Ngaarlu is a new, family-led design house, grounded in First Nations culture and storytelling and founded by Gumbaynggirr–Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey and his creative director partner Sophie Willing.

Taking its brand name from the Gumbaynggirr word for water, Ngaarlu’s debut collection, A Story of Seven Currents, comprises seven limited-edition tapestry blankets.

What makes these textiles striking is not just their distinctive patterns and motifs that reference Otis’s celebrated contemporary art practice, but the narratives every piece carries.

Each blanket in this first collection is named after a different current — from rock-pool basins to ocean tides — and crafted with deep cultural meaning, serving as a living vessel of Indigenous language and knowledge to treasure at home.

Crafted from 95 per cent cotton (75 per cent recycled), the pieces are made in the USA, but designed on Bundjalung Country in earthy palettes inspired by nature; dusty blue, ochres, greens, and muted pinks depict a distinctly Australian landscape.

A portion of every sale supports community initiatives including the Kulai Preschool Aboriginal Corporation and The Returning Indigenous Corporation, a women-led organisation working to strengthen culture and connection across Bundjalung Country.

Shop Ngaarlu’s debut collection here.