our ethics
From the heart…
Yes, every Mainie is lovingly designed and created to be a cherished heirloom piece – so sensual to touch and easy to wear in a plethora of different ways.
However, what really makes Mainie so special is its cultural identity and inter-generational story telling.
How, you may ask?
Every artisan crafted, hand finished silk garment features ethically sourced, beautiful works of art, created by Aboriginal women artists whose paintings depict age-old Dreamtime stories.
Mainie values this gift of being able to keep the flame alive and doesn’t just embrace Fair Trade ethics but is completely committed to making a real difference.
From the outset Mainie was geared to support the economic empowerment of women artists from isolated Outback communities who are now earning an independent income while preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.
Mainie is an approved Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code which is a commitment to always conduct business with Indigenous artists to the highest standards of ethics and respect.
All commercial arrangements with Aboriginal artists are governed by formal contractual agreements in accordance with the Indigenous Art Code, whereby the artists retain the copyright to their own original art designs. The formal licensing also includes payments of artist royalties calculated on all sales of Mainie products.
Mainie is also a Supply Nation certified Indigenous business verifying that Mainie is Indigenous owned and operated and based in Australia.
On a micro-level, Mainie actively supports local communities through its sponsorship of women’s sports, which provides much needed opportunities for Indigenous girls from regional areas to participate at the national level.
Our Mantra…
Mainie is a distinctively Australian fashion and gift brand to covet and collect, capturing the hearts and minds of discerning travellers and fashionable people the world over.
What is MAINIE…
Mainie is a stunning collection of beautifully handcrafted modal scarves, silk scarves, silk kaftan tops and Australian Merino wool scarves.
Each exquisite piece has been lovingly designed to feature authenticated Aboriginal artworks painted by women artists from the Central Desert and Far North Queensland regions of Australia.
Meet MAINIE…
Mainie Founder, Charmaine Saunders (or ‘Mainie’ to those nearest and dearest), is a descendant of the Gunggari Aboriginal people from the Maranoa River region of South Western Queensland.
Charmaine’s love of Aboriginal fine arts is palpable, developed over many years of living and working in remote Aboriginal communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
A Promise with Every Piece
Every piece tells its own Dreamtime story and perpetuates the flame of the world’s oldest living culture.
Every piece sold gives back to the woman artist who created the artwork to elevate and empower her, her family and her community.
Every piece is destined to become a treasured heirloom.
At Mainie, our commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion is woven into the fabric of everything we do. Each Mainie wearable art piece is more than just a garment; it’s a testament to cultural identity and inter-generational storytelling.
Our silk garments feature exquisite artworks by Aboriginal women artists, depicting age-old Dreamtime stories.
We embrace Fair Trade ethics and are proud members of the Indigenous Art Code, ensuring that artists receive fair compensation and retain copyright over their designs.
From the outset, Mainie has championed the economic empowerment of women artists from isolated Outback communities, preserving their cultural heritage for future generations. Our sourcing primarily supports Aboriginal-owned art centres like Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation in Central Australia, ensuring cultural authenticity and economic support.
We also collaborate with contemporary Aboriginal women artists in Far North Queensland, celebrating diversity and talent across Indigenous communities.
Mainie’s commitment extends to sustainable practices in textile sourcing and production. We uphold international standards in our manufacturing facilities, ensuring ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
Our materials include Woolmark-certified Australian Merino wool, premium silks from China’s historic silk capitals and vegan-friendly Modal.
Recognised by Supply Nation as a certified Indigenous owned business and featured at prestigious events worldwide, Mainie is dedicated to promoting Indigenous art and culture with integrity and excellence.
Our leadership in ethical business practices and cultural preservation underscores our commitment to creating luxurious, authentic fashion pieces that honour heritage and uphold sustainable values globally.
Customer Reviews
Mainie is a brand I proudly wear for so many reasons. I love that each scarf has a story and that I know with each piece funds go back to the woman that designed it. I adore the vibrancy of the colours and the high quality, I have had my scarves for many years now and they are so versatile from wearing them to do presentations or going out for lunch. I stand for empowering women and standing proud in your individuality and Mainie embodies this in every way.
Lesley Clarke
Our Mainie scarves have become an essential wardrobe component both at home and when travelling. They serve to elevate any outfit whilst also celebrating Australian First Nations culture with dignity and sophistication. The silk product is beautiful to wear and the merino wool is unbelievable soft and so warm. Lightweight, easy to pack and always commented on.
Tanya, Emily and Elizabeth
I love the Mainie Scarves, for myself and as the perfect gift. They are investment pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for life. I love travel and one or two scarves are always included in my luggage. They are perfect on the plane and for dressing up outfits. I take a Merino scarf for cooler climates and silk ones everywhere else. However, the very best part is the ethical basis of the brand. I know I support a woman artist from a First Nations community when I purchase something from Mainie. They look good and do good at the same time.
Jo Pyne
Founded by Gunggari Aboriginal woman Charmaine Saunders in 2012, Mainie is a Supply Nation certified Indigenous Australian-owned company and an Indigenous Art Code approved dealer member. We recognise the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect the resilience, strength and pride of Australia’s First Nations people and their communities. Mainie is committed to supporting Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their own work and to keep alive their traditional cultural heritage for future generations.