Country to Couture has evolved from an intimate showcase of Indigenous textiles into the nation’s premier platform for First Nations fashion innovation. What began as a modest showcase amongst the Art Centre booths in the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair hall in 2016, has blossomed into a national phenomenon.
Participating designers in 2025 by art centre or designer are:
Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre / Murrgan
Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art / Pirriya
Lillardia Briggs-Houston / Yaludhu Winhanganha (I remember)
EleRaze Creatives Sonya Coleman, Sonearae Bilney, Tallulah Bilney / Tjindu (Sun)
Mowanjum Arts and Cultural Centre x Milpali / Reclaiming Country
Sandra Delaney / Salt Water Murris Quandamooka / Yarabaanjara maguijan (Sea Country Spirits)
Cortney Glass / Kourt / Dreaming of Home
Rechelle Turner & Megan Daley / Corella & Crow / nguramban-dhi (From Country)
Simon Arnol / Butterfly Kisses
Cassie Leatham / Yanggurdi / Baabapbul kwiiap (bushtukka woven journey)
Delvene Cockatoo-Collins / A Riddle and A Conundrum
Sarrita and Tarisse King / KingKing Creative / Maju Kapuku (Journey)
Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture NT / Gurrwiliny (Arafura Wetlands)
Rowena Morgan / Nangarri Designs / Vio & Olly
Mim Cole and Tatiana Hoffmann / Mimmim x FREYZZY Design / Sunset Healing
Nicole Enoch-Chatfield / Goompi’s Girl / Kanyarra
Simone Thomson Art / ‘Nugal Biik, Belongs to Country’
Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct / Fire in the Sky
Amanda Hayman – Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists / Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists
Debra Beale / NGAYI PARRI (Mother Earth)
Corina Jadai / Jarli / Echoes of the Tide
Nagula Jarndu Designs / Nagula, Nagula, Nagula (Ocean, Ocean, Ocean)
Bianca Long and Jaydene Long / Jaru Girl Designs / Milky Water Western Collection
Since its inception in 2016, Country to Couture has masterfully bridged the perceived gap between traditional artistic practices and contemporary fashion expression, celebrating the brilliant convergence of art and fashion led by First Nations creatives.
Indigenous Fashion Projects Manager, Michelle Maynard said, “As the fashion world grapples with questions of authenticity, sustainability, and cultural representation, Country to Couture stands as a masterclass in meaningful fashion innovation and empowering representation. Country to Couture demonstrates how First Nations designers and artists master traditional practices to inform contemporary design, how ancient storytelling can speak to modern audiences, and how fashion can be both culturally significant and commercially viable.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Country To Couture, the event has become a highlight of the Australian fashion industry calendar, launching careers of First Nations designers, artists, models and creatives alike. To welcome 23 collections to the runway this year will be a spectacle like no other”.
Country to Couture 2025, a celebration of Indigenous fashion, textiles, and wearable art, will take place on Tuesday, August 5th 2025, on Larrakia Country in Darwin.
 Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) celebrates their momentous 10th anniversary this year.){kind=link}