Wearable art acclaimed
MAINIE fashion brand founder Charmaine Saunders has been named a Queensland finalist in this year’s Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
Inspired by a desire to promote Aboriginal fine arts to the world, Ms Saunders, a descendant of the Gunggari Aboriginal people from south west Queensland, created Mainie as an ethical, fair-trade fashion brand which melds authentic Aboriginal art with luxurious textiles.
Mainie was launched in 2015 with a silk collection of accessories and tops featuring stunning, sun-drenched, coloured artworks by Warlpiri women artists from the remote Tanami Desert region of Central Ausseasonal tralia. In just three years, the brand, under the stewardship of Ms Saunders and her business partner Denis Keeffe, has developed in response to demand to include an extensive range of designs, a men’s gift collection with the addition of new and varied artworks from Queensland artists.
Ms Saunders says Mainie’s success can be attributed to a strong business plan, dedicated team and strong philosophical foundation based on cultural integrity and social consciousness.
“Through our wearable art, we provide opportunities and make a substantial investment into the advancement of women, particularly indigenous women,” she said. “I am humbled to be named a finalist.”
Queensland winners of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards will be announced on March 21 in Brisbane.