With the new year brings a new range of inspiration, influence and creativity for First Nations designers across Australia.

2026 will see several popular designers reveal new collections, and the debut of new Indigenous designers and brands.

Here are Style Up's First Nations brands to watch. From footwear to frocks, these five brands each showcase culture through creative contemporary garments.

Banbu

Founded by talented Indigenous creative Brooke McGlone, Banbu is a brand created with sustainability and caring for Country front of mind.

Banbu's pieces are ethically designed and manufactured in Brisbane (Magandjin), with a commitment to sustainability. The brand prioritises ethically sourced materials and thoughtful design practices which honour both the environment and the skilled artisans who bring our garments to life.

"I like to think of Banbu as the "out-there cousin" among First Nations designers - it reflects a bit of how I feel in my own family: bold, playful, and a little unexpected," McGlone told Style Up.

"Each piece has movement and personality, letting people express themselves while staying comfortable and effortless. It's contemporary style with meaning, made to feel authentic and individual."

Having already appeared on the runways of Melbourne Fashion Week and Melbourne Fashion Festival, in 2026 Banbu is sure re-appear on several runways.

By Josh Deane

Based in Naarm/Melbourne, 'By Josh Deane' is a brand which prides itself on creating unique, ready-to-wear pieces that celebrate the beauty of Australia.

First Nations founder Josh Deane strives to blend tradition with modernity, creating garments which honour the land, its inhabitants, and its stories.

"By Josh Deane is a fashion brand that weaves together my passion for Indigenous culture, art, and design. With a career spanning 15 years in the fashion industry, I've drawn inspiration from my personal experiences, cultural heritage, and deep connection to country," said Deane.

"The brand's aesthetic is deeply rooted in the country's unique landscape, featuring iconic motifs and imagery that reflect the beauty of Australia's animals, botanicals, and natural wonders. Through my designs, I aim to share my story, promote cultural understanding, and celebrate the richness of Indigenous culture.

"By Josh Deane is a platform for storytelling, where fashion meets art, and tradition meets innovation. By sharing my perspective and experiences, I hope to spark a deeper connection and understanding of Indigenous culture and its significance in the world of fashion."

With the brand having its Melbourne Fashion Festival debut on the Back In Blak runway in 2025, this year Deane is set to spark interest with what opportunities he takes on next.

Thanks to his creative designs and bold graphics, Deane's range of garments attract both intrigue and interest.

Banksia Nean

Set to officially launch on the 27th of January, Banksia Nean is a new footwear brand created by proud Barunggam and Kamilaroi woman and designer Banks Nean.

"Our brand focuses primarily on women's heels, with a strong emphasis on quality, storytelling and cultural integrity. We do not engage in mass production. Each artwork is hand-painted, digitally translated, and printed onto vegan leather, with every shoe handmade for each style. Only 300 pairs are produced per style, ensuring each release remains limited and meaningful. We will be launching one style at a time," said Nean.

"Over the past two years, I have worked closely with manufacturers to translate that vision into a statement shoe. Inspired by my love for neutral styling paired with bold footwear, I am now preparing to launch designs that tell stories through Indigenous art, blending fashion, culture, and storytelling in every pair."

With little First Nations shoe brands currently operating, Nean has tapped into a sector of the First Nations fashion industry which many have not. With the brands first two styles of high heels expected to be in high demand, we can't wait to watch the brand grow in 2026.

Liandra

Founded by designer and proud Yolŋu woman Liandra Gaykamangu, Liandra's garments seamlessly blend contemporary design with deep cultural storytelling.

Since debuting her first resort wear line on Australian Fashion Week's DHL Next Gen runway in 2023, Gaykamangu has grown her ready-to-wear offering far beyond beach attire.

Having now gained a cult following of fashion forward females, the Australian lifestyle brand is being worn everywhere from Bondi to Byron and beyond.

With all of Liandra's garments created with functionality and comfort in mind, the brands collections elude a relaxing, laid back aesthetic.

Jalayimiya Swim

First Nations-founded and designed, Jalayimiya Swim, launched in 2022 by designer Brodie George. Creating Country-conscious swimwear that strives to inspire visibility and admiration for the oldest living cultures in the world, the talented designers incorporates her culture and craft throughout each and every collection.

Having grown up in Fitzroy Crossing, 400km east of Broome in WA's top end, designer Brodie George values community and culture above anything else.

"Where I come from, swimwear is almost taboo. Through a mix of cultural protocol and the impact of colonisation, women have not been used to showing their bodies, let alone celebrating them. Jalayimiya Swim is about changing that, creating a movement that helps women embrace pregnancy, postpartum and age with confidence," she said.

"I love running this business because it allows me to share my stories, my culture and to celebrate women in all their glory. Jalayimiya Swim would be nothing without my community and the incredible women who have put their hands up to lead the way."

Over 2025 George's achievements have included showcasing Jalayimiya Swim at New York Fashion Week, launching the Core Collection designed through community feedback, and returning to Fitzroy Crossing to host a riverfront photo shoot with young women, creating powerful opportunities for them to see themselves represented in new ways.

Always engaging in new projects and runways, 2026 is set to be a big year for the brands growth in popularity and profit.

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