# R E A L T A L K

CULTURAL APPRECIATION

This topic is very significant to us and to Life Apparel’s collaborating artists.
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Is it offensive for someone of a non-Indigenous background to wear your clothes?
It's a common question we get asked, and the short answer is always a resounding:

GO FOR IT!

When you wear Life Apparel’s clothing, you're showing your appreciation, support and respect for First ations art and culture. But more than this - you're creating an opportunity to start positive conversations. The types that inspire change.

We invite you to learn about the stories behind the artwork you'll be wearing and encourage you - regardless of cultural background - to join us as we celebrate, support and share the stories of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander artists through wearable art and fashion.

What the artists thinks?

We've asked some of our collaborating First Nations artists for their thoughts on this topic. Here are their thoughts...

I believe that any means of expressing Indigenous culture in a respectful manner is a huge positive for everyone involved. Wearing Indigenous designs as a non-Indigenous person does not mean that you are trying to be Indigenous. It means that you are respectful of the culture, supportive of the artist who created the design and that you might just enjoy wearing something a little more unique than a blank tee from a chain store. It is all about supporting small business and supporting unique art/artists with stories behind the pieces.

Lara Went - Aboriginal Artist

Wearing a piece of authentic clothing featuring a design done by an Indigenous artist is more than fabric on a body, it's a story - it’s the rich history of 60 000+ years of culture delivered to you in the form of clothing. I believe in and fully support non-Indigenous people wearing Life Apparel garments featuring authentic Indigenous art.

Ailsa Walsh - Aboriginal Artist and Storyteller

I would be very happy if non-Indigenous people wore clothes featuring my artwork. Indigenous designs are for everyone to enjoy, and if wearing them opens up conversations about our culture within broader Australian society, then these clothes and their designs have an important role to play. I would be flattered if I walked down the street and saw someone wearing clothing with my designs!

Glen Mackie - Torres Strait Islander Artist

From my perspective, as an Aboriginal Artist that has sold my own designs: I am sharing my art, my dreaming and my stories with you, and I give permission for you to have, hold and wear my art. I would be more than happy for people of any cultural background to respectfully represent my culture.

Elizabeth Close - Aboriginal Artist and Muralist