fashion

Shopping sorted: Our favourite Indigenous-owned businesses and artists to buy from.

Any time is a great time to shop — but with Reconciliation Week well and truly here, now it's more timely than ever.

A great way to show your support for the First Nations community (and, ahem, give some seriously good pressies for upcoming birthdays, or a treat for yourself) is by getting behind some local Indigenous-owned businesses.

To help provide some handy inspiration, we've rounded up a bunch of Indigenous brands you can buy from any time of year. And trust us when we say, many of these items are now in our own shopping carts!

Liandra.

Liandra is a luxury lifestyle brand known for its reversible swimsuit styles and signature prints, inspired by the founder's Indigenous culture. The pieces are also eco-conscious (which we love). Liandra's Creative Director and Founder, Liandra Gaykamangu, is a Yolngu woman from East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. 

The brand also just had their solo runway debut at Australian Fashion Week, which was a big success. 

Cowrie Mini Dress in Waterfall Print, $129.

Image: Liandra. 

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KYKOE.

KYKOE have a range of hair scarves, hair clips, headbands and some seriously beautiful scrunchies. They're also an Indigenous-owned and operated small business, with each design created in-house by founder Tishara Garrett, a contemporary First Nations artist.

Dee'beer Nan'bee Scrunchie, $15.

Image: KYKOE.

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The Erstwilder collaboration with Indigenous artist Lauren Rogers. 

Lauren Rogers is a fabulous contemporary Indigenous artist who has created a capsule collection with Erstwilder, featuring her vibrant work. Her creative works have been transformed into remarkable wearable art.

To ensure this collection gives back to Indigenous communities, Erstwilder is donating $5 from every design sold in the collection on launch day to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, an Australian not-for-profit that works to address the educational disadvantages faced by Indigenous children and young people by providing access to books and literacy programs.⁠

Fabled Flowering Gum Drop Earrings, $59.95.

Image: Erstwilder/@lauren_rogers_art_.

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Banyar Jagun.

Banyar Jagun is an Indigenously owned and operated business that provides eco-friendly cleaning products. With a focus on sustainability and exceptional results, they've rightly earned a reputation as a leading name in the industry. From dishwashing liquid, to hand and body wash and even disinfectant spray, their range is top-notch (and super well priced). 

Lemongrass and Citrus Dishwashing Liquid, $10.95.

Image: Banyar Jagun.

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Bush Medijina.

Bush Medijina is all about translating traditional Indigenous native botanical knowledge into modern skincare, and it's governed by a multitude of strong Indigenous women on their board. We can also vouch for the brand's Calm Balm –it's seriously good stuff.

Merrika Face Care Kit Gift Bundle, $100

Image: Bush Medijina. 

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Miimi & Jiinda.

Miimi & Jiinda is a First Nations brand by a creative mother and daughter duo. Their prints and canvases are absolute show-stoppers. They also have some fabulous clothing pieces and accessories. 

Nuluumga Dreaming Artwork, from $250.

Lowana Dreaming Limited Edition T-Shirt, $80.

Image: Miimi & Jiinda.

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Alkina Creations.

Alkina Creations was founded by Alkina Edwards, a Yorta Yorta Woman and artist. Some of her artworks and creations are featured on Yarn, which is a marketplace that showcases the work of Indigenous-owned businesses.

Celebration 1000-piece Indigenous artwork puzzle, $20.96.

Image: Alkina Edwards/Yarn.

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Wurrumay Collective.

Wurrumay Collective is a proud Aboriginal-owned and family-operated business specialising in luxury home fragrance, bath and body products. They produce a range of soy candles infused with native scents such as Kakadu Plum, Lemon Myrtle, Australian Bush and Australian Sandalwood. And a candle always makes for a fabulous gift.

Wurrumay Collection Signature 300g Native Soy Candle in Kakadu Plum, $41.95.

Image: Wurrumay Collective.

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Life Apparel.

Life Apparel is a collective of artists, storytellers, creatives, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander peoples and allies. They stock an array of towels designed by First Nations artist Shara Delaney, a proud Noonuccal, Ngugi, Goenpul woman.

Rectangular Towel Under The Garuwa, $39.95.

Image: Life Apparel.

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Clothing The Gaps.

For t-shirts, hats and more, check out Clothing The Gaps, an Aboriginal owned and led social enterprise that unites people through fashion and cause. You can hear more about this brand from Mamamia's interview with Co-Founder Laura Thompson here

20oz Exclusive Frank Green Bottle, $60.

Image: Clothing The Gaps.

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Amber Days.

Amber Days is an Aboriginal-owned ethical label that is inspired by the Australian bush, desert and sea. Amber Days makes clothing for little ones as well as adults, and their leggings and crops are gorgeous.

Julie Leggings, $83.30, and Sumarlinah Crop Tank, $47.70 (available in sizes six to 22). 

Image: Amber Days.

Haus of Dizzy.

Haus of Dizzy sell a range of colourful, unique and downright gorgeous jewellery, that have been worn by the likes of Drew Barrymore, Lauren Hill and Miranda Tapsell. At the helm of Haus of Dizzy is proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson.

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Barbie Heart Earrings, $35.

Baby Donut Earrings, $49.

Image: Haus of Dizzy.

Rachael Sarra. 

Rachael Sarra is a proud mixed race, First Nations woman from Goreng Goreng Country. Driven by a belief that art and design are vital to communication, connection and culture, Rachael sells a range of items such as notebooks, apparel, prints, keyrings and more. 

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Shoreline A5 Notebook, $15.

Image: Rachael Sarra

This article was originally published in December 2023, and has since been updated with new information.

Feature Image: Wurrumay Collective/Rachael Sarra//Liandra/ Erstwilder.

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