FAQS

Mainie’s luxurious silk scarves are handmade from the best silk in the world. We source our premium quality silks from the historic Silk Cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou in China. Suzhou in Jiangsu Province is known as the “Venice of the East”. Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province was referred to as a “City of Heaven” by the thirteenth century Venetian traveller Marco Polo.

The world’s first silks originated in China 4,700 years ago. Today, China produces 80 percent of the world’s silk. Silk is not manufactured for commercial purposes in Australia.

Woolmark Australian Merino wool is considered to be the finest wool in the world due to its exceptional quality, superior softness, natural breathability, and sustainability. The Woolmark certification ensures the highest standards through rigorous testing. Australian Merino wool’s fine fibres make it incredibly soft and suitable for direct skin contact. Its breathability regulates body temperature, keeping you comfortable in various climates. Sustainable and renewable, Australian Merino Wool is sourced with consideration for animal welfare and environmental impact. These traits make Australian Merino wool the gold standard for style, durability, comfort and eco-friendliness.

Many of the artwork designs featured in the Mainie fashion collection are by Warlpiri women artists from the remote Tanami Desert region in Central Australia. These designs depict traditional Aboriginal Dreaming stories, handed down through many generations of their Warlpiri ancestors over tens of thousands of years. Mainie also sources artworks from contemporary Aboriginal women artists in North Queensland. Their designs are inspired by the unique reef and rainforest environments of this region. Every Mainie is presented with information about the provenance of the original painting and the Aboriginal artist’s story.

Mainie is an approved Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code. The Aboriginal artworks featured in the Mainie collection are ethically acquired under licence in accordance with the Indigenous Art Code. Under the terms of the art licensing agreements:

• Mainie purchases the original artworks at the prices set by the Aboriginal artists.
• Mainie pays licence fees to reproduce the artwork images.
• The Aboriginal artists retain the copyright to their original artworks.
• Mainie also pays royalty fees from every piece made to the Aboriginal artists.

Mainie embraces Fair Trade ethics and is committed to supporting Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their own work and preserve their unique cultural heritage for future generations.

Australia’s Aboriginal art is the oldest unbroken arts tradition in the world. Aboriginal rock paintings in Australia have been dated by scientists to be over 60,000 years old. The art from the remote Central and Western Desert regions is particularly valuable because many of the artists are among the last generation of Aboriginal people in Australia who made first contact with Europeans in the latter part of the twentieth century. These artists are preserving their unbroken spiritual and cultural connections to their country and ancestors through their paintings, keeping their heritage alive for future generations.

Modal is a vegan-friendly textile because it is derived from beech tree pulp, making it a plant-based fibre. Unlike materials derived from animals such as wool or silk, Modal does not involve any animal products or by-products in its production process. It is produced through a sustainable and eco-friendly process that uses less water and energy compared to cotton, reducing its environmental impact. Modal is known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, making it a popular choice for clothing and accessories among those seeking environmentally safe and sustainable fashion options.

Mainie Silk: Dry cleaning is recommended but if you must wash, then a gentle hand wash in cold water with a mild shampoo is best. Avoid wringing or twisting. Lay flat on a towel to dry away from direct sunlight. Iron on low heat if needed, using a cloth between the iron and the scarf to protect the fabric.

Mainie Wool: Dry cleaning is recommended but if you must wash, then a gentle hand wash in lukewarm water with mild wool detergent is best. Avoid wringing; instead, press out excess water. Lay flat on a towel to dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Iron on low heat if necessary, using a cloth between the iron and the scarf to protect the fabric.

Mainie Modal: A gentle hand washed in cool water using a mild detergent is best. Avoid soaking for too long. Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay flat on a towel to dry away from direct sunlight or heat. Iron on low heat if needed.

Mainie stands out for its deep commitment to cultural authenticity, ethical practices and sustainability. Each wearable art piece features authenticated Aboriginal artworks, hand-painted by women artists from Australia’s Central Desert and North Queensland. This collaboration honours the world's oldest continuous living culture while ensuring fair compensation and recognition for Aboriginal women artists, economically empowering their communities.

Operating under Fair Trade principles and the Indigenous Art Code, Mainie ethically acquires and licenses every artwork, preserving Aboriginal cultural heritage. Sustainability is integral, with materials like pure silk, Woolmark Australian Merino wool and vegan-friendly modal used in collections.
Crafted to the highest standards, Mainie accessories reflect the artistic richness of Aboriginal culture and the brand’s dedication to timeless elegance. Choosing Mainie means embracing ethical fashion and sustainability, making each purchase a statement of support for cultural heritage and environmental responsibility.