Our Stories
Creativity and Cultural Storytelling with Clair Helen
Clair Helen is a proud Tiwi woman who was born and raised on Larrakia Country in the Northern Territory.
A fashion designer known for her use of bold, vibrant colours and modern silhouettes, Clair seamlessly blends contemporary creativity with cultural storytelling.
Clair was recently announced as this year's Fashion Designer Award winner at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), an achievement which adds to her already accomplished career.
She was the first Indigenous designer to graduate from Sydney's Whitehouse Institute of Design, has showcased at major fashion weeks including in Sydney and Melbourne and has even designed a custom piece for the Academy Awards red carpet.
A creative leader and collaborator, Clair shares her thoughts on shaping contemporary design and staying strong in culture.
Since 2020, Country Road has proudly supported DAAFF's National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). Each year, we offer a 12-month industry mentorship to the winner of the Fashion Designer Award.
Firstly, a huge congratulations on winning the Fashion Designer Award at the 2025 National Indigenous Fashion Awards. How did it feel to receive this award, especially back in the Northern Territory?
Thank you so much! Honestly, it was such an honour just to be nominated, so to win this award feels truly unreal. I feel so much pride. The fashion world can be tough, and it's been a real journey for me, with lots of ups and downs. Being recognised like this, especially back home on Country, made it even more meaningful. It reminded me why I started—and how far I've come.
You studied fashion design in Sydney but have worked all over the country. What inspired you to move into fashion design, and what has that journey been like?
At the time, I didn't see clothes that reflected who I was or my style. There wasn't a lot that represented Indigenous identity or culture. That really pushed me to create what I wasn't seeing.
The journey has had its challenges, but it's also been incredibly fulfilling. I've loved watching Indigenous fashion grow. It's so powerful to see our stories finally being centred. I hope it continues to thrive for future generations.
You've shared how growing up in the NT has influenced your approach to design. How do those experiences come to life in your work?
Growing up in Darwin was special, and I spent a lot of time going back and forth to the Tiwi Islands to be with family. We were always surrounded by loved ones, telling stories, dancing, and singing in language. Those memories are still with me.
I used to sit by the fire and listen to my Elders share stories, especially my uncle Harold Porkilari, a talented and respected Tiwi artist. He taught me so much about Tiwi storytelling through art. He has passed now, but that connection shaped me deeply. I honour that by weaving those stories and symbols into my work. Tiwi art is rare—and I'm proud to celebrate that through fashion.
You've collaborated with many organisations, businesses, and art centres. What's been one of your proudest collaborations?
Working with Bima Wear (an Aboriginal women's fabric printmaking workshop based in Nguiu, Bathurst Island) for the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), was really special. Growing up, my family would wear Bima Wear pieces for ceremonies and important events, so to collaborate with them was honestly a dream come true. It felt like coming full circle—working alongside family and continuing a legacy of strong Tiwi women in fashion.
You design both ready-to-wear and one-of-a-kind pieces. What do you love about working across both areas?
I really love creating one-off pieces. They let me tell a deeper story and create something more theatrical. There's a real connection in that process. But I also want my work to be accessible, so ready-to-wear is important too. I've had people say that they love my one-off pieces but want to be able to buy something now. So, I'm working towards on-demand collections and bringing that runway magic straight to the customer.
As this year's NIFA winner, you'll now be working closely with Country Road. What do you hope to bring to—and learn from—this experience?
I'm excited to learn as much as I can, especially about scaling a brand and building sustainable business models. Country Road has been around for a long time, so I'm really keen to understand how they've maintained that longevity. I want to take those insights and apply them to grow my own label with more structure and impact.
How do you think First Nations designers are shaping the future of fashion?
Indigenous fashion has always existed. Our Elders have led the way long before it was recognised by the mainstream. What's exciting now is the growth and visibility. We're finally getting the attention we always deserved. I truly believe this movement is unstoppable. There's so much power in our stories, and the world is ready to hear them.
Find out more about Clair's work here.
