At RUSSH, we consistently aim to champion the Australian fashion industry in the way that it deserves. Last month's Australian Fashion Week 2025 saw a myriad of First Nations designers showcase sprawling collections that represent our vast pool of talent (one that First Nations designers are at the forefront of).
Hailing from all over the country, their designs pay homage to the roots of this country. Their contributions as multidisciplinary Indigenous designers are changing the way we experience Australian fashion at every step – and it’s a sentiment echoed in the recently announced 2025 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) shortlist, which honours First Nations excellence in textile artistry and cultural storytelling across the continent.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the First Nations designers that we think you should know about.
1. Kirrikin
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Founded by Amanda Healy, Kirrikin produces digitally printed resortwear featuring artworks licensed from Indigenous artists across Australia. The brand is committed to the revitalisation of the Wonnarua language and reinvests in community through its artist partnerships.
2. LYN-AL
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Designer Lyn-Al Young references her Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta heritage in flowing silk garments that depict tree carvings, waterways and totems. Her designs have featured in exhibitions at the NGV and on red carpets internationally.
3. Maara Collective
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Julie Shaw’s Maara Collective works in close collaboration with Indigenous artists to create luxury resortwear informed by Country. Since launching in 2019, the label has partnered with programs such as Buy1Give1 to support remote community development.
4. Clothing The Gaps
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This Victorian-based social enterprise uses fashion as a vehicle for health promotion and advocacy, led by a team of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health professionals. Clothing The Gaps reinvests 100% of profits into campaigns and community initiatives for First Nations people.
5. Liandra Swim
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Founded by Yolngu woman Liandra Gaykamangu, Liandra Swim fuses contemporary swimwear silhouettes with prints inspired by cultural stories and motifs. The brand prioritises sustainable production, using regenerated fibres and compostable packaging.
6. Haus of Dizzy
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Kristy Dickinson’s Haus of Dizzy produces acrylic jewellery featuring slogans and symbols tied to Indigenous culture and political identity. The brand frequently collaborates with organisations to support causes such as voting rights and climate justice.
7. Ngali
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Ngali, founded by Denni Francisco, creates digitally printed silk garments showcasing the work of First Nations visual artists. The Melbourne-based label is known for its refined silhouettes and slow fashion approach, winning the 2022 National Indigenous Fashion Award for Fashion Design.
8. Joseph & James
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Established in 2021 by Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander designer Juanita Page, JOSEPH & JAMES offers menswear with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The brand explores cultural identity through streetwear-inflected tailoring, recently showing at both Melbourne and Australian Fashion Week.
9. Clair Helen
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Designer Clair Helen Samuels draws from her Darumbal and South Sea Islander heritage to inform a womenswear label grounded in clean lines and architectural volume. Each collection is produced in limited runs with a focus on craftsmanship and fit.
10. Gammin Threads
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Gammin Threads, created by Kamilaroi woman Krystal Hurst, produces T-shirts, socks and casualwear with graphics celebrating Blak pride and language. The brand is known for its direct-to-community model and strong digital presence.
11. MumRed
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Founded by Samala Cronin, MumRed incorporates Gugu Yalanji narratives into its hand-crafted garments, which are often plant-dyed and made from natural fibres. The label supports local makers and focuses on intergenerational storytelling through fashion.
12. Miimi & Jiinda
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Run by Gumbaynggirr mother-daughter duo Melissa and Lauren Greenwood, Miimi & Jiinda creates art-driven clothing and textiles based on Dreaming stories. Their designs have appeared on runways and in major brand collaborations, including with Spell and David Jones.
13. GALI Swimwear
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Launched in 2021 by Yawuru/Bunuba designer Deborah Newenham, GALI produces eco-conscious swimwear featuring hand-drawn prints and biodegradable fabrics. The label centres Indigenous design philosophies and environmental stewardship in its production processes.
