Nancybird

Wearable art inspired by Australian landscapes and artisan craft

Natural Fibres
Nancybird designs are known for expressive prints with a strong connection to art, craft, and the Australian landscape. What began as handmade bags has grown into apparel, leather goods and homewares. With seasonal collections that often feature original artworks. Sustainability and transparency is a core part of the brand’s identity. Their website is refreshing to read, with detailed insights into materials, production, sustainability and ethical goals, as well as information on the artisans behind each piece.
Melbourne, VIC
Sizes 6 – 22
Est. 2002
$$$
Manufactured in: Australia, India, China, Turkey

Certifications

B Corp
Fairtrade

Meet the Founder(s)

Emily Wright founded Nancybird in 2002 while studying printmaking. She began by creating screen-printed bags for local Melbourne stores. Her art background still sits at the heart of the brand, alongside a personal connection to the Australian landscape. Emily grew up in the Dandenong Ranges and spent childhood summers at Kennett River. Those early experiences in nature still shape Nancybird’s signature look. She has built the business steadily over the last two decades. The brand focused on leathergoods for a long time before expanding into homeware and apparel. During the covid lockdowns, Emily returned to painting, reconnecting with her creative roots in a way that now strongly influences the direction of recent collections.

Brand Values

People

Nancybird is extremely transparent about the people behind its products. As a certified B Corp business, the brand shares detailed information on its makers, audits and social impact. Its website includes a very thorough guide to manufacturers, artisan partners and collaborations, and it is worth reading if you want a deeper look at how the brand approaches ethics and accountability.

The brand traces 100% of its Tier 1 production, which covers the final stage of making the product (cutting, sewing, embroidery and beading). It also states that all Tier 1 makers have completed third-party social audits. Nancybird is working to improve visibility further up the supply chain. Around 46% of Tier 2 is traced (fabric and leather production), and 38% of Tier 3 (yarn production). Production is based overseas where needed, including India, China and Turkey. What stands out is the level of detail shared. On its website, the brand names every supplier, explains what they do, and outlines audit certifications and when they were last visited. On individual product pages, it also lists the specific factory or maker responsible for that item. This allows customers to also do their own research on the manufacturers. 

Artisan work is another important part of Nancybird’s ethical story. The brand works with artisan partners in India. This includes Kala Swaraj Foundation, a non-profit weaving collective in Central India. Artisan production supports traditional techniques that are often handmade and passed down through generations, while also providing income to communities outside major cities. Nancybird states it has long-term relationships with these partners and pays a premium for their work.

The brand also places strong emphasis on how it works with artists. Nancybird collaborates with artists each season. Artists are paid through licensing agreements, and are clearly credits across products. 

Lastly, the brand outlines commitments to its customers. Nancybird has a public ethical marketing policy that focuses on honest communication and avoiding exaggerated claims. Across its website, it shows its designs on a range of body types, ages and backgrounds, aiming for more inclusive representation rather than a single idealised image.

Environment

Nancybird is a B corp certified brand that takes a very structured and transparent approach to sustainability. It is a member of “1% for the Planet”. Which means it commits to donating at least 1% of its revenue to environmental causes. It’s also a part of the “Seamless Clothing Stewardship”, an Australian initiative focused on reducing clothing waste, improving circularity, and educating consumers. The brand shares detailed information across its website, including full material guidelines, supply chain data, yearly impact reports and clear targets. For those wanting a deeper understanding of the brand’s practices, we definitely recommend reading their sustainability and ethics guide.

Its production model is designed to reduce unnecessary waste. Nancybird states that it produces in low quantities with a focus on longevity. All fabrics are digitally printed using AZO-free inks, which reduces material waste and uses less water compared to traditional printing methods. 

A key focus is on material choices and continuously improving them over time. The brand prioritises natural and lower impact fibres, supported by a detailed material guideline that outlines what is preferred and what is not allowed. Around 97% of materials used are biodegradable. And 78.6% of products are made from mono materials, meaning a single fibre or easily separable components, which makes recycling more viable. Common materials include GOTS certified organic cotton, linen, certified wool, Lenzing cellulose fibres and vegetable-tanned leather. The guidelines also extend to smaller details, with requirements such as coconut shell buttons, nickel-free hardware, GOTS cotton labels, and 100% recycled paper tags. They have a full material guidelines and list detailed material breakdown on product pages.

The brand also reports on its own operations. Its Melbourne studio and warehouse use solar energy. It uses a green cleaning service for its studio and warehouse, which relies on natural, low-tox products. It tracks emissions across freight, production and operations, and sets reduction targets.

Overall, Nancybird positions itself as a brand that is actively measuring, reporting and improving its sustainability practices. It clearly outlines what it is doing now and where it still needs to progress, which makes its sustainability approach feel grounded and transparent.

Animals

Nancybird uses animal-derived materials including leather, wool, and silk. Wool is traceable to country of origin and meets recognised standards and guidelines such as Responsible Wool Standard and OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Is This Brand Right For You?

Perfect For You If...

  • You love art-led fashion. Especially where artists are compensated and credited fairly.
  • You appreciate a transparent brand that is constantly trying to improve it’s sustainability and ethical practices. 
  • You value natural fibres and materials.

Might Not Be Right If...

  • You only shop vegan. Since the brand is known for its leathergoods. 

Location

Nancybird Studio & Warehouse
Northcote Victoria, Australia
Over 100 stockists around Australia

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