OUR ETHICS
At Mainie, our commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion is woven into the fabric of everything we do.
Every Mainie piece is more than a beautiful garment — it is a living story. Crafted with care and purpose, our collections showcase authentic Aboriginal artworks by women artists whose Dreamtime stories have been passed down through countless generations. These exquisite wearable art pieces honour deep cultural knowledge and celebrate the enduring spirit of Australia’s First Peoples.
We proudly uphold Fair Trade principles and are a signatory to the Indigenous Art Code, ensuring all our collaborations with Aboriginal artists are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and respect. Each artist retains full copyright of their original designs and receives royalties on every Mainie product made under formal licensing agreements.
Mainie was founded with a mission to empower Aboriginal women from some of Australia’s most remote Outback communities. By sourcing artworks through trusted Aboriginal-owned art centres like Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, we help to create sustainable income opportunities and preserve traditional knowledge for future generations.
Mainie also partners with contemporary Aboriginal women artists in our own Far North Queensland region, celebrating diversity, talent and cultural pride across communities.
Our ethical values extend to every stage of production. We use sustainably sourced natural fibres, including Woolmark-certified Australian Merino wool, luxurious silks from China’s heritage silk regions and vegan-friendly Modal. All our garments are made in facilities that uphold international standards for worker wellbeing and environmental care.
Recognised by Supply Nation as a certified Indigenous-owned and operated business, Mainie has proudly represented Australian First Nations fashion on the global stage — including as an official supplier of authentic Aboriginal-designed apparel to the Australian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and Expo 2025 Osaka.
Mainie is more than fashion — it is a vision shaped by respect, empowerment, sustainability and cultural truth. When you wear Mainie, you wear a story with purpose.
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.