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10 Trailblazing Indigenous Brands to Buy From During NAIDOC Week and Beyond
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NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognised the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories. The POPSUGAR team is sharing stories to help educate, honour and guide in our continued to push for change, so be sure to find all our pieces here. Val Morgan Digital acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
National NAIDOC Week is held across Australia in the first week of July each year. It celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
One easy way that we can learn more about and support Indigenous culture is by shopping from Aboriginal-owned brands. Many of the Indigenous fashion and beauty brands in Australia use incredible sustainable ingredients and materials. It give us an opportunity to learn about what’s important in Indigenous culture and why.
So, not only are we giving back to First Nations’ communities when we buy these pieces, but we’re also invited to learn more about their history and traditions. And, then when wearing them, we have an opportunity to spread important messages and spark conversation.
That said, below are 10 trailblazing Indigenous brands to spend with this NAIDOC Week and beyond.
Instagram / @dilkara_australia
Dilkara
Dilkara, which means ‘rainbow’, is the brainchild of Julie Okely — a proud Kamilaroi woman and successful hairdresser. With ingredients sourced from local Indigenous communities, Dilkara sells hair, skin and hygiene products that are vegan, cruelty-free and made without synthetics.
Their Yanco Hair Treatment Serum 50ml ($44.95) is among the most popular in the range. It uses sustainably-sourced Indigenous ingredients, such as West Australian Sandalwood (Waladar) and Lilly Pilly (Daguba) to smooth the hair and Desert Quandong (Goorti) to improve the hair’s strength.
Instagram / @maara.collective
Maara Collective
Maara Collective by Yuwaalaraay designer Julie Shaw is a fashion brand that specialises in handpainted fabrics celebrating Aboriginal art and culture. Their styles mostly revolve around the warmer months. Case in point: their swimwear range and maxi dresses.
Instagram / @indigiearth
Indigiearth
Based in Mudgee in New South Wales, Indigiearth is an Aboriginal-owned and established business selling bush foods that are ethically sourced and sustainably harvested. Skincare products created from native ingredients are also a large focus of Indigiearth with clay face masks, body custards and serums made with traditional ingredients like Davidson plum and finger lime.
Shop skincare and food products and read recipes online here.
Instagram / @ngali_australia
Ngali
Ngali, by Wiradjuri designer Denni Francisco, is all about sustainable fabrics and handpainted silks.
The painted fabrics are seriously stunning; individual works of art themselves depicting landscapes, textures and prints resembling Indigenous land and nature.
This Snow Gum Silk Scarf ($275) mirrors the bark of the Snow Gum Eucalyptus tree, native to Eastern Australia.
Instagram / @clothingthegaps
Clothing The Gaps
Clothing The Gaps is an Aboriginal-owned and led fashion label producing clothes that celebrate Aboriginal people and culture.
Basically, the brand believes in making a loud statement through fashion. Their latest tee reads “Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up” inside the Aboriginal flag is a great buy to wear this NAIDOC Week. You can shop online here.
Clothing The Gaps also runs events and programs for the Indigenous community.
Instagram / @yarn_marketplace
Yarn
Yarn is a marketplace that aims to celebrate First Nations brands across Australia. They sell a large variety of Indigenous-designed homewares, fashion, bedding, art, jewellery, beauty products and accessories.
Instagram / @kirrikinaustralia
Kirrikin
Kirrikin, by Wonnarua designer Amanda Healy, is a well-established Indigenous-owned fashion label in Australia; often worn by celebrities and models.
The clothes feature Aboriginal patterns and sustainable fabrics in flowing silhouettes.
Instagram
AARLI
AARLI (meaning fish in the Bardi language) is a First Nations brand led by TJ Cowlishaw. It creates custom-made clothing with upcycled remnant textiles and products, contemporary prints, and deadstock fabrics.
Designing for all sizes and genders, AARLI clothes have an edginess to them, centred around black and white colours, with contrasting textures of silk and metallic.
Instagram / @deadly_denim_
Deadly Denim
Deadly Denim is an upcycled Indigenous fashion label showcasing First Nations art and was founded by Rebecca Rickard, a Ballardong, Whadjuk woman from the Nyungar nation.
Deadly Denim designs are super cool, with hand-painted aboriginal-inspired prints straight onto denim.
Instagram / @hausofdizzy
Haus of Dizzy
Made to be noticed, Indigenous-Australian brand Haus of Dizzy sends its message loud and clear within its extra bold jewellery designs. They also run jewellery-making workshops, which are pretty rad.
If you’re looking for a statement earring or necklace, Haus of Dizzy has an epic selection of unique pieces; that comes with a message.
