In the hectic lead-up to the festive season, Kristel-Lee Kickett has put together a list of her go-to Blak businesses to support when you're Christmas shopping, or just looking for an excuse to treat yourself.
Clothing The Gaps is co-founded by Laura Thompson (Gunditjmara) and Sarah Sheridan (non-Indigenous).
Clothing The Gaps is a fashion label that brings new ways for mob to celebrate their Blakness in the clothes they wear (you HAVE to check out their limited-edition matching family BLAKMAS (Christmas) designed Pjs. I’ve been wearing their stuff since day one, I have 3 designs of their reusable coffee cups, and have their stickers on my car and their sovereign scarf is one of my favourites.
If you’re after something small, Clothing the Gaps also has a range of beanies, tote bags, and more.
As for whitefellas, in case you’re wondering, ‘is it ok for me to wear this, though?’ items are labeled ‘Ally Friendly’ and ‘Mob Only’ where suitable.
Based on the traditional lands of the Larrakia people of Darwin.
Magpie Goose celebrates Aboriginal culture, people, and stories through fashion. One of their ambitions is to embrace and showcase the diversity of First Nations peoples and their respective cultures and stories, through their work.
You can shop for the whole family. Magpie Goose have a range of dresses, shirts, shorts, baby clothes and accessories screen-printed with beautiful artwork by Aboriginal artists.
Sissiicosmetics is small cosmetics shop 100% Indigenous owned and operated by make-up artist Felicity Robinson in Perth. In store or on the website you can shop for fake eyelashes, lip gloss, make-up sponges, glitters, skin care and more.
Native Essence is an Indigenous business run by Maleta and Dan West. They sell natural skin care including cleansers, essential oils, and body balms for every skin type. “Born from the idea of family, community, and fuelling the change you want to see”, this company embraces ethical and sustainable practices in creating their skin care.
They use 100% Australian native plant oils and extracts, and source ingredients from Indigenous-run businesses, and other companies who support First Nations people.
Proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickenson creates jewellery, hair accessories, tote bags and other bold, playful and statement accessories. Her accessories celebrate Blakness with big joy with their bright colours, happy designs and occasionally political statements.
There are also Ally Friendly options and Mob Friendly options available in her shop.
My favourite necklace is from a partnership Haus of Dizzy did with Axel & Quill, it’s a stunning Aboriginal flag necklace, it’s available in yellow, rose and white gold.
Based on Nyoongar Boodjar (Perth) WA
Artwork and Photography
Beautiful contemporary Indigenous textured artwork and photography done by Ngadju and Wongatha artist Sarah Riches.
Through Sarah’s technique of layering additional textures, her beuatiful landscape and abstract works seem to leap out from the canvases they’re on. Her paintings and photography are great additions to home and office decor.
Driven by pride, love, and resilience of First Nation people, along with the oldest surviving culture on the planet, the TAKE PRIDE MOVEMENT was born.
A fashion label creating timeless pieces of clothing and apparel, representing First Nation Australian culture as symbol of unity and strength for all races to wear with pride.
Kinya Lerrk focuses on using design and art to make homes and offices come alive with colourful designs which celebrate Aboriginal culture and respectfully acknowledge traditional owners of land.
Jarin Street’s website states they began “by recognising the misuse of Aboriginal art and the industry’s failure to protect the artists and Aboriginal designs, as well as a failure to highlight the artists themselves.”
Jarin Street have made it possible for Indigenous artists to present their art on activewear and exercise equipment, while also providing the stories behind these designs.
Their yoga/fitness mat designs are the big stand-outs, and a beautiful gift for yourself if you’re wanting to sneak in some stretches and r and r time during the holidays.
For more Blak Christmas shopping ideas, check out Trading Blak’s 2022 Xmas Catalogue.
Kristel-Lee Kickett is a Noongar Whadjuk Ballardong woman from Tammin, WA.
She is one half of the singing duo The Merindas, and a professional actor based in Narrm.
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