Just Landed: The First Nations Designer Resort Capsule Collection

With a creative practice rooted in designer Julie Shaw’s First Nations indigenous heritage, the MAARA Collective Resort 2022 Collection continues to redefine summer staples through trademark sweeping silhouettes and relaxed fits.

The show-stopping feature of Julie’s collection is undoubtedly the dreamy “Likara” (bark) print by Pitjantjatjara artist Alison Lionel. This print is the artist’s interpretation of the movement of light catching the shifts and wandering lines of bark on the trees of her home Country, the remote APY Lands of central Australia. Inspired by the natural environment, this colourful print introduces a splash of colours that sit effortlessly within a contemporary fashion capsule. This heritage-rich design can be seen woven through key collection pieces and resortwear must-haves such as the Lowanna Skirt, Lia Blouse,  and the Yatu Shirt. 

Bold hues and pattern play lead the way with the eco-conscious and ethically-minded swimwear collection from Liandra Swimwear. Designed by Liandra Gaykamangu, Liandra Swim was founded with the vision to educate and celebrate the resilience, brilliance and versatility of First Nation Australian.

Within Liandra’s SS22/23 “Deep Sea” collection, each piece explores a unique story inspired by Liandra’s lived experience, with artistic references to Indigenous dot paintings, across perfectly tailored silhouettes. From the stylishly versatile Billie Jean Reversible Bikini Top and Ella Reversible Bikini Bottom to the full coverage of the Cathy Reversible One Piece Swimsuit, Liandra Swim is sure to make waves poolside this summer.

In a masterclass of elegant resortwear design, the SS22 Kirrikin collection perfectly balances both art and culture with contemporary silhouettes. Developed by proud Wonnarua woman Amanda Healy, the brand regularly works with contemporary Indigenous Australian artists, directing each purchase to the featured artist involved in the design.

The latest collection, “Ripples”, draws inspiration from the ripples of change that have occurred across power structures, accepted histories, and mainstream Indigenous representation in the fashion industry. It’s these wining colour-burst designs that make Kirrikin the perfect beach-to-bar collection. Transform from pool to social event with the Katie Long Robe draped over your swimsuit or casual ensemble. The Erin Wrap Maxi Dress pairs perfectly with quintessential resort wedges or flats for a more elevated late-lunch, starlit evening affair.  

With the ambition of creating simultaneously gentle and respectful pieces, Denni Francisco’s Ngali has quickly earned a reputation as the perfect balance of sleek shapes and prints celebrating Country and the proud First Nations People. Ngali translates to ‘we’ or ‘us’ in many Aboriginal languages, and it’s through the brand that Denni sees the most clearly the collaborative, connected and together version of”‘us”.

With a design ethos that focuses on print, Ngali’s collections blend style with storytelling, often adding a touch of the unexpected to the silhouette. For an easy beachside ensemble, look to the Bark Long Sleeve Shirt Dress designed with the perfect amount of slouch. Or, for a more elevated look, pair some chunky jewellery with the Taking The Journey Long Sleeved Shirt for a polished resort look head to toe.