Jordan Oliver – Founder & Creative Director of Malla Clothing (Kuku Yalanji)


Meet the Founder: Jordan Oliver – Carrying the Legacy of Our Ancestors

A Kuku Yalanji Entrepreneur, Cultural Storyteller & Business Leader

Malla Clothing is more than a brandβ€”it’s a movement to keep our culture strong, share our stories, and inspire the next generation of First Nations entrepreneurs.

Jordan Oliver, a proud Kuku Yalanji man, founded Malla Clothing in 2019 to turn authentic Aboriginal art into wearable storytelling. Inspired by his father Dale Oliver’s artwork, Jordan built this brand to ensure that our people’s stories are told the right wayβ€”by us, for us.

His father’s landmark Supreme Court victory against stolen Indigenous designs showed the world that First Nations artists must own their stories and protect their culture. That lesson shaped Malla Clothing into what it is today: a business that stands for cultural integrity, self-determination, and the power of First Nations enterprise.

Through Malla Clothing, Jordan is proving that Indigenous businesses can thrive in the modern world while staying true to Country, culture, and community.


Why Jordan Oliver is Important to Malla Clothing

1. Honoring Culture Through Wearable Art 🎨

For First Nations people, art is more than just decorationβ€”it’s our history, our law, and our identity. Every design at Malla Clothing carries the spirit of the Kukuyalanji people, bringing the knowledge of our Elders into today’s world.

βœ” Every pattern tells a storyβ€”from hunting journeys to Dreamtime legends
βœ” Our designs keep traditional knowledge alive for future generations
βœ” We ensure that our art stays with our people, not taken by outsiders

By wearing Malla Clothing, you carry our culture forward and become part of the story.


2. Protecting Indigenous Intellectual Property πŸ›‘οΈ

Malla Clothing exists because too many Aboriginal artists have had their work stolen, copied, and misrepresented.

βœ” Jordan grew up watching his father fight for Indigenous copyright in court
βœ” Malla Clothing ensures that First Nations artists are fairly represented and respected
βœ” No fake "Aboriginal-style" printsβ€”only genuine, authentic art

This business is about taking back what’s ours and making sure Aboriginal artists own their creations, their stories, and their futures.


3. A New Generation of First Nations Entrepreneurs πŸš€

Too often, our people have been locked out of business and economic opportunities. Jordan built Malla Clothing to break down barriers and show that First Nations businesses belong in mainstream spaces.

βœ” Started with nothingβ€”built Malla Clothing from his garage into a thriving brand
βœ” Grew the business to over $149,970 in Shopify sales in 2021
βœ” Secured retail deals with Hartley’s Crocodile Farm, Tackle World, and IBIS Hotels
βœ” Expanded into wholesale, markets, and online retail to grow the brand

Malla Clothing proves that Aboriginal businesses can succeed on our own termsβ€”without selling out, without compromising culture.


4. Empowering Future First Nations Entrepreneurs πŸ”₯

Malla Clothing is about more than selling clothesβ€”it’s about showing our young mob that we can do this too.

βœ” Jordan mentors young First Nations entrepreneurs, sharing knowledge and experience
βœ” Speaks at Indigenous business forums, proving that we belong in the industry
βœ” Supports other First Nations artists, helping them grow their own brands

For too long, our people have been told that business isn’t for us. Malla Clothing is proof that we can run our own enterprises, control our own wealth, and build our own futures.


Jordan Oliver’s Impact on Malla Clothing

Jordan’s journey isn’t just about fashionβ€”it’s about culture, sovereignty, and self-determination.

Through his leadership, Malla Clothing is:

βœ” Preserving Aboriginal storytelling through wearable designs
βœ” Creating business opportunities for First Nations artists and entrepreneurs
βœ” Expanding Indigenous fashion into mainstream markets, without losing cultural integrity
βœ” Building a future where First Nations businesses thrive on our own terms

This brand is about more than just clothingβ€”it’s about keeping our culture alive, strong, and in our own hands.


Join the Malla Clothing Movement

πŸ‘‰ Wear the stories of the Kukuyalanji people
πŸ‘‰ Support First Nations-owned businesses
πŸ‘‰ Follow us on Instagram @malla_clothing

πŸ“ 100% Aboriginal-owned. 100% authentic. 100% for our people.

Meet the Malla Clothing Team