Mainie Make Their Mark

Queensland’s tropical north has become home to a colourful new fashion label that draws on the spirit of two ancient cultures. Cairns-based Mainie Designs, created by Charmaine Saunders and Denis Keeffe, blends traditional Aboriginal artworks from the Yuendumu community of Central Australia and the luxurious fabrics of the famous ‘Silk Road City’ of Hangzhou in China. Newly launched this month, the initial collection includes nine scarves and wraps made from 100% silk, all beaming with vibrant hues. Named for the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories they represent, the collection is made up of stunning styles including a ‘Water Serpent Sarong Wrap’ and a ‘Fire Stone Scarf.’ At the heart of the brand lies a strong commitment to fair trade principles, with all Aboriginal artwork acquired ethically under license through the internationally acclaimed Warlukurlangu Art Centre, which has long been a stronghold of traditional Warlpiri arts, language and culture. The full collection is available on the brand new Mainie website, as well as in selected boutiques, retailers and galleries.