Launched in 2019 by Yuwaalaraay designer and creative director Julie Shaw, MAARA Collective is brand built on a love for Australian Indigenous art and culture.
The word MAARA refers to 'hands' in the Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay languages of northern NSW, and captures the concept of many hands working together in the creative and collaborative process; from initial concept to final piece.
Striving to showcase Indigenous art and culture through contemporary fashion, Shaw's range of garments proves that Indigenous culture can be just as modern as it is meaningful.
The talented designer proved this at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival with her brand's latest collaborative collection with Kija and Ngarinyin artist, Rebekah Treacy.
"We will be presenting our 'Terrain' Collection as part of the Resort Glam Runway show this week at Melbourne Fashion Festival, and we're so excited to showcase our collaborating artist print 'Layers of Reddell' by talented Kija and Ngarinyin artist Rebekah Treacy," Shaw told Style Up.
"She has actually travelled over to Melbourne from Broome, WA this week to see her artwork on the runway, which will be a very special moment, and it's an absolute honour to have Rebekah here with us for the show.
"Rebekah's print is inspired by the striking rock formation and colours of Yawuru Country, where she resides in Western Australia.
"We've carried that inspiration and respect for the landscape through the collection into draped silhouettes and sculptural pieces that emulate the rock formations of the land."
Shaw shared that the accessories featured alongside the Terrain collection were carefully selected.
"We're also very privileged to be showcasing an incredible fashion accessory in our closing look," she said.
"Titled 'Murralull Manawan' (Eucalyptus Tree), the shoulder-piece accessory has been designed and created by Bardi designer TJ Cowlishaw of AARLI Fashion.
"This piece is made from upcycled leather pieces and is inspired by Eucalyptus trees in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, where researchers have discovered gold particles from the earth being drawn up and appearing in the leaves of the trees.
"Nowhere else in Australia or the World does this natural fusion exist... such a special story to weave into the collection, where our prints are inspired by the landscapes of WA."
Definitely no stranger to the Melbourne Fashion Festival Runway, Shaw said 2026 marked the 6th year MAARA Collective has appeared on the runway.
"It feels great to be back at MFF for another year. This is our 6th year of showing, and the Festival always holds a special place for us, as they've consistently supported our brand from the very early days, and have helped give us a national platform to showcase our collections and brand story," she said.
"I'm always floored by the amount of sheer talent of our First Nations brands that continue to create and push boundaries and show up.
"I attended the 'Beyond Blak' Runway by the talented crew at Mob in Fashion last night, and as always, it was such a celebration of culture and pride through the most unique form of fashion storytelling... More of this."
Set to appear on Darwin's Country to Couture runway later this year, Shaw has a busy year ahead. Constantly striving to modernise her range in a way that places country at the forefront, Shaw's designs have developed each year.
"This year has started strong with the development of our upcoming Resort collection for 2027, which includes an exciting artist collaboration that will be coming out of the APY Lands," she said.
"We're also looking forward to further building our business foundations with a focus on expanding our export market strategy this year.
"Following a research trip to Europe mid-year, we will be back up in Darwin for the Country to Couture shows and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, which we always love attending and being a part of."
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