There's no better time than Indigenous Business Month to showcase and highlight some of our Mob's best businesses from across the country. Every Friday this October, we'll be having our "Friday Favourites" to give a special highlight and shout-out to some of our most-loved businesses.
First up this week are some of our favourite Indigenous-owned clothing brands, in no particular order:
- Kirrikin
Kirrikin is an Aboriginal word that roughly translates as "Sunday's best clothes", Kirrikin has been around since 2016 and proudly sources talented Indigenous artists to create their clothing and fashion accessories. A huge shout out to our former NIT Style Up Editor Shannon McGuire who is the CEO of the Kirrikin Foundation and absolutely killed it during the European fashion weeks.
- Clothing the Gaps
If you haven't heard of CTG then where have you been? Whether it's been the Free the Flag campaign, their NAIDOC week runs or their go-too staples which showcase Indigenous pride for Mob and Allies alike, CTG keeps on leading as a social enterprise streetwear label. Since their name started getting out there in 2019, CTG has been a great example of what you get when you have an Indigenous business focusing on just fashion, but equality and social justice in Australia.
- Haus of Dizzy
The self-described Queen of Bling, the proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson creates bold, playful, statement-making jewellery that celebrates and honours Indigenous culture. Kicking off in 2015, her pieces are now available not just in their Fitzroy shop but throughout the country, NZ and the US. If you grab some of Dizzy's jewellery you'll be in good company, with some customers including Ms Lauryn Hill, Lala Hathaway, Drew Barrymore, Miranda Tapsell, Shareena Clanton and Kaiit. - Gammin Threads
Considered by Yorta Yorta and Taungurung woman Tahnee Edwards as a love letter to Indigenous culture and blackfellas everywhere, Gammin has gone from strength to strength since starting up. Featured in Harpers Bazaar through to the 2023 David Jones Indigenous Fashion Runway, Gammin can fit you out with some flash-looking gear. Even better is that this is founder Tahnee's side hustle as she also works part-time for the family violence prevention service Djirra. - House of Darwin
Last but by no means least, a special shout out to one of my personal favourites House of Darwin. Based in the Territory and working out of their shop in Cavenagh Street in Darwin, HoD keeps on pumping out some of the best-looking gear you'll find. A bonus is that HoD, like many of our Mob, reinvests their profits back into social programs in remote Indigenous communities which is a win-win for everyone.
