The winner of this year’s National Indigenous Fashion Awards hopes to inspire the next generation of First Nations designers. This year has seen a record number of creatives from all over the country nominated in six award categories. The winners have been unveiled as part of a week of events in Darwin to elevate first nations textiles and designs onto the global stage.
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00:00 These designs may be just hitting the runway, but they've been thousands of years in the
00:07 making.
00:08 Thank you for joining us for the 2023 National Indigenous Fashion Awards.
00:14 Ending a big week of fashion, and the country to couture runway in Darwin, the National
00:19 Awards last night celebrated the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Australia's
00:24 first nation designers, naming Lillardia Briggs-Houston Fashion Designer of the Year, and awarding
00:31 her a 12 month business mentorship with major fashion label Country Road.
00:36 My work is a reflection of my grandparents.
00:39 Everything I am and do is because of them.
00:42 Growing up far from the glamour and glitz of the fashion world in southwest New South
00:46 Wales, she never thought she'd be under spotlights on the national stage.
00:50 I was told a few times and scoffed at for even considering wanting to be a fashion designer
00:55 as a young Aboriginal girl in a small community.
00:58 Highlighting success stories and Australia's best in wearable art, textile design and traditional
01:04 adornment.
01:05 I reckon it's the proudest feeling that I ever had.
01:11 You don't really see models like my size.
01:14 I've never wanted anything and to be recognised, I can't wait to share it with my family.
01:24 Beyond the fabric and the flair, the awards are a springboard.
01:28 It gets them out there and known from emerging designers that no one's ever heard of before
01:35 to really well established designers.
01:38 If you can't see it, you can't be it.
01:40 So having more representation for younger generations to look up to is really important.
01:46 The awards will be broadcast in full on NITV on Friday.
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