Our Previous Partners
'Malla' means Hand
You are now in Far North Queensland Country!
Shop by Animal
Our Story, Our Promise
Founded in 2019 by Jordan Oliver, Malla Clothing Indigenous Apparel is a proudly Aboriginal-owned business based in Cairns, Australia.
A Father & Son Legacy in Wearable Art 🎨
🔸 Jordan Oliver, a proud Kukuyalanji man, leads the brand with a deep passion for sharing Aboriginal culture through high-quality, original artworks. His designs celebrate the rich wildlife of Far North Queensland, representing the sea, land, water, and earth.
🔸 Dale Oliver, an internationally renowned artist with over 30 years of experience, serves as the brand’s artistic mentor.
Together, this father-and-son team crafts wearable art that honors culture, heritage, and storytelling, creating designs that resonate across generations. 🌿
Dale Oliver ‘Malla’ – A Landmark Victory & Legacy in Wearable Art
In 2000, Dale Oliver ‘Malla’ successfully won his copyright case against Bulurru after an intense eight-year legal battle—a defining moment in Indigenous art rights.
For over 20 years, Malla has never granted a commercial licensing agreement for his artwork—until now.
🔸 The first and only license has been entrusted to his son, Jordan Oliver, the founder of Malla Clothing – Indigenous Apparel.
🔸 Established in 2019, Jordan independently founded and funded his own Indigenous apparel range, ensuring his father’s visionary artwork could be authentically represented through wearable art.
Malla Clothing stands as a testament to cultural preservation, artistic integrity, and the enduring power of Indigenous storytelling through fashion.
Six Generations of Malla Oliver - Kuku Yalanji Clan
Who Is Our Mob?
Kuku Yalanji
Malla, meaning "hand", is a proud descendant of the Kukuyalanji clan of Far North Queensland. Born Bob Oliver, his early life was marked by hardship and survival.
The Stolen Generation – A Painful History
At just 10 years old, Malla was forcibly taken from his family in the Daintree Reserve by State Police. This was during one of the darkest periods in Australian history when half-caste Aboriginal children were systematically removed from their families and placed in missions across the country—a devastating chapter now known as the Stolen Generation.
Malla was sent to the Yarrabah Mission, a government-controlled institution in Far North Queensland, where he spent his childhood in a dormitory, away from his family and culture.
Breaking Free & Reclaiming Identity
Despite years of struggle, Malla found love and resilience, marrying Janie Maytown in Yarrabah. Determined to reclaim his freedom, he fought to secure official government permission to work, build a life, and raise his family as a free man.
A Legacy That Lives On
The scars of the Stolen Generation remain deeply felt, with many Aboriginal people still searching for lost family connections. Malla’s story is one of survival, resilience, and cultural strength, a testament to the enduring spirit of First Nations people.
His legacy lives on through Malla Clothing, where his artistry and cultural storytelling continue to honor his journey and the voices of his ancestors
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Domestic shipping within Australia can take up to 1-3 business days. International shipping may take up to 5-10 business days.
-
Malla Indigenous Apparel is a recently established start-up, founded in 2019, that creates original, high-quality artworks inspired by Aboriginal culture, blending visual art with storytelling.
These artworks are then transformed into wearable art products. Malla is an Aboriginal-owned and operated venture based in Cairns, driven by a dedicated father-and-son team.
About Us -
Yes, we provide secure payments via AfterPay and PayPal through our online website.
-
All our products are subject to quality control. Our warranty provides a guarantee against manufacturer defects. The guarantee covers any manufacturing, design, or material defects. Please notify us within 60 days of noticing any defects.
The warranty does not cover blows, improper use, or other issues that are not attributable to manufacturer defects.
Shipping & Returns -
Yes, we offer full and partial refunds. To return an item, please fill out the form in the link below:
Name
Email
Phone Number
Message/Order Number
Click send.
From our end, we will provide you with a free Australia Post return label upon completion. Please print and attach it to your return parcel and take it to any Australia Post shop. -
Malla, meaning "hand," is a descendant of the Kukuyalanji clan of Far North Queensland. You can find out more below:
About Us - Who We Are
Testimonials
Free Shipping
on all order over $99
Free Returns
within 60 days of purchase
Indigenous Employment
your purchase counts!
