Nicky Briger EDITOR
Afew years ago, the good folk at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation contacted us out of the blue with an idea. Forever searching for ways to promote First Nations artists and designers, they wanted to launch an Indigenous fashion awards to showcase their extraordinary talent. We leapt at the chance to become a media partner, and six months later the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) staged its inaugural event amid the start of the pandemic. Fast forward to now, and not only has the NIFA just held its third awards, we’re also witnessing the long-overdue explosion of Indigenous fashion, with First Nations designers starring on runways and in retail outlets across Australia. “The growing visibility of Indigenous fashion in this country has been incredible to see, and we definitely feel that the NIFA play an important part in that,” says DAAF Foundation executive director Claire Summers. “We’re proud of the role we’ve played and of our partnership with marie claire.”
In celebration of our partnership, this month we feature the NIFA winners alongside Indigenous models swathed in their incredible creations, all photographed along Darwin’s ruggedly beautiful coastline. The results are stunning (see from page 72) but it wasn’t an easy shoot. As the models clambered down rocky cli s to the water’s edge, writer Alley Pascoe was put on croc watch while photographer Michael Jalaru Torres snapped away. “It was pretty treacherous work,” says Alley, “but there were many magical moments.” Her favourite? “A giant sea eagle glided overhead as we shot [Textile Design Award winner] Philomena Yeatman. The bird is Philomena’s totem, so that was really special for us all.”
Beyond fashion, our features team has been busy interviewing a roll call of powerhouse women for your inspiration: Julia Roberts, this month’s cover star, dishes on love, life and ageing naturally (page 78); Mariah Carey gets refreshingly candid about overcoming tough times (page 106); Grace Tame talks about the true friend who changed her life (page 58); and Ellidy Pullin tells the incredible story of conceiving her partner Alex’s child after his death (page 84).
For further inspo, visit marieclaire.com.au to view our digital cover and accompanying interview with Aussie supermodel Georgia Fowler, who showcases summer’s new vibe from page 112, all shot in stunning Fiji. Finally, flip to page 139 for our guide to the season’s hottest swimwear. There’s plenty to devour, so dive in!