Stories You Wear: Inside the Magpie Goose Exhibition with Amanda Hayman

When you hang a painting on a wall, the story stays put. But when you wear a beautifully made garment that may as well be a piece of art? The story travels. It moves through the world with you – from conversations at the market, across city streets, into spaces where it might never otherwise go. The story doesn’t end when the gallery lights dim. It keeps unfolding, gathering new chapters with every wearing, every curious glance, every question asked. That’s the beautiful, perpetual magic of what Magpie Goose does – the Aboriginal-owned and -led fashion label that’s been quietly revolutionising what it means to carry First Nations design into everyday life.

Now, after a decade of collaboration with more than 75 artists from 15 Aboriginal communities nationwide, Magpie Goose is inviting Brisbane to step inside their world. Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose, showing exclusively at Museum of Brisbane, is an immersive celebration of culture, Country and connection. You’re invited to explore a decade’s worth of garments, each one carrying its own narrative of place and belonging.

We sat down with Amanda Hayman, Wakka Wakka and Kalkadoon woman and co-owner of Magpie Goose (alongside Kamilaroi partner Troy Casey), to talk about why fashion matters as a vehicle for storytelling, how their collaborations create real impact for communities, and what she hopes visitors will take away from this stunning showcase of First Nations creativity.

PHOTOS: KELLEY SHEENAN

TOP LEFT: (L) NISA YAM RICHY, CO-CURATOR & MAGPIE GOOSE STORE MANAGER), (R) AMANDA HAYMAN, ABOVE: SONJA CARMICHAEL (QUANDAMOOKA ARTIST) AND TROY CASEY

Tell us what people can expect to see at the exhibition!

Visitors can expect a truly immersive experience. You’ll see vibrant fabric drops, joyful photography and a curated selection of garments from the past decade. We’ve brought out some of our most-loved pieces from the last 10 years; each carrying a story of Country, culture and community.
Magpie Goose has collaborated with more than 75 artists from 15 Aboriginal communities nationwide, and the exhibition celebrates the breadth and diversity of these relationships. Being hosted at Museum of Brisbane, there’s a special focus on South East Queensland stories, including Jinibara and our most recent Quandamooka collection, which is presented in a spectacular and culturally grounded way. It’s an exhibition that invites people to slow down, connect and really feel the story behind the label.

How (and why!) is storytelling so important with what you do at Magpie Goose?

Storytelling sits at the heart of everything we do at Magpie Goose. Our clothes offer an accessible way for people to engage with stories from First Nations communities, to wear something that carries deep knowledge of place, plants, animals, cultural practices and social histories. When someone chooses a Magpie Goose piece, they’re showing they value First Nations culture and the wisdom that has been carried through generations. In our communities, storytelling is innate. Knowledge is passed down through many artforms; dance, song, and cultural practices like weaving, carving, mark-making.
Magpie Goose provides a chance for our communities to celebrate and continue cultural stories, and an opportunity for the wider community to learn, listen and embrace the richness of First Nations’ perspectives in a respectful and joyful way.

In our communities, storytelling is innate. Knowledge is passed down through many artforms; dance, song, and cultural practices like weaving, carving, mark-making.

Why is fashion the vehicle for sharing these stories?

Fashion is something people engage with every day, so it’s a natural way to carry stories into the world. When First Nations’ designs are worn, the stories don’t stay within a gallery, they’re lived with, talked about and shared. Clothing invites curiosity and conversation, making culture accessible in a respectful way. It also ensures artists and communities are centred, with each garment connecting back to a person, a place and a cultural narrative. Fashion lets these stories travel, be seen and be valued in everyday life.

How have your collaborations impacted the communities or art centres you work with?

Our collaborations create real benefits for artists and communities. Artists are paid licensing fees upfront, based on the number of metres printed, ensuring they’re properly compensated while retaining full ownership of their stories and copyright. The impact goes beyond income – seeing their designs worn and celebrated builds pride, visibility and new opportunities. And because we work in long-term, respectful relationships, the outcomes continue to strengthen culture, community and connection.

Clothing invites curiosity and conversation, making culture accessible in a respectful way.

What do you hope people will take away from visiting the exhibition?

I hope people leave with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Aboriginal cultures and the richness of our knowledge systems. Every garment reflects a unique place, story and perspective, and I want visitors to recognise the depth of creativity, innovation and cultural expression behind each piece. Most of all, I hope they feel a greater sense of respect, connection and curiosity about the First Nations’ stories woven through the exhibition. And that it inspires them to shop and wear Magpie Goose clothing!

This article was created in partnership with our friends at Museum of Brisbane. Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Tickets are free, suitable for all ages, and the exhibition is located on Level 3 of City Hall.