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8 Indigenous brands you need to know

  • Writer: Ashie Luke
    Ashie Luke
  • Jul 8, 2022
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 21, 2022

The best of First Nation owned and made, representing culture and Country.

Image source (left to right): Grace Lillian Lee, Rowland Vision, MAARA Collective, Clothing The Gap


I acknowledge the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the land in which I work and live. I pay my respects to their elders, past, present, and emerging and I extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are represented in this article.


From the pages of Vogue to the catwalk of Australian Fashion Week, it is undeniable that Indigenous designers are sending shock waves through Australia's fashion scene. As more people begin to discover and appreciate the wonders of these Indigenous brands, more are emerging onto the market. It is evident that these brands will continue to spread their powerful messages and take control of their own narratives from a contemporary perspective, which is well overdue. If you're looking for quality, stylish, and unique apparel look no further than these eight brands.


Lillardia Briggs-Houston

If you love unique, ethical clothing then Lillardia Briggs-Houston is for you. These designs by the proud Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, and Gangulu woman are a direct reflection of her identity and culture. Behind the textiles that Lillardia uses is thousands of years of culture and tradition that is brought together in a modern and sustainable way. Lillardia hand paints her garments by the metre describing it to be"a very long process but doing this ensures I respect my culture and Country and tell my story through textiles and fashion." One of Lillardia's latest achievements was having her work featured on the cover of Vogue Australia.



Clothing The Gap

Titled with a clever play on words, Clothing The Gap started as a health initiative and community engagement organisation and has now snowballed into one of the most recognised streetwear brands in Australia. With Mob Only and Ally Friendly garments, Clothing The Gap has a wide range of tees, jumpers, and accessories that can be purchased and enjoyed by all. Clothing The Gap are committed to using their platform to educate and elevate Aboriginal peoples' voices and causes proving that your purchase goes towards the greater good.


Instagram: @clothingthegaps


Ngali

Ngali is the epitome of high fashion and high quality. Created by Wiradjuri women, Ngali strives to create fashion that communicates stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives. Ngali also contributes massively by supporting the building of IT and literacy skills for young people living in remote Aboriginal communities. The creativity and versatility that Ngali represents should be recognised by a wider audience and wearing these pieces will bring the stories told through these clothes to light.


Facebook: @ngaliaustralia

Instagram: @ngali_australia


Rowland Vision

Also recently featured in Vogue Australia, 100% Blak owned eyewear brand, Rowland Vision, has a range of trendy sunglasses that are a must have item. Founded by First Nations individual, Lindyn Rowland, the model and designer aspires to make positive changes and push for more diversity in the fashion industry. Rowland's eyewear is futuristic, stylish, and essential to adding finishing touches to your outfit.


Facebook: @rowlandvision

Instagram: @rowlandvision


Grace Lillian Lee

If you love being unique and standing out from the crowd, then Grace Lillian Lee is who should come to mind. This colourful designer hopes to encourage creative expression and guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to develop their practices into wearable art. Grace continues to inspire communities and modernise the meaning of art and culture.


Instagram: @gracelilianlee


MAARA Collective

This luxurious and stylish brand, MAARA Collective, has been causing a commotion at Australian Fashion Week and with good reason. Founded by Yuwaalaraay designer, Julie Shaw, MAARA Collective was started to showcase Indigenous art and fashion. 'Maara' meaning 'hands' in Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay language gives honour to the many hands that have helped create with MAARA Collective.


Instagram: @maara.collective


Haus of Dizzy

Cool and socially conscience are a few words to describe Haus of Dizzy. Proud Wiradjuri woman, Kristy Dickinson, is the owner of the of this bold accessory brand who celebrates Indigenous culture through her work. This Queen of Bling has mastered her statement pieces with her jewellery tackling social justice issues that are designed to empower and create important conversations.


Facebook: @hausofdizzy

Instagram: @hausofdizzy


Magpie Goose

Originally owned by two non-Indigenous women, Magpie Goose was created in order to give Indigenous peoples a platform to create and tell their stories. The brand has since been passed onto Amanda Hayman and Troy Casey and is now Aboriginal owned and led. Magpie Goose's range is extremely diverse with their garments made by numerous Aboriginal artists showcasing stories and culture.


Facebook: @magpiegoose.au

Instagram: @magpiegoose.au





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