‘There’s an untapped energy here ready to explode’: Meet House of Darwin
IMAGE VIA @houseofdarwin/instagram
WORDS BY LARA DALY
A community-minded love letter to the Northern Territory.
Leaving a small, sleepy town to pursue a creative dream in a bustling city – it’s a story you’ve heard before, perhaps even one you’re starring in right now. But the lesser-known narrative, the one where the protagonist moves back home to start something – that takes a different drive altogether.
For House of Darwin founder Shaun Edwards, this path made the most sense. After travelling the world and absorbing the different retail environments and unique spirits behind brands, he went back to his roots in the Northern Territory and set out to build something meaningful and connected to the community.
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House of Darwin is instantly recognised for its bold and joyful streetwear, and unashamedly nostalgic aesthetic. You’ll find it spread across multiple mediums – from art and homewares to shirts and caps the locals wear with pride. From day dot, the brand has focused on giving back to its main soure of inspiration: the community.
“House of Darwin was never just about selling clothes,” Shaun says, “it’s about representing the spirit of this land and the people who call it home. If that message didn’t hit home with the locals, I’d be in trouble!” Ahead of the brand’s upcoming show at M/FW on October 25 (we’re an official media partner again this year), we caught up with Shaun to hear about the social initiatives that drive House of Darwin and the exciting creative scene coming out of the NT.
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Hey, Shaun! Tell me a bit about how you got started in fashion.
My journey in fashion began when I moved to Melbourne, where the contrast between its vibrant retail scene and the quieter, more intimate experience of Darwin became impossible to ignore. That contrast stirred something in me – a curiosity about how place shapes style, culture and identity.
From there, I let that intuition guide me, travelling across the world, immersing myself in different retail experiences and absorbing the unique spirit behind every brand. Each step along the way informed me what House of Darwin would eventually become: a reflection of my roots in the Northern Territory, touched by the global perspective I’ve gathered.
Aside from being a fashion brand, you do incredible work investing back into the community. Tell me about a social initiative you’re most proud of.
In 2022, we launched Hoop Dreams, an initiative born out of a deep desire to give back in a way that builds more than just infrastructure – it builds community. We focused on refurbishing basketball courts in remote Aboriginal communities, but those courts are more than just spaces for sport. They are where the community gathers, where kids learn teamwork, express themselves through dance, and take care of their health.
To date, we’ve renovated four courts, including one in Yirrkala, nearly 1,100 kilometers from Darwin. The most meaningful part of this work isn’t just seeing a freshly painted court; it’s knowing that this space will serve the community for years, fostering connection and well-being long after we’ve left. The pride I feel from being part of that is indescribable. It’s truly a legacy rooted in the spirit of the Territory.
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What was the process like starting your label, were there many challenges along the way?
Starting the label was a journey full of highs and lows, as most worthwhile things are. There were and still are, countless challenges – navigating the financial side of a growing business, especially as we scale, has been one of the biggest learning curves. Keeping your accounting and cash flow in check is essential. But I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a network of mentors and like-minded business owners around the country who’ve shared their wisdom with me. Those relationships have been invaluable in keeping me grounded and on the right path, especially when things got tough. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow.
How would you describe the aesthetics of your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
I like to think of it as a glass-half-full perspective on life in the last true frontier – Northern Australia. The aesthetic is bold, retro-inspired iconography, the kind that captures the wild, untamed beauty of this place where nature and culture meet in unexpected ways. It’s bright, joyful, and unashamedly nostalgic. You’ll find it spread across multiple mediums, each telling a story that’s as much about the people here as it is about the place itself.
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What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
Without a doubt, seeing the people of the NT embrace House of Darwin as their own is what fills me with the most pride. When I see locals wearing our T-shirts, it feels like we’ve succeeded in creating something that resonates deeply with this community. House of Darwin was never just about selling clothes – it’s about representing the spirit of this land and the people who call it home. If that message didn’t hit home with the locals, I’d be in trouble! Knowing that we’ve built something that people here are proud to wear is incredibly rewarding.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. If I knew all the ins and outs from the beginning, I probably wouldn’t have started at all! There’s something magical about the learning process, about figuring out the tricks of the trade one step at a time. That journey has been filled with surprises and I’ve gained so much satisfaction from the growth of each lesson. I’m still as excited today as I was when I started because the learning never stops – there’s always more to discover.
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Who is exciting you the most in Australian fashion right now?
In Australian fashion, my great mate Jack from Jungles Jungles is someone who continually inspires me. From his home base in Fitzroy, he’s weaved his way into some of the best retail stores with a vision and aesthetic that remain unapologetically his own. Kaylene from Wah-Wah is another powerhouse, her sweaters are bursting with creativity and it’s been such a joy to witness her journey.
Of course, Poppy Lissiman continues to set the standard for how to take an Australian brand to the world stage, evolving with every season. As for the local NT industry, it’s raw and there’s an untapped energy here that’s ready to explode. It’s a place full of stories waiting to be told through fashion, and I’m excited to see where that leads.
What change would you like to see in the local fashion industry, and who would you love to collaborate with?
I would love to see more of a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship within the local industry, really celebrating the talent and resources we have here in the Territory. Nina Fitzgerald has opened up a 100 per cent Indigenous textile printing hub – I’d love to work with her on a 100 per cent NT-made capsule.
How can we buy one of your pieces, or get involved with your next social project?
You can grab one of our pieces online or pop into our new retail store in the heart of Darwin’s CBD. As for getting involved with our social initiatives, we’re always looking for people who share our passion for community. Whether it’s donating, volunteering or just spreading the word, there are so many ways to be part of our journey.
Browse the House of Darwin collection here.
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