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We’re thrilled to present our second collaboration with acclaimed First Nations artist Elverina Johnson. This limited-edition collection brings the story of Turtle and Reef to life on a range of clothes and accessories that fuse traditional storytelling and fashion, for all to enjoy.
“We are so proud to again partner with the incredibly talented Elverina Johnson. Together we have collaborated on the beautiful Ngawayu Buluru, or Turtle Story to showcase a casual daywear range of swimwear, and beautiful bold mix and match pieces and accessories.”
Michelle Bradbrook, Buying and Design Manager, Taking Shape.
Elverina Johnson is passionate about making her art available for all to enjoy. Here she shares her inspiration for her latest design, her creative process, and her love of feel-good fashion.
My latest design brings the importance of the Great Barrier Reef to a wider audience. A lot of people haven’t been to the reef. It’s on the world heritage list. It’s not just part of our Gungganji story or other coastal First Nations stories here in North Queensland, it’s part of the world’s story. This print is inspired by the reef, the heart of the ocean that gives life to the sea creatures. The turtle are a protected species, part of our job is to protect the creatures of the reef.
Living in North Queensland in Yarrabah, an aboriginal community sixty kilometres southeast of Cairns between the rainforest and the ocean. The Great Barrier Reef is our story. The colours of the reef. The turtles of the reef. It’s something we see all the time, it’s the life blood, which is why I’m passionate about the reef. It’s something we must protect and look after. Art and fashion allows me to bring about awareness of the reef and the importance of preserving and protecting the sanctity of the life of the reef for us and for future generations to learn from. We need to keep the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef alive.
The process starts before painting. I love fishing and the beach. Everything that comes with the ocean has been part of my life growing up, it inspires me and helps me to formulate the concept and that’s before I even pick up a brush.
My home is full of shells, painted crab shells, lots of stuff collected from the beach. These things help form a concept and inspire me to paint. The patterns and shapes come from what I see living by the sea. I’m inspired by nature.
Elverina is passionate or as she says ‘fashionate’ about teaching and sharing and bringing stories to a world audience. Art and fashion helps educate people and brings people together through First Nation storytelling.
Elverina coined the term ‘Reconstyling’ a catch phrase that describes educating people through art and storytelling using fashion as the canvas. It’s not just pretty colours it’s the story that you are wearing. It’s connection to story, to land, to sea, to nature.
“So many women call and contact me about the last collection, saying it’s clothes you can learn from. They love the storytelling in the design. Some people say I’ve never been to an aboriginal community, never met an aboriginal person but thanks to wearing Elverina designs they’ve learnt the story.”
You can go to a library, or read a paper to learn, but you can also walk into Taking Shape and wear a story. Seeing people wearing stories is a way to educate people and to Elverina that is ‘Reconstyling’.
“I love going to Taking Shape at Myer Cairns, all the colours and styles. You can go to a Taking Shape store and find something that will make you feel comfortable in your own skin. It’s a store that provides for anyone and everyone, catering to plus size women of all different shapes and sizes. Taking Shape catered to me.”
Any woman should feel empowered in whatever they wear. Whether it’s size 8 or size 24, it’s all about building women’s confidence. We owe it to ourselves to build each other up and support each other. From looking after kids to others, our work never stops. Regardless of shape or colour you should feel great in your own skin.
“Live your best life in your best clothes. My latest collaboration with Taking Shape is all about enjoying what you wear.”
The vibrant collection features a line-up of easy to wear casual pieces that can be incorporated into your daily wardrobe. Ranging from a reversible denim jacket and jogger, a fun on-trend bomber jacket and pintuck tunic to a happy bright sweat top that will elevate your weekend wardrobe. Along with a bamboo legging as well as the exclusive Elverina signature tee.
We love the print so much that we created a swimwear range, featuring a standout kimono, rash vest, swimsuit, tankini and swim short. All these beautiful, colourful pieces are wearable art, designed to bring joy and an understanding of the natural abundance and beauty of Elverina’s storytelling inspired by her homeland.
'The bold and colourful limited-edition pieces are easy to mix and match to create stand out looks.” - Suzanne Teixeira, Designer - Virtuelle & Specialty
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Elverina to bring to life our limited-edition jewellery and accessory range. Our bucket hat is fully reversible, we also have a vibrant scarf, hand embroidered with fun tassel details. These accessories will brighten up any outfit.“
Bel Seixas – Jewellery and Scarves, Capes & Hat
We acknowledge Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia.
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