Mainie: A Unique Melding of Two Ancient Artisan Cultures
For the woman who values authenticity, elegance and meaning in every choice she makes, the Mainie Silk Scarf Collection is more than just a fashion statement, it’s a journey across continents and cultures, connecting Australia’s ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime stories with the fabled Silk Road’s time-honoured artisan traditions.
Every Mainie silk scarf is an exquisite wearable art piece, handcrafted from pure silk chiffon and beautifully finished with hand rolled hems.
These luxurious scarves bring together two of the world’s oldest living artistic traditions: Aboriginal art from Australia’s First Nations peoples, dating back over 65,000 years and the art of silk making, practiced for over 4,700 years in the fabled Imperial cities of China’s Silk Road.
Fashion with Purpose, Luxury with Meaning
Each piece in the Mainie silk scarf collection carries a deeper purpose. Behind every stunning design is an authentic Aboriginal artwork, painted by a traditional Warlpiri woman artist from the remote Tanami Desert in Central Australia.
Ethically acquired and produced under licence through the world-renowned Warlukurlangu Aboriginal Arts Centre, each artwork is reproduced in close collaboration with the artists.
Royalties are paid to the artists from every item made, empowering the women, their families and their communities to keep their sacred Dreamtime stories alive for future generations.
Perfect for gift giving, every Mainie silk scarf is presented in a handmade gift box with information about the provenance of the original artwork and the artist’s biography.
Desert Country Dreaming by Rosina Napurrurla White
An elegant expression of Australian desert beauty, this silk scarf will instantly elevate your everyday style. Pair it with jeans and a white tee for effortless designer chic or wear it as a statement piece with a classic blazer for refined sophistication.
The Story: Inspired by Ngapa Jukurrpa (Mikanji), this design tells the story of dry desert creek beds forming life-giving soakages after the rains, a vital source of survival for the Warlpiri people during the long dry season.
Perfect for: Everyday wear, corporate looks, creative styling
Why we love it: Timeless, elegant, uniquely Australian
Desert Rain Dreaming by Bessie Nakamarra Sims
Immerse yourself in the sun-drenched colours of the Australian Outback with this vibrant, uplifting design. Drape it loosely over a neutral outfit to let the colours do the talking or wrap it around your shoulders as a lightweight evening stole.
The Story: This Dreamtime story reflects how smoke rising from a fire formed a large storm cloud, carried by a bird to rain over the desert. Ngapa means water in the Warlpiri language, symbolising renewal and life.
Perfect for: Adding vibrant colour to travel wardrobes or special events
Why we love it: Bold yet feminine, resplendent in sun-drenched Outback colours, imbued with ancient storytelling.
Medicine Tree Dreaming by Geraldine Napangardi Granites
This stunning scarf showcases vibrant desert hues evocative of the Australian Outback landscape. It is a traditional Warlpiri women’s story that has been passed down from one generation to the next over tens of thousands of years. Pair it with safari-inspired neutrals or crisp white linen for sophisticated resort wear styling.
The Story: Mina Mina Jukurrpa tells of Warlpiri women on a journey across their desert homelands gathering Ngalyipi, a sacred vine used in both ceremonies and traditional medicines.
Perfect for: Resort wear, sophisticated layering, artistic expression
Why we love it: A meaningful wearable art piece with deep cultural significance, perfect for stylish travellers and conscientious fashion lovers.
Storm Cloud Dreaming by Christine Nakamarra Curtis
Let this piece take you on a journey into the power of nature and transformation. The mesmerising design features dynamic colours reflecting traditional Warlpiri stories of rainstorms sweeping across the desert landscape.
The Story: Ngapa Jukurrpa (Storm Cloud Dreaming) recounts the powerful imagery of storm clouds carried by birds before falling as rain, nourishing the desert country below.
Perfect for: Adding a pop of colour to monochrome outfits; styling for both warm and cool seasons
Why we love it: A wearable story of nature’s beauty and timeless cultural tradition
Women’s Journey Dreaming by Jeanie Napangardi Lewis
Inspired by the delicate colours of desert wildflowers in spring, this elegant piece radiates softness and femininity. Lightweight and generous in size, it’s perfect for travel, easy to pack, endlessly versatile, effortlessly beautiful.
The Story: The Mina Mina Jukurrpa - Ngalyipi tells the story of ancestral women travelling east from Mina Mina, gathering ceremonial vines and performing sacred rituals.
Styling Tip: Channel the elegance of Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn by wearing this scarf as a head covering or loosely draped around the neck for classic appeal. For adventurous spirits, tie it as a sarong over swimwear or use it as a luxurious shawl on cool evenings.
Perfect for: Chic travel, cultural events, sophisticated layering
Why we love it: Feminine, graceful, a true wearable art piece with a remarkable story
Why Choose a Mainie Silk Scarf?
- Luxurious & Timeless - 100% pure silk chiffon, light as air, soft as clouds
- Authentic Aboriginal Art - every piece keeps an ancient Dreamtime story alive
- Artisan Made - beautifully handcrafted using sustainable practices
- Fashion with Purpose - supports Aboriginal women artists, their families and their communities
- Versatile for All Seasons – natural, breathable silk for effortless styling from summer to winter
When you wear Mainie, you wear more than a just a beautiful fashion scarf, you wear a story that spans back over tens of thousands of years to the dawn of the Dreamtime.
Explore the full collection at: www.mainie.com.au/collections/silk-scarves
Founded in 2012, by Gunggari Aboriginal woman, Charmaine (Mainie) Saunders, Mainie Australia is a Supply Nation Certified Indigenous Owned Business and an Indigenous Art Code Member.
