Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Ethical Fashion: The Mainie Story
Founded in 2012 by Charmaine "Mainie" Saunders, Mainie Australia is a heartfelt expression of cultural celebration and ethical fashion.
Deeply connected to our founder's Gunggari Aboriginal heritage in the Maranoa River region of South Western Queensland, Mainie blends traditional Aboriginal art with modern fashion, providing a thoughtful perspective of Australia's rich First Nations culture.
At the heart of Mainie's offerings are our exquisite wearable art pieces. Every Mainie, whether a silk scarf, a silk kaftan top, a Merino wool scarf or a vegan-friendly Modal scarf, features authenticated Aboriginal artworks. These artworks, created by Aboriginal women artists from the Central Desert and Far North Queensland regions, depict ancient Dreamtime stories and cultural motifs. Each piece not only embodies artistic expression but also serves as a means for preserving and sharing Aboriginal cultural traditions.
Mainie's commitment to ethical fashion is central to our brand’s distinctive identity. Mainie embraces Fair Trade principles and proudly adheres to the Indigenous Art Code, ensuring that Aboriginal women artists receive fair compensation and retain copyright over their designs. This ethical framework empowers Aboriginal women artists economically, supporting their livelihoods and communities. By sourcing primarily from Aboriginal-owned art centres like the world acclaimed Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, Mainie ensures cultural authenticity and sustainable economic support.
Sustainability is integral to Mainie's ethos. Our brand consciously selects environmentally safe materials such as Woolmark-certified Australian Merino wool and premium silks from historic silk capitals in China. For those opting for vegan-friendly choices, Mainie offers scarves made from Modal, a natural, plant derived fibre. Production processes are designed to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact, reflecting our assurance of responsible management of resources.
Mainie transcends mere fashion; our brand embodies a legacy of resilience and creativity among Aboriginal women artists. Each Mainie piece carries with it not just an eye-catching design but also a meaningful depiction of enduring cultural tradition and intergenerational storytelling. By wearing Mainie, our patrons become custodians of these stories, promoting cultural appreciation and understanding.
Recognised as a certified Indigenous-owned business by Supply Nation, Mainie has gained international attention as an unmistakeably Australian fashion brand with a genuine commitment to furthering awareness of Australia’s 60,000-year-old First Nations cultural heritage.
Mainie Australia is more than a fashion brand; our story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Aboriginal culture; carefully woven into each garment we make. By supporting Mainie, our customers not only embrace ethical fashion but also champion the empowerment of Aboriginal women artists and contribute to the strengthening of Australia's First Nations foundations.
As Mainie evolves, it is our dream that our dedication to authenticity, ethics and sustainability will continue to inspire conscientious and discerning women of style everywhere.
Learn more about the Mainie story at www.mainie.com.au
