Designer Tara Whalley [pictured below left] launched her eponymous brand in 2015, and since then she has been continuing her practice of “translating experience into artwork for fabric prints” as the basis of her signature fashion style.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
“My fashion journey began in earnest after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Textile Design at RMIT in 2012. Upon graduating, I responded to an international design opportunity, embarking on the journey of a lifetime,” explains Tara.
“I moved to the Guatemalan Highlands for a year to work with war affected Mayan weavers. These women depended on ancient traditional weaving, and natural dye techniques to provide food, education, and basic medical care for their children.
“I worked with the women to create new products to generate income for them through their Mayan owned collective, and travelled to remote communities to meet them and their families.
“On these trips into the rural areas to visit the artisans, I travelled on chicken buses and in the back of trucks, that’s all there was. I would always take my paints and sketch book with me to capture these memories.
“Sketching and painting felt a little softer amongst the locals, than wheeling a camera around. It was this time in Guatemala that formed my painting practice – translating experience into artwork for fabric print and a clear direction for the basis of my signature fashion style.
“My work from that time led to some exciting collaborations, including [having] my fabric prints hit the runway at Vienna Fashion Week in 2013, and my internationally recognised exclusive footwear line.”
After I returned to Australia, Tara launched her print focused fashion label having been “profoundly moved by this Central American experience”.
INSPIRED BY ART AND LIFE
Tara says that she is inspired by artists like Monet, Kusama and Matisse, as well as life: “I draw inspiration from my life experiences, travel and art.”
These influences can clearly be seen in the Tara Whalley collections that are reflections of her travels from “Guatemala, Japan and San Francisco to Wangaratta”.
“My latest print-focussed collection is a celebration of Australia,” says Tara. “Long road trips, antiques collected along the way, hiking the high country, exploring Australia on horseback and of course the beauty of native flora and fauna.”
The collection features patchwork, creating truly one-of-a-kind garments which are made in Melbourne in a widely inclusive size range from XS to 10XLovely.
“[Tara Whalley garments] are made in Melbourne with natural fibres, digitally printed to reduce environmental impact, utilise offcuts to minimise waste and feature my hand painted artwork.”
As with all Tara Whalley collections, it is “print focussed, illustrative, happy and feminine”.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
As for her long term goals for the brand, Tara is excited about the idea of working with other creatives.
“I would love to do more collaborations! My favourite collaborations have been with Gorman, Frankie Magazine, Big Design Market and Linen House so far.”
Tara Whalley is available online at www.tarawhalley.com and at her store Shop Gal, 248 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Shop Gal offers some of Melbourne’s most popular independent fashion brands. You can also follow Tara Whalley at @tarawhalley
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