Beyond Luxury: Mainie’s Exacting Standards for Ethical and Sustainable Textiles
At Mainie, we believe that true luxury lies not only in how a fabric feels but also in where it comes from and how it is made.
Our collections are more than fashion - they are wearable works of art, carefully crafted to honour both Australia’s unique Aboriginal cultural heritage and the world’s finest textile traditions.
As our founder, Charmaine Saunders, says:
The ethical origins of our textiles are just as important to us as the authenticity of our Aboriginal artwork designs.
“Cockatoo Creek Dreaming” Modal scarf featuring an authentic Aboriginal art design by Warlpiri artist, Alicka Napanangka Brown
Why We Source Globally for World-Class Fabrics
Australia no longer has large-scale textile manufacturers capable of producing the fine silks, wools, or modal fabrics used in our collections. Over time, the local industry has diminished, and the specialised skills and machinery required for artisan textile production are now found overseas.
To meet our uncompromising standards, Mainie partners with trusted international manufacturers who are renowned for ethical practices, sustainability and craftsmanship.
Mainie silk scarves are artisan crafted in the ancient city of Suzhou, known as the Venice of the East
Silk: China, home to the world’s most exquisite silk production for nearly 5,000 years, supplies us with fabrics steeped in history and artistry. In the famed Imperial Silk Cities, generations of artisans have perfected techniques that remain unmatched.
Mainie Modal scarves are made from a plant-based textile, sustainably derived from renewable beech trees.
Modal: We use plant-based, vegan-friendly Modal sourced from Lenzing AG in Austria, a pioneer in sustainable textiles. Their process ensures that this luxurious fibre, first developed in Japan in the 1950s, remains both eco-friendly and ethically produced.\
Mainie pure wool scarves are woven from Woolmark-certified, Australian-grown Merino wool.
Wool: Our fine wool scarves are made from 100% Australian Merino wool, sourced exclusively from Woolmark-certified suppliers. These woolgrowers adhere to the highest standards of quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming, proudly supporting Australia’s pastoral heritage.
Authentic Aboriginal Designs, Impeccable Provenance
Every Mainie piece begins with an authentic Aboriginal artwork created in collaboration with women artists from remote communities. We operate under formal licensing agreements, paying royalties directly to the artists and their families. This ensures every design not only celebrates culture but also creates real economic benefits for Indigenous communities.
Mainie scarves feature authentic Aboriginal art designs by women artists.
By combining Aboriginal art with the world’s finest ethical textiles, Mainie delivers exquisite wearable art pieces that embody integrity, sustainability and timeless beauty.
Authentic Aboriginal art designs from the Mainie silk scarf collection.
Representing Australia on the Global Stage
Since our founding in 2012, Mainie has stayed true to its mission: to bring the richness of First Nations culture to the world through fashion of the highest calibre. Today, our scarves, ties and resort wear are worn by customers across the globe and have proudly represented Australia on the international stage.
Every piece carries a story. Every fibre has a conscience. Every design is crafted to endure.
Because at Mainie, luxury is never just about how it looks - it’s about how it’s made, who it honours and what it stands for.
Authentic Aboriginal art designs from the Mainie Australian Merino wool scarf collection.
Founded in 2012 by Gunggari Aboriginal woman Charmaine (Mainie) Saunders, Mainie Australia is a Supply Nation Certified Indigenous Owned Business and a Member of the Indigenous Art Code.
Mainie scarves feature authentic Aboriginal art designs by women artists.
