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10 Indigenous Australian Fashion Brands To Support And Admire

Supportive and stunning

Honouring the origins of their country, Indigenous Australian designers are taking the fashion industry by storm.

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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 Indigenous artists are here to use their traditional methods and influence to create bespoke garments, each with their own philosophy promoting sustainability.

And while many of us still enjoy browsing popular brands like Zara and H&M, there is a plethora of Indigenous fashion brands that also deserve our love and support.

Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite Indigenous Australian designers who are paving the way for Aboriginal design in the fashion industry.

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Arkie

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqTIu74F4rv/

Arkie aims to bridge the gap between mainstream Australia and Indigenous Australian culture. The brand looks to use contemporary Indigenous Art and fashion to create a platform for expression and education of Aboriginal Culture, including a range filled with eclectic colours and prints.

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North

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Unlike other fashion brands, NORTH’s ethos isn’t around making money, but rather, it is to support and preserve traditional Aboriginal art. A not-for-profit organisation, the brand works with Tiwi, Warlpiri, Anindilyakwa, Kunwinjku, and Ngan’gi artists to create unique hand screen-printed textile designs.

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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. 

Shop here.

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Bundarra

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Working closely with traditional Aboriginal artists, Bundarra’s range includes bright and bold fabrics unlike anything else on the market. Each of their pieces tells a story from the artist’s unique background and perspective and was born with the purpose of bringing Indigenous culture to the mainstream. Additionally, their profits support community development.

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Ginny’s Girl Gang

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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 Gap

Victorian-based Aboriginal-owned-and-led brand Clothing The Gap 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

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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.

Shop here.

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