The First Nations fashion brands you need to check out.

These labels sell works of art.

Jul 10, 2024

Australia has some incredible talent, especially within our First Nations community. And many of these creatives have started their own fashion brands, where they proudly show off their culture, heritage and connection to Country within their pieces.

On this week’s episode of Nothing To Wear, guest and Walmajarri woman, Brodie George, talked about starting her own brand, Jalayimiya Swim.

Image: Instagram @jalayimiyaswim.

Brodie's designs are a true reflection of herself. Her swimwear, which highlights her Indigenous heritage, is crafted with a focus on catering to the everyday woman —something that was important to her after having children.

“I was always very slim prior to having my children,” she said. “I remember my mum saying to me, ‘Oh, I don't like my arms’, and I never understood that.

“I always thought, ‘What a weird thing to be self-conscious about.’ And now that I've gotten older, I've got the arm thing. So I've really struggled with that, and I'm slowly trying to find my style again.”

Image: Instagram @jalayimiyaswim.

Brodie knew it wouldn't be easy to break into the industry, but she has quickly found a way to set her label apart.

"I think with my brand, which is probably giving it a point of difference, is that it has a real community involvement feel. I'm not looking for big-name models," she told host Leigh Campbell.

"I'm not looking for high-profile people, I just want it to have this everyday relatable feel to it."

In less than two years, Brodie has made enormous strides. Soon, she’ll be headed to New York for Fashion Week.

You can listen to Brodie’s insights on the latest episode of Nothing To Wear below.

And if you’re looking to expand your collection of First Nations-founded fashion brands, here are some more of our favourites to consider.

MAARA Collective.

Refined, elegant, and minimal. Founded in 2019 by Yuwaalaraay designer and creative director, Julie Shaw, this ready-to-wear label collaborates closely with Indigenous artists, drawing inspiration from Country.

Shopping from MAARA Collective also supports a great cause, with $1 from each purchase contributing to education programs in remote Aboriginal communities.

Liandra Swim.

Liandra Gaykamangu, a Yolngu woman from East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, is the visionary behind the stunning luxury swimwear brand Liandra.

Drawing deep inspiration from her culture, Gaykamangu aimed to craft eco-conscious, reversible swimsuits.

Placing a focus on sustainability, the range is made from regenerated plastics and recycled fabrics. And they're so beautiful!

Kirrikin.

Kirrikin, which roughly translates to "Sunday's best clothes”, was founded by Amanda Healy, a proud Wonnarua woman.

The brand offers a diverse range of clothing and accessories, from silk and cashmere scarves to distinctive blouses, all showcasing exclusive designs inspired by Aboriginal artwork and traditions.

Kirrikin also allocates a percentage of its profits to support the Indigenous Australian artists responsible for these designs.

Clothing The Gaps.

Co-founded by Laura Thompson, a Gunditjmara woman, and Sarah Sheridan, the brand strives to unite "non-Indigenous and Aboriginal people through fashion and causes, including efforts to help Close the Gap."

The business takes pride in initiating change, sparking meaningful conversations, and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in pursuing their life's goals.

They have pieces that are "mob only" for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to wear and other pieces they encourage allies to wear.

Ngali.

Ngali, a Melbourne-based label founded by Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco, offers a blend of refined and eclectic pieces.

From silk co-ords to scarves, each item features prints inspired by Francisco's culture.

The name "Ngali," translating to "we" or "us" in several Australian Aboriginal languages, reflects the brand's ethos of creating enduring wardrobe staples crafted from the finest fabrics.