Honouring the origins of their country, Indigenous Australian designers are taking the fashion industry by storm.
With events like the Inaugural National Indigenous Fashion Awards, said fashion creators are making their way into the mainstream and captivating our attention—one beautifully ornate print at a time. Representative of much more than what’s on-trend, they each support their culture—whether that be aesthetically or financially.
Redefining the term ‘Australian-made’, these incredibly talented First Nations artists are here to use their traditional methods and influence to create bespoke garments, each with their own philosophy promoting sustainability.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite First Nations designers who are paving the way for Aboriginal design in the fashion industry – both locally, and abroad.
Atyene
Atyene (pronounced Ah-chen) meaning ‘precious’ in the Arrenrnte language of Central Australia, is a 100 per cent First Nations-owned fashion label founded by filmmaker and advocate, Rachel Perkins. The first collection is a collaboration with Utopia Arts Centre and Iltja Ntjarra, and features breathtaking campaign imagery shot on country in Mparntwe with Rachel’s nieces – Madeleine and Lilie Madden. The first release is available for pre-order now.
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Ngarru Miimi
Ngarru Miimi explores culture, self-determination, and sovereignty through fashion. The brand was created by a Wiradjuri Yorta Yorta Gangulu woman, Lillardia Briggs Houston, who ensures her hand-made elements are included in each piece of her work. The brand also repurposes waste from the cutting table to ensure it doesn’t end up in a landfill just kilometres from her on Wiradjuri Country.
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Maara Collective
Meaning ‘hands’ in the Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay language groups, MAARA works in collaboration with key Indigenous artists and artisans, drawing inspiration from Australia to create a contemporary fashion and lifestyle brand with a luxe aesthetic. Founder/creative director Julie Shaw, a Yuwaalaraay woman from NSW, has developed the luxury resortwear brand to showcase and celebrate Indigenous art and fashion.
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Ginny’s Girl Gang
Created by Ginny, a Gomaroi and Gamilaraay woman from Brisbane, Ginny’s Girl Gang aims to support Indigenous rights and preserve its culture. The name represents Ginny and her three nieces, with the brand’s ethos all about culture, positivity, respect and love.
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Haus Of Dizzy
With a cult following online, jewellery brand Haus of Dizzy, was created by ‘Queen Of Bling’ Kristy Dickinson. The brand features iconic and eye-catching acetate designs that merge fashion and activism. Proudly championing images of the Aboriginal flag, and socially-charged quotes like ‘Stop Adani’, ‘Abolish the Date’ and ‘Girl Power’, the brand’s signature earrings can be personalised to include a name or tribe.
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Gammin Threads
Both a side hustle and creative outlet, Gammin Threads was created by Tahnee, a proud descendant of the Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Boonwurrung and Mutti Mutti nations. The brand offers bold tees and accessories for people who believe in paying respect, empowering women, and living colourfully.
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Clothing The Gaps
Victorian-based Aboriginal-owned-and-led brand Clothing The Gaps aims to help Close the Gap. The brand’s profits actively support grassroots Aboriginal health and education programs throughout Victoria. And when it comes to their pieces, they are intended as conversation starters, in order to initiate meaningful discussions.
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Liandra Swim
Created by local swimwear designer Liandra Gaykamangu, Liandra Swim has a strong and inherent respect for the land. The brand aims to prioritise sustainable practices by using fabrics made from regenerated plastics—even its hygiene stickers are safe for home-compost disposal. It also showcases Indigenous culture and inspirational achievements of Indigenous women, naming each of piece after a different Indigenous woman.
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Ngali
Taking First Nations’ artwork off the walls and onto garments, the slow fashion brand Ngali was created by Wiradjuri woman, Denni Francisco, to showcase First Nations visual artists in a new, dynamic form.
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Clair Helen
Founded by visual artist, graphic designer, and Tiwi woman, Clair Helen Parker, her eponymous label was created “for that woman that loves to be loud”, and is replete with bold, bright colourways and showstopping patterns that we can’t get enough of.
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