Aboriginal Art Designs Exclusive to Taking Shape Clothing
It’s taken more than six months to hit the stores, but the collaboration between Elverina Johnson and Taking Shape clothing is finally here. The collaboration has led to an eye catching new collection that uses Elverina’s distinctive art in fabric print on a selection of Taking Shape’s best selling styles.
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 with everyday wear or styled up in matching sets to make a statement. The limited release also includes accessories and giftware.
Elverina, a highly respected Gungganji Gurugulu woman from Yarrabah in Far North Queensland, is one of the nation’s most recognisable and accomplished artists.
“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
Her two original hand painted designs are exclusive to Taking Shape.
Bunya Yaji-L is the design inspired by the rainforest, together with mat and basket weaving techniques used by Gungganji women. These traditions are deeply connected to culture and represent the strength of the women and community.
The Dirringhi design is inspired by the ocean and sea life of far north Queensland. It features the mussel shell which represents a delicacy, adornment and also a cutting tool. It is strong and can be cut and shaped and used for special purposes.
“I feel honoured to have my art on clothing that women of all shapes will wear. All women will feel valued and empowered.”
– Elverina Johnson, Artist & Founder Yarrabah
Elverina has always been passionate about sharing her culture with a wider audience through a fusion of art and fashion. Her collaboration with Taking Shape clothing allows her to expand her reach and for Taking Shape clothing to continue its path to reconciliation while offering women a stunning new range of wearable art.
“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
In sizes 12-24, the exclusive collection is now available in store and online.
The Eleverina Johnson x Taking Shape clothing collection will also be included in the First Nations Fashion + Design Runway in May, at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week.
All images: @takingshapestyle
Tap to see the whole range: Elverina Johnson X Taking Shape
To see more about Indigenous fashion designers, go to Aboriginal Fashion Designers
