Indigenous fashion and beauty brands we’re celebrating this NAIDOC Week, and always.
NAIDOC Week is here. This year’s theme – Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! – is a call to action to keep the momentum going in supporting advocacy for Indigenous rights so that together, we can create meaningful change. NAIDOC Week is also an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and achievements and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
This NAIDOC Week, honour and support Blak creatives by shopping from First Nations-owned businesses. Not sure whether the brand you’re shopping from is really Indigenous-owned? If you’ve done everything you can to check online yourself, then just ask.
Why? Because “any business that is non-Aboriginal owned trading and profiting solely on culture is taking up space and blocking mob from it,” explains founder of Trading Blak and Jarin Street, and proud Wiradjuri woman, Jarin Baigent via Instagram.
If you’d like some ideas to get started, below you’ll find some of our favourite Blak-owned brands dominating the fashion, beauty and lifestyle spaces in Australia.
Happy shopping!
House of Dizzy
Hunting for a new pair of statement earrings for your next night out? Meet House of Dizzy and be warned: Once you own an accessory from this Aboriginal-owned brand, you won’t be able to take it off. Within Haus of Dizzy’s offering, you’ll also find a dazzling selection of bracelets, necklaces, hair clips, tote bags, and more.
Ginny’s Girl Gang
Owned by Ginny, a proud Gomaroi/Gamilaraay woman from Brisbane currently living in Georgia, USA, Ginny’s Girl Gang is your go-to for custom-made jackets and beyond cool denim fashion. You can also shop a range of ready-to-wear gear including jumpers and stickers via Ginny’s website.
Wurrumay Collective
Luxury self-care business, Wurrumay Collective is Aboriginal owned-and-operated by Natasha Kaiser from her family home. Shop a gorgeous range of Aboriginal artwork-adorned room fragrances and candles, bath and shower products, and heaps more indulgent goodies that make perfect gifts (for others, or yourself!). Within the lineup, you’ll also find a waste-free edit plus Acknowledgement Candles which can be customised with the traditional place name of the land you live on.
Rachael Sarra
Multi-disciplinary artist, designer and businesswoman, Rachael Sarra creates works that you can dress your walls with, or yourself. Rachael is a mixed raced, First Nations artist from Goreng Goreng Country. Through her artistic practice, Rachael explores and challenges the way in which society has typically viewed Aboriginal art. Rachael has worked with an impressive array of brands – both locally and internationally – including Tourism Australia, Kmart, Matrix, Lush Australia and UK, The Mills Foundation and Australia Post.
Clothing the Gaps
Clothing the Gaps, isn’t just a deadly place to shop for deadly fashion and accessories, the Aboriginal-owned and led social enterprise also dedicates an incredible amount of time to providing educational resources via their Instagram page and website. Clothing the Gap’s website also includes thoughtfully considered categories designed to help mob and allies alike find products perfect for them.
Bush Medijina®
Self-care routine in need of a little refresh? Look no further than 100 per cent Indigenous-owned and operated Bush Medijina®. Hailing from Groote Eylandt NT, the brand draws upon ancient traditional knowledge and recipes passed down from generations to create modern skincare that will be loved (and well used!) today. With a focus on bush produce plus natural and sustainable ingredients, you can be confident you’re using products that your skin will love, too.
Jarin Street
Activewear drawer looking a lil tired? Inject some colour and energy with Jarin Street’s one-of-a-kind workout wear collection. The brand also produces a beautiful selection of Yoga mats featuring Aboriginal artwork, towels and zippered cases. Head in to check it all out at Jarin Street’s store at Westfield Waringah Mall or shop online.
Nungala Creative
100 per cent Aboriginal-owned and operated, Nungala Creative is a must-know for incredibly unique accessories, apparel, as well as art prints to decorate your walls. The brand is also very active on Instagram page (follow @nungalacreative) where they share loads of information, resources, and some rather epic memes.
Ngumpie Weaving
For an exquisite range of woven accessories including earrings, baskets, and bracelets, we cannot go past the inimitable Ngumpie Weaving. Ngumpie Weaving is owned and founded by Tegan Murdock, who is a member of the Barkindtji tribe originating from Coomealla, Lake Victoria as well as belonging to the Yorta Yorta and Dhudaroah tribes originating from the Shepparton area. Tegan also sells DIY weaving kits and runs workshops for those wanting learn, and may be commissioned to create bespoke woven artworks.
Sharing why she created the business on the Ngumpie Weaving website, Tegan says: “I use weaving as my healing and medicine, to connect to culture and to share this special craft with the world. I wanted to grow my business to showcase our culture and to make sure this beautiful craft is kept alive.”
Gammin Threads
Behind Gammin Threads is Tahnee, a proud descendant of the Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Boonwurrung & Mutti Mutti nations. Tahnee works full-time at an Aboriginal family violence prevention service and Gammin Threads is her side hustle where she creates a (STUNNING) range of fashion. On the site, you’ll also find carefully curated edits for mob-only plus heaps of stuff that’s ally-friendly. Our pick? Any of Gammin Threads slogan tees – they’re soft, comfy, and fun.
Indigiearth
Headquarted in Mudgee, Indigiearth is an award-winning Aboriginal owned and established business that includes a product range, Warakirri By Indigiearth Cafe, and the bespoke Warakirri Dining Experience. If you’re not near Mudgee, don’t despair – you can order Indigiearth’s candles, luxury oils, and native loose leaf teas online. Enjoy!
Source @womenshealth.com.au: Read more at : womenalive.org
