Aboriginal Art Scarves: Stories You Can Wear

Aboriginal Art Scarves: Stories You Can Wear

Meet the newest addition to the Koh Living collection: five lightweight, all-season scarves featuring original artwork from celebrated Aboriginal artists. More than accessories, these scarves carry stories of Country, connection, and continuity. They’re soft, sustainable, and endlessly versatile; made to be worn, loved, and gifted to someone special.

A scarf of the right size is a true wardrobe chameleon, offering endless versatility and style possibilities. Whether draped elegantly over the shoulders, tied into a chic knot, wrapped snugly around the neck for warmth, or even transformed into a headband or belt, its adaptability knows no bounds. The perfect-sized scarf strikes a balance between being large enough to experiment with creative styling and compact enough to avoid overwhelming the wearer. From casual outings to formal events, a well-sized scarf can effortlessly elevate any outfit, making it a must-have accessory for every season and occasion.

A colorful scarf is also a mood booster. The vibrant hues can evoke feelings of joy, energy, and positivity, as colour has a profound impact on our emotions and overall well-being. Beyond its emotional lift, a colourful scarf is a style saviour, instantly elevating even the simplest outfit. 

It was with this in mind that we created five new stunning scarves for our collection.

Why this collection matters

  • Cultural significance: Each scarf showcases an original work by one of our extraordinary Australian artists. The designs honour living cultures, deep ties to Country, and knowledge passed through generations.
  • Artist impact: A portion of every sale goes back to the artists and their communities, supporting their cultural practice and community programs.
  • Sustainable luxury: Made from 100% recycled beech modal, the scarves offer exceptional softness with a lighter footprint.

Soft, sustainable, and made to move with you

The silky, breathable fabric (sourced from wood pulp) is lightweight, drapes beautifully, and feels luxurious against the skin. The generous 172 x 102 cm size creates flow and movement without bulk, so you can wear it all day and all year.

Trans-seasonal elegance: These scarves are ideal for every time of the year:

  • Summer / Spring: Tie as a sarong at the beach, knot into a bandeau, or wear it as a sun-shielding head scarf.
    Winter / Autumn: These are layer-friendly so loop, toss, or wrap over a tee in autumn; or add warmth and colour in winter without the weight of wool.
  • Travel smart: One piece, many looks! Our scarves resist creasing, and elevates basics in seconds.

Unlimited Styling Options

There are so many ways to wear our new scarves, including:

  1. Classic toss over one shoulder for an easy pop of colour
  2. Lose knot for casual elegance
  3. Draped, to protect you from the sun
  4. Infinity tuck by looping twice for a clean finish
  5. Shoulder wrap for an added dimension to your outfit
  6. Looped and knotted for structure with blazers or coats
  7. Belted to create a top
  8. Bandeau or sarong for resort styling
  9. Head scarf to protect hair and add character
  10. As a belt to add character to your outfit

Each scarf arrives with details about the artist and the story behind the artwork, so you can share the meaning when someone asks, “Where did you get that?”.

The five new designs and their stories

Each of Us by Jacinta-rai Ridgeway Maahs

Each of Us invites reflection on how our lives intersect and support one another. The artwork celebrates the strength of human connection; true moments of reconnection, shared paths, and the ties that shape who we are. With its bright, uplifting palette, this design brings warmth to everyday outfits while carrying a quiet message: even when we walk different roads, we still move together. Style it loosely wrapped to echo the artwork’s flowing sense of togetherness.

Hooked by Jacinta-rai Ridgeway Maahs

Hooked is a tribute to the Worimi people’s deep relationship with the waters of Port Stephens. Calm blues mirror the sea’s depths, while the forms of traditional fishhooks (called ‘birrwuy’ and crafted from oyster and turban shells) symbolise both sustenance and tradition. The fluid tones reflect the timeless connection between land, sea, and people. Wear it as a head scarf or draped close to the body to honour the artwork’s gentle movement, and carry with you a story of resilience, respect, and belonging.

Our Country by Justina Willis

Our Country celebrates the abundance of Country, bush foods and medicine, animals like kangaroo, emu, goanna, and turkey, and the joy that follows rain when rivers run full. The artwork speaks to connection to land as identity. Expect earthy tones and life-affirming detail that pairs beautifully with denim, neutrals, and linen. Tie it in a loose loop to keep the motifs visible, or knot it as a belt to add texture and story to a simple dress.

Morning Mist by Marlene Harold


Morning Mist captures the bloom of wildflowers (Sturt Desert Pea, Mulla Mulla, wattle, and blue gum) rising above the spinifex after heavy rains and early fog. The palette blends soft haze with bursts of floral color, creating an elegant, romantic effect. It glows against light knits and white shirts, perfect as a shoulder wrap for evening or a bandeau under a blazer. This is the piece you reach for when you want a gentle statement with depth and grace.

Pilbara Creeks by Allery Sandy

Pilbara Creeks evokes rainy-season waterways hidden among rocky hills, where families gather to fish, cook, and share time together. You’ll notice layered hues that echo river sand, flowing water, and the colours of the landscape. It’s a grounded, versatile design that is ideal for days that start at the markets and end by the coast. Wear it wrapped wide to showcase the movement in the artwork.

Wearable art with purpose

When you choose a Koh Living Aboriginal art scarf, you’re doing more than elevating your wardrobe. You are:

  • Supporting artists directly: A portion of each sale goes back to the artists and their communities.
  • Helping preserve culture: Your purchase sustains ongoing practice and the sharing of cultural knowledge through art.
  • Choosing better materials: Recycled beech modal reduces waste and creates a premium, long-lasting textile.

How to choose your scarf

  • For bold color and connection: Each of Us
  • For serene blues and ocean stories: Hooked
  • For earthy tones and life on Country: Our Country
  • For floral elegance and soft romance: Morning Mist
  • For grounded neutrals with movement: Pilbara Creeks

Care tips to keep your scarf beautiful

  • Hand wash or use a delicate cycle in cold water
  • Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach
  • Lay flat or hang to dry; avoid wringing
  • Steam or cool iron if needed

With simple care, your scarf will keep its colour and softness season after season.

Wrap yourself in story

These scarves are an invitation to carry meaning with you. Whether on the school run, at the office, by the water, or on a night out. They bring comfort and beauty, but they also carry living stories of Country, community, and connection. 

Choose the artwork that speaks to you, wear it your way, and know that your purchase helps artists continue sharing their wisdom through their art.

Ready to find your piece? Explore the collection at kohliving.com.au and discover the design that feels like home.