NGALI JOURNAL

What ‘Yindayamarra’ Means to Us – And Why It Matters in Fashion

At Ngali, we believe fashion is more than clothing. It’s a vessel for storytelling, a way of being, and a reflection of values. One word holds deep significance for how we approach every part of our journey – from our design process to how we work with others – and that word is Yindayamarra.

Yindayamarra is a Wiradjuri word that embodies respect, gentleness, kindness, and a deep, deliberate thoughtfulness in how we move through the world. It reminds us to act with care and integrity, not just in words, but through actions that reflect honour for culture, people, and Country.

In an industry often driven by speed and trends, Ngali chooses a slower, more intentional path. Yindayamarra prompts us to take time — to design mindfully, collaborate with respect, and produce pieces that hold meaning.

Our collections are shaped in collaboration with our First Nations artists. We honour their cultural expressions by carefully translating their artworks onto garments in a way that protects the integrity of the original painting and respects the artist’s personal story. Through artist royalties and ethical collaborations, we ensure that the people behind the art are seen, valued, and supported.

When you wear Ngali, you wear more than fashion — you wear culture. Our designs are visual conversations between ancient knowledge and contemporary elegance. Each garment is made with Yindayamarra in mind: from the sourcing of materials to the careful detailing that honours the original artwork and its story.

The principle of Yindayamarra doesn’t just guide how we create — it shapes how we do business. At Ngali, we strive for relationships that are mutually beneficial, grounded in respect, and driven by shared purpose. We pay royalties to our artists, ensuring their work is recognised and rewarded. Through initiatives like B1G1, every purchase also helps provide IT and literacy resources to young people in remote Aboriginal communities, helping build pathways to a stronger future.

Yindayamarra reminds us that success is not just measured in sales or collections. It’s measured in how we uplift our communities, preserve culture, and inspire change.

As more people seek meaning behind what they wear, Yindayamarra offers a different lens — one that calls for slower fashion, deeper connection, and a stronger sense of responsibility. It’s a quiet resistance to fast fashion and a bold step toward something better: fashion that cares.

At Ngali, we walk with Yindayamarra, not just as a word, but as a way of life. We invite you to walk with us.