From Tiwi Islands to National Acclaim: Clair Helen Parker Named Fashion Designer of the Year

Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia is proud to celebrate one of our alumni, Clair Helen Parker, who has been awarded Fashion Designer of the Year at the prestigious 2025 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA).

Born and raised in Darwin, and a proud Tiwi woman, Clair’s journey into the fashion world has been one of determination, creativity, and cultural pride. In 2016, she graduated from the Bachelor of Design at Whitehouse, becoming the first Aboriginal female graduate in the school’s history. This milestone marked the beginning of an extraordinary career that continues to inspire the next generation of designers.

"I can't believe I actually did what I set out to do," says Parker, now based in Boorloo/Perth and the creative force behind her eponymous label.
"The fashion industry can be tough — demanding, tiring, and sometimes overwhelming. There have been moments where I wanted to give up. But this award is a motivating force; signalling the beginning of a new and bigger chapter."

An Award with Meaning

The NIFA accolade honours originality, cultural storytelling, and commercial success. For Clair, it’s a recognition not just of her talent, but of the way she weaves her Tiwi heritage into her design practice.

Her work reflects the textures, colours, and narratives of Country, creating garments that are as much cultural artefacts as they are high-fashion pieces. This ability to merge tradition with contemporary aesthetics has positioned her as a unique voice in Australia’s fashion landscape.

A Whitehouse Graduate’s Edge

During her time at Whitehouse Institute of Design, Clair honed her skills in fashion design, garment construction, and creative direction — all while developing a professional portfolio that would open doors to industry opportunities. The Institute’s focus on small class sizes, one-on-one mentoring, and industry collaboration provided Clair with the confidence and technical expertise to launch her brand.

Whitehouse graduates are known for their distinctive creative voices and ability to operate at the highest levels of the global fashion industry. Clair’s career is a testament to the power of combining strong technical skills with authentic storytelling.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Clair’s journey is more than a personal success story — it’s a roadmap for aspiring designers, particularly young First Nations creatives looking to enter the industry. Her advice?

• Stay true to your vision.
• Embrace your heritage as a strength.
• Be prepared for hard work, but know the rewards are worth it.

Study Fashion Design at Whitehouse

If you’re inspired by Clair Helen Parker’s story, you can follow in her footsteps by studying the Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) at Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia. Our hands-on approach, world-class facilities, and direct links to industry mean you’ll graduate with the skills and connections to thrive — locally and internationally.

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