The Taking Shape x Elverina Johnson collection has arrived.
The Taking Shape x Elverina Johnson collection has arrived.
Leading Australian plus size clothing brand Taking Shape is thrilled to reveal the first ever First Nations designs by the highly regarded artist Elverina Johnson.
A highly respected Gungganji Gurugulu woman from Yarrabah in Far North Queensland, Elverina is one of the Nation’s most recognisable and accomplished artists. Her belief is that arts can empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and restore a genuine sense of pride in their culture and communities.
With a shared passion for empowering women, promoting confidence and creating strong supportive communities, Elverina connected with her local Taking Shape in Cairns, a relationship that grew and lead to this beautiful, artistic collection.
The shared vision of creating a collection celebrating all women is vividly brought to life through exclusive Elverina prints on a selection of Taking Shapes best-selling styles.
Enriching the fabrications with Elverina’s bold prints and traditional storytelling, invites the wearer to engage with culture and country.
“The traditional and very unique Australian country was my inspiration for these designs. In Yarrambah (FNQ) we are so lucky to have land and sea around us. My designs reflect the blue waters and the mussels of the ocean and the intricate designs of weaving, deep from within the rainforest. There is inspiration all around us, we just have to look”
Elverina Johnson
Bunya Yaji-l
Inspired by the rainforest and mat and basket weaving techniques of the Gungganji women. These traditions are deeply connected to culture and represent the strength of the women and community.
Dirringhi
Inspired by the ocean and sea life of far north Queensland, the Dirringhi print features the mussel shell which represents a delicacy, adornment and cutting tool. It is strong and can be cut and shaped and used for special purposes.
These two original designs were hand painted by Elverina, both exclusive to Taking Shape. Her vision was then interpreted by the Taking Shape designers and brought to life in this stunning collection.
From sleek cuts to soft tiers and stretch comfort, the collection consists of six versatile pieces including a standout linen suit, natural shirt dress, duster, bamboo leggings and top. Each piece is designed to be worn back with everyday wear or styled up in matching sets to make a statement. The limited release also includes accessories and giftware.
The collection will also feature in the Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, held in Sydney in May as part of the FNFD (First Nations Fashion Design) show and we’re privileged to share the runway with esteemed First Nations fashion designers and artists.
Carefully tailored and curated to show the beauty of Elverina’s work the range is available in sizes 12-24 in select Taking Shape stores around Australia and online this April.
Elverina is passionate about sharing her culture with a wider audience, educating and preserving the indigenous spirit through a fusion of art and fashion. Taking Shapes designs provide the perfect canvas for all women to connect with culture and enjoy the experience of wearable art.
“At Taking Shape, we live and breathe female empowerment. We have always aimed to make every woman feel fabulous no matter her shape, size, background or experience of life. We are thrilled to be working with Elverina on our journey to ever-increasing diversity and inclusion, and our important path to reconciliation with indigenous communities. We are proud to be embracing aboriginal culture in the form of Elverina’s wonderful prints that we are excited to showcase in our products in early 2022. ”
Alla Buinowicz – Managing Director, Taking Shape
Useful links:
See the collection: https://takingshape.com/AU/new-in/shop-by-collection/elverina-johnson
Product launch info: https://takingshape.com/AU/elverina-johnson-launch.html
Collaboration info: https://takingshape.com/AU/elverina-johnson.html
https://takingshape.com/NZ/storelocator/storedetails?slug=nelson
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