The First Nations fashion labels you should have on your radar.

Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit where each week we curate the best picks from the topic we spoke about on the podcast. Listen to the full episode here.

It's NAIDOC Week, and to celebrate we thought there was no better time to showcase the incredible First Nations talent in the fashion space. 

From swimsuit designers to jewellery creatives, the fashion industry has no shortage of Indigenous talent who draw inspiration from their roots.

So we've rounded up some of the leading labels you should have on your radar (and add to your wardrobe immediately). 

MAARA Collective.

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Refined, elegant, and minimal. Founded in 2019 by Yuwaalaraay designer and creative director, Julie Shaw, this ready-to-wear label collaborates closely with Indigenous artists, drawing inspiration from Country. Shopping from MAARA Collective also supports a great cause, with $1 from each purchase contributing to education programs in remote Aboriginal communities. 

Liandra Swim.

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Liandra Gaykamangu, a Yolngu woman from East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, is the visionary behind the stunning luxury swimwear brand Liandra. Drawing deep inspiration from her culture, Gaykamangu aimed to craft eco-conscious, reversible swimsuits. 

Placing a focus on sustainability, the range is made from regenerated plastics and recycled fabrics. And they're so beautiful! 

Kirrikin.

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Kirrikin, which roughly translates to "Sunday's best clothes," was founded by Amanda Healy, a proud Wonnarua woman. 

The brand offers a diverse range of clothing and accessories, from silk and cashmere scarves to distinctive blouses, all showcasing exclusive designs inspired by Aboriginal artwork and traditions. 

Kirrikin also allocates a percentage of its profits to support the Indigenous Australian artists responsible for these designs.  

Clothing The Gaps.

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Jalayimiya Swim.

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It's never too early to start adding to your summer wardrobe, especially if you're on the lookout for a cute swimsuit.

Founded in 2022 by Walmajarri woman, Brodie George, the brand's mission is to promote diversity and inclusion by featuring unedited women in their campaigns and on their website.

"I think with my brand, which is probably giving it a point of difference, is that it has a real community involvement feel. I'm not looking for big-name models," George told Mamamia's fashion podcast, Nothing To Wear. 

"I'm not looking for high-profile people, I just want it to have this everyday relatable feel to it."

The prints found on Jalayimiya Swim swimsuits are personally crafted by George herself, drawing inspiration from the Indigenous artwork that has surrounded her since childhood. 

Expect this brand to make significant strides in the future, with its next stop being New York Fashion Week on September 24th. 

Ngali.

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Ngali, a Melbourne-based label founded by Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco, offers a blend of refined and eclectic pieces. 

From silk co-ords to scarves, each item features prints inspired by Francisco's culture.

The name "Ngali," translating to "we" or "us" in several Australian Aboriginal languages, reflects the brand's ethos of creating enduring wardrobe staples crafted from the finest fabrics.

Feature Image: Instagram @maara.collective/@jalayimiyaswim.

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