MAARA is an Australian Ready-To-Wear line embracing a collaborative approach to design.
Launched in 2019, Yuwaalaraay Designer and Creative Director Julie Shaw founded the brand to showcase and celebrate Australian Indigenous art and culture.
The word MAARA refers to ‘hands’ in the Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay languages of northern NSW, and captures the concept of a collective of people working together in the creative and collaborative process; from initial concept to final piece. At MAARA we acknowledge all of those involved in bringing our products to life; from the story-tellers to fibre growers to garment makers.
Incorporating natural fibres and mindful manufacturing, we embrace the local stories and artistry of this land to capture the essence of Australia.
Since launching, the brand has gone on to win design awards in Australia and internationally, including the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, Australian Fashion Laureate, Marie Claire’s Designer of the Year, and the IDA International Design Awards.
Passionate about supporting the next generation of Indigenous fashion talent through local programs and internships, we also give back to community through the Buy1Give1 Foundation.
GIVING BACK
Purchase with Purpose
As partners in the global Buy1Give1 initiative we give back in meaningful and impactful ways. USD$1 from your purchase of MAARA product from our online store goes toward providing digital skills training and education programs in remote Aboriginal communities.
280,576,832 giving impacts created worldwide.
COLLABORATIONS
COLLABORATIONS
MAARA is proud to present the Resort 25 Collection ‘Desert Bloom’ featuring an original print by Anmatyerre artist Caroline Numina. The ‘Bush Medicine Leaves’ Dreaming depicts the leaves of a special plant used for healing purposes, found and collected in the Utopia region of Central Australia.
COLLABORATIONS
MAARA Collective is proud to present Resort 2023 featuring 'Likara', an original Indigenous Australian artwork from Pitjantjatjara artist Alison Lionel of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in remote Australia.
COLLABORATIONS
MAARA Collective is proud to present the Resort 22 Collection featuring an original print by Pitjantjatjara artist Lexie Michael of Ernabella Arts Inc. ‘Tjukula’ (waterholes) is a stunning representation of the artist’s mother’s and grandfather’s country south of Pipalyatjara.
COLLABORATIONS
The Dhinawan (emu) feather print is inspired by the colours and lines of Yuwaalaraay Country, created in honour of place. Based on feathers collected by the artist from Country, this print series traverses experience to wearable memory where the Dhinawan feathers adorn and wrap around the body, echoing the gentle embrace of Gunimaa (Mother Earth).
Australian Made
MAARA is proud to carry Australian Made accreditation for our locally made products. Our locally manufactured pieces are made in Sydney Australia, and registered with the Australian Made Campaign.
Member of Australian Fashion Council
We are a member of the Australian Fashion Council. Supporting Australian fashion brands, designers and local manufacturing.
Australian Fashion Trademark
MAARA is proud to be an Australian Fashion TM certified brand and representing the unique talent of the Australian Fashion Industry.
Australian Fashion TM designer brands are held to the highest standards of elevated creativity and authentic design.
As Seen On
