ABOUT US
What is Mainie?
Mainie is a stunning collection of vegan-friendly Modal scarves and beautifully handcrafted pure silk scarves and Australian Merino wool wraps.
The collection also includes a range of handmade men’s accessories.
Every exquisite piece has been lovingly designed to feature Authentic Aboriginal artworks painted by women artists from the Central Desert and Far North Queensland regions of Australia.
These original artworks are ethically sourced through formal licensing agreements. The artists retain full copyright and are paid royalties, ensuring each design benefits not just the wearer, but also the women, families and communities behind the art.
Mainie is a distinctively Australian fashion and gift brand to covet and collect, capturing the heartsand minds of discerning travellers, art lovers and stylish people the world over.Each piece is more than a beautiful accessory; it is a bridge between ancient Aboriginal Dreaming stories and the contemporary world.
Meet Mainie
Mainie’s founder and creative director, Charmaine Saunders, is affectionately known as “Mainie” to her family and friends.
She is a proud Gunggari Aboriginal woman descended directly from Mary of the Maranoa, a strong matriarch whose legacy lives on in the hearts, lands and waters of the Gunggari People.
Charmaine’s deep love for Aboriginal fine arts was cultivated over decades of living and working in remote Aboriginal communities across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Inspired by the stories and resilience of the artists she worked with, Charmaine co-founded Mainie in 2012 alongside her husband, Denis Keeffe.
Born on Gunggari Country
As a descendant of the Gunggari People of the Maranoa River region in southwestern Queensland, Charmaine draws strength and inspiration from her ancestors, who have cared for this land for thousands of years.
For the Gunggari People, the Maranoa River is more than a river, it is the lifeblood of Country. Our stories tell of the Mundagudda, the Rainbow Serpent, whose tracks shaped our rivers and waterholes and gifted us our language and songlines, like the traditional song “Ilmargan,” which celebrates the spirit and power of the river.
Through Mainie, Charmaine honours her Gunggari heritage and shares it with the world.
Fashion With Purpose
- Every piece tells its own Dreamtime story, carrying the world’s oldest living culture forward.
- Every piece made gives back, with royalties paid directly to the artist to elevate and empower her, her family and her community.
- Every piece is destined to become a treasured heirloom, a wearable work of art connecting the wearer to Australia’s First Nations stories.
Global Vision
Mainie is a proud Supply Nation certified Indigenous Australian-owned company and a member of the Indigenous Art Code. Our dedication to ethical and authentic cultural preservation has earned international recognition.
In 2023, Mainie won the inaugural First Nations category at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards and was the official supplier of Indigenous fashion to the Australian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Mainie was also appointed as an official provider of Indigenous fashion and gifts to the Australian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, showcasing our designs on the global stage.
Our retail footprint includes our flagship outlets in Cairns at The Pier and the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, and representation in high-end tourist destinations and cultural precincts across Australia.
We are also trusted suppliers of custom corporate uniform accessories and official gifts for major Australian businesses and government clients.
Supporting Aboriginal Women, Families and Communities
Charmaine’s vision for Mainie is simple yet powerful: to empower Aboriginal women artists, preserve cultural heritage and share the richness of Australia’s First Nations stories with the world, through fashion that is timeless, ethical and deeply connected to Country.
Every Mainie piece supports Aboriginal women, their families and their communities.
Wear with pride. Treasure for life.
For more information about Mainie Australia, please email us at info@mainie.com
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
Introducing Australian Cultural Heritage to the World
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.