The Women Behind the Names

Every piece in this collection carries the name of a woman who has shaped my life, my creativity, and my connection to culture. This page is my way of honouring them — their stories, their spirit, and the legacy they’ve passed on.

Yarmintali (Yum-in-da-lee)

Named after my mum, Rhonda
Mum is the heart of our family — kind, resilient, and always stylish. She never asked me to shrink or blend in. Instead, she taught me to stand tall and proud, to see creativity as a gift, and to understand that fashion is more than what you wear — it’s how you express your spirit.
Naming this piece after her celebrates everything she is: fierce, beautiful, unforgettable.

Wumbidee

Named for my (cousin) sister, Amanda
Amanda is a woman of knowledge, cultural leadership, and strength. She embodies the power of sisterhood and tradition. This piece honours her wisdom and the way she uplifts everyone around her, ensuring our culture and stories are carried forward with respect.

Mungaila

Named for my little (cousin) sister, Billie-Jean Hamlet
Billie-Jean is a model whose career has taken her across the world, but her presence is so much bigger than any runway. She’s a role model, a force, and someone I’ve always admired. I named this piece after her to celebrate not just her success but the impact she has — and to remind her that I’ll always be her biggest supporter, with big-sisterly advice at the ready.

Yungamul

Named after my great-grandmother, Angelina Till — my Jugu
Yungamul was a desert woman, deeply rooted in culture and strong in spirit. In our matriarchal system, lineage is traced through our mothers, and she is part of that unbroken line. This piece honours her legacy, the knowledge she carried, and the connection we share as women to land and culture.

Ngoorloona

Named after my daughter
Ngoorloona is her Aboriginal name. She is the girl who made me a mum and the spark behind so much of what I do. She’s fun, creative, and already shows a fierce love for this brand. She’s even modelled in one of our earlier collections, representing everything Jalayimiya stands for. Naming this piece after her is a tribute to the bond we share and a reminder of why I do this — to set an example for her and for the next generation to love their bodies, be brave, and chase their passions.

Kilarri (Gil-la-dee)

Named for my grandmother — my Jaja
Jaja was the life of the party. Her laugh and her smile shaped my childhood. I remember sitting with her by the river, catching freshwater prawns with her skirt and some pellets — those memories are some of the happiest of my life. When she passed, my sister Amanda and I dressed her for her funeral — one last act of love and respect. This piece carries her name as a tribute to her light, her strength, and the love she gave so freely.

Milpa

Named after my aunty, Ivy
Ivy has always been a pillar of strength, culture, and guidance. She helped me source the names for this collection, navigate cultural protocol, and ensure everything was done with respect. She continues to nurture and protect cultural knowledge in Kurnangki for the next generation. This piece is a tribute to her role as a community matriarch — a quiet strength woven through our family and our work.

✨ Special Mention: Ningali Lawford

Pictured on the left is my aunty, Ningali Lawford — a beloved Australian actress whose powerful performances brought our stories to the world. To me, she was so much more. She was wise, warm, and deeply connected to culture. I wish she could see what I’ve built through Jalayimiya Swim and be here to guide me with her spirit. Her legacy lives on in every design.

Wear these pieces with pride.
They’re made to honour the women who came before us and inspire the generations still to come.