were highlighted

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins won the major Indigenous Fashion Designer award.

Her work features sustainably-sourced, handmade textiles, including clothing and accessories.

Cockatoo-Collins said her work starts with a story and is connected to her family's history.

She described the event as crucial in connecting artists and supporting them to share stories.

Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni won the Traditional Adornment award.

She crafted unique baskets, armbands, and headwear by hand using natural materials.

Minnapinni learned her skills from an older sister who has passed away.

She hopes to share her skills with younger family members.

Minnapinni said she is proud to honor her old people and late sister.

The handmade designs were crafted with natural materials, including bark.

Here is the list of 2026 NIFA winners:

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