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Darwin, Northern Territory – May 16, 2024 – Clair Helen parker of Parker Studio has been awarded the Fashion Designer award at the 2025 National Indigenous fashion Awards (NIFA), held today in Darwin. the awards, recognizing excellence adn innovation in Indigenous design and business, showcased a diverse range of talent from across Australia.
Parker, a Larrakia woman, draws her design inspiration directly from the landscapes and cultural practices of Larrakia contry, the customary lands encompassing Darwin and surrounding areas. She explained that her work aims to replicate the restorative power of connecting with nature,a practice deeply ingrained in her upbringing. “When we had sad times, we’d always go out into the bush and spend time with family, and that would give us a lot – I guess it would help our mental health,” Parker stated, adding that a blank wall facing her sewing machine previously hindered her creative process.
2025 National Indigenous Fashion Award Winners
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards, established in 2020, are a key platform for celebrating the unique contributions of Indigenous designers and artists to the Australian fashion industry. The awards are presented annually and aim to foster economic development and cultural recognition within Indigenous communities.
Here is a complete list of the 2025 award recipients:
Textile design award
Rhonda Sharpe, Yarrenyty Arltere artists (based in Alice Springs, Northern Territory)
Traditional adornment award
Rena Ngalinggama Guyula, Gapuwiyak culture and arts (Gapuwiyak, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory)
Wearable art award
Cleonie Quayle (South Australia)
Community collaboration award<
