Indigenous brands and designers you need to know about.
Artwork by Tradara Naparula Briscoe
The conversation around ethical and sustainable fashion has been growing substantially over the last few years. Many of us consider sustainability a new way of thinking, however the concept is in fact fundamental to indigenous people’s way of life.
The relationship between First Nation people and the land is interdependent and has been sustained by the environment and cultural knowledge for thousands of years. In fact, we’re only just catching up, or coming back to where it all began.
There’s a plethora of talented indigenous designers here in Australia who encapsulate the very meaning of sustainable fashion. But with so many Australian heavy weights in the fashion space, such talent is easily buried amongst the noise.
There’s nothing quite like Indigenous Australian art, and to celebrate the true magic we’re so lucky to experience, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite Indigenous Australian brands and designers for you to marvel at.
Ngarru Miimi
Ngarru Miimi isn’t just your run of the mill clothing brand. It’s an embodiment. A dedication. A symbolic memoir to the world’s oldest, living civilisation that reflects the strength in identity, pride in culture and resilience of Aboriginal people.
Lillardia Briggs Houston, Wiradjuri artist and designer, captures the spirit of her people through each and every piece. Sharing her stories through her intricately detailed artwork, which is hand printed on heavenly mid weight linen.
From dreamy earthy dresses, backless tie up tops, to hand woven earrings, Ngarru Miimi is the epitome of slow fashion and to own one of Lillardia’s pieces is a true honour.
‘This isn’t just art, it’s our way of connecting and communicating all that is fundamental to us. How do you put a price on all that makes and defines you?’ - Lillardia Briggs Houston
You can follow the magic that is Ngarru Miimi on Instagram or check out the stunning collection here.
Bábbarra Designs
Bábbarra Designs is a creative textile enterprise by the Bábbarra Women’s Centre. With a proud history of positive social impact, the Bábbarra Centre works to empower local Maningrida women to independently run women-centred enterprises with the goal of supporting healthy and sustainable livelihoods.
Bábbarra Designs specialise in the production of carefully hand-printed fabric design and are one of only a few Indigenous textile-producing art centres in Australia that design, print and sew product onsite and in community.
Each textile print is original and hand printed by an individual artist, which is then sold onto other designers who will use these unique textiles for their own collections.
So if you’re a sustainable designer in search of bold textile prints with a story to tell, be sure to check out the talented artists of Bábbarra Designs. You can also follow them on Instagram.
Manyawok (Cheeky Yam) by Belinda Kuriniya
Tradara
Tradara is a dreamy and unique collection of high end garments, homewares and accessories by Tradara Naparula Briscoe. A talented artist of the Anmatyerr and Warlpiri people.
Tradara’s collection is a representation of a deep cultural connection to her ancestors and a true testament to who Tradara is and what she believes in. Each piece is created with intention and emotion, intertwining her past, present and future journey as a traditional Australian, Indigenous woman.
Tradara was taught how to traditionally dot paint by her aunty Joy Nakamarra Briscoe and father Dean Jakamarra Briscoe. She uses the same symbols used by her ancestors to maintain the traditional meaning and Dreamings behind it, along with modern technique and colour.
You can follow the beautiful Tradara content via instagram or check out the magical collection here.
Liandra Swim
Liandra Swim is an iconic swimwear brand by Liandra Gaykamangu, an empowering Yolngu woman from North-East Arnhem Land. Liandra Swim is a mission led brand that not only holds a deep respect for the earth, but works to empower indigenous women, and women from all over the world.
Each individual piece is named after an inspirational indigenous woman. And through their shared stories, the movement grows with the goal of making phenomenal indigenous women, well known household names.
Liandra Swim firmly believe that Empowered Women, Empower Women. Thus building the foundational mission of the brand.
You can follow Liandra Swim on Instagram or browse the inspirational collection here.
The deep complexity, wisdom and knowledge of the oldest living culture on earth deserves respect and celebration, and it’s our responsibility as Australians to acknowledge this truth and pay homage to the traditional custodians of the land.
We can start by unlearning the indoctrinated white agenda and educating ourselves and those around us.
Thrift Be With You will be donating 10% of all online and in store sales over the month of June to the Healing Our Way Foundation.