The Five Most Frequently Asked Questions About Mainie

 

At Mainie, we love sharing the story behind our brand and what makes us unique. Here are the five questions we are asked most often - along with the answers that define who we are and what we stand for.

 

What does the name Mainie mean?

 

Mainie is the childhood nickname of our co-founder, Charmaine Saunders. When Charmaine was first developing the brand concept for a unique melding of authentic Aboriginal art and luxurious fashion, she came across an article featuring Australian fashion designer Camilla Franks, known globally for her luxurious silk kaftans and resort wear. 

 

Camilla’s advice to aspiring designers was simple yet powerful: "Put your own name on the door." Inspired by these words, Charmaine chose to name the brand after herself—giving rise to Mainie.

 

Where are Mainie products made?

 

Mainie’s entire fashion collection is designed in Australia and made from the world’s most exquisite natural textiles.

 

Our silks are sourced from the historic silk-producing regions of China, where silk-making originated around 2700 BC. As silk is not produced in Australia, we ensure that our materials come from ethical suppliers with centuries of expertise in silk artisanship.

 

The Mainie collection of wool scarves are proudly made from the finest Woolmark-certified Australian Merino wool, offering a true connection to Australia’s heritage. 

 

Our silk and wool scarves are beautifully handcrafted by skilled artisan textile workers and feature hand rolled and sewn hems.

 

 

The Mainie collection includes a range of vibrant Modal scarves, made from an eco-friendly textile derived from beech trees. Known for its silky softness, breathability and durability, Modal is a sustainable alternative to silk or cotton. Originally developed in Japan and now primarily produced by Austria’s Lenzing AG, it offers a perfect blend of luxury and environmental responsibility.

 

Just as we prioritise the ethical sourcing of Aboriginal artworks, we carefully select our manufacturing partners. Our textiles are produced by highly reputable suppliers that meet strict international standards for workplace conditions, sustainability and quality. These manufacturers also supply leading luxury fashion houses in Europe, the UK and the USA.

 

Is Mainie Aboriginal-owned?

 

Mainie is a proudly Aboriginal-owned and managed business, verified by Supply Nation.

 

Our co-founder and majority owner, Charmaine Saunders, is a Gunggari Aboriginal woman with family connections to the Cherbourg and Woorabinda Aboriginal communities in Queensland.

 

The Gunggari people are the Traditional Owners of the Maranoa River region in southwest Queensland. Charmaine was born on her ancestral lands in the township of Mitchell.

 

How does Mainie support Aboriginal artists?

 

At Mainie, we are committed to empowering Aboriginal women artists and creating sustainable economic opportunities for them, their families and their communities.

 

We ethically source all Aboriginal designs featured in our collection from Aboriginal-owned arts centres and ensure they are licensed under the Indigenous Art Code.

 

Under our licensing agreements, the original artists retain copyright to their work and receive royalties from every piece we make.

 

By purchasing an authentic Mainie wearable art piece, you are directly supporting Aboriginal women artists in some of Australia’s most remote and disadvantaged communities - helping them earn a sustainable income while preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.

 

Why does Mainie cost more than mass-produced fashion brands?

 

The simple answer? Mainie is worth it.

 

When you buy a Mainie, you are investing in:

 

ü  Luxurious, natural fabrics like pure silk, fine Merino wool and vegan-friendly Modal

ü  Authentic Aboriginal art with ethical licensing and fair royalties

ü  Handcrafted excellence from skilled textile artisans

ü  A timeless, heirloom-quality accessory that transcends fast fashion

ü  A socially responsible brand that gives back to Indigenous artists and communities 

 

Mainie is more than just a fashion label - it’s a movement celebrating the beauty and richness of the world’s oldest living culture.

 

Each piece tells a time-honoured story that has been passed down through many generations over tens of thousands of years and connects you to the deep spiritual heritage of Aboriginal Australia.

 

To learn more about our ethical practices, visit Mainie’s Art Ethics.