I had the pleasure of meeting Tara Whalley last year, and was super stoked when she asked me to take part in a photoshoot for her recent clothing collection. Modelling alongside a mix of gorgeous and interesting women was a blast. I’d even say it was one of my favourite blogging moments of last year, and more so because the energy at the shoot was a direct reflection of Tara herself. Colourful, lively and optimistic.
Tara is a Melbourne based clothing and textile designer. Her prints are hand painted and explore plant life, exciting keepsakes and places and are always produced with plenty of colour.
Although she has been drawing and creating her whole life, it was the moment that she walked into the textile design interview for the BA course at RMIT, that she knew she was were she belonged.
“It combined illustration, working with colour, and creativity… but also had a real focus on creating for end products. I loved the practical side. Art didn’t have to be something just for the wall, you could wear it and it could have multiple applications”
The course also awarded Tara with the once in a lifetime opportunity of acquiring a Jon in Guatemala, designing products for war affected women for their co-op to sell.
“I was so excited that they chose me, and spent a year developing products there alongside a few collaborations and creating some prints for some amazing brands”
The time in Guatemala really solidified Tara’s love of the local and hand made. Being surrounded by ladies wearing amazing colourful traditional clothing has also played a strong part in influencing her now colourful collections.
After returning to Australia, and with the encouragement of friends, Tara’s goal became to create her own clothing brand. She was invited to take part of a Fashion Future exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery, which made the perfect opportunity to launch a capsule collection. Due to Tara’s bright and eclectic designs it is no surprise that the collection sold out, and this further encouraged her to continue her label Tara Whalley.
I am a huge fan of Tara’s work, ethos and incredibly energetic and kind nature, and am thrilled to have her on Lilt Blog today. Read on for our interview below.
How would you best describe the Tara Whalley design aesthetic & ethos?
I focus on creating wearable art and am passionate about creating clothing XS-4XLovely. I do some more sizes past 4XLovely too … up to 10XLovely, but just in the T dresses at the moment. I think a lot of people have felt the pain of not being able to have the thing they love in their size, and I want people to feel cared about and seen.. and lovely!
Aethetically, I would say Tara Whalley (label) is painterly, has suprising colour palettes, is artisticly elegant and joyful.
Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process/ and how do you like to work?
My favourite way to work is to create from painting, preferably with fresh references like fruit, flowers or a still life in front of me. I love to work quickly and generate a lot of work at once. In the past year I have enjoyed painting onto wood a lot more .. and at a larger scale!
Once I have created a range of paintings, I will edit in Photoshop and put into an interesting repeat.
What’s a typical day at the studio/office for you?
Typically, if I’m freelancing for someone else, I’ll usually receive a few briefs in the morning, then dive into a painting frenzy in the morning and sort out the repeats in the afternoon.. or help my clients get their artwork into the repeats they need. Sometimes the same artwork can be reworked multiple times to suit the different garments.
If I’m working at my studio I’ll be working on briefs I get sent.. so a similar situation, just in my creative space. On days I’m working on my brand, there is a lot more variety! A day can involve, picking and packing orders, a lot of emails, chatting with stockists, managing fabric levels to make sure I have enough fabric to fill wholesale and customer orders, running around to local suppliers and makers to drop off/pick up fabric/stock, approve colours, accounting, website updates, social media and EDMs, planning for market season, developing new prints and garments/products and shoot planning. Usually it’s not everything in a day, but I try and cycle through these tasks to keep everything running smoothly.
I also like to cook, go for a run, do a dance class or a class with a friend (only online at the moment) to break up the day and get fresh air.
I really enjoy Classes by Wanida Bonida on Instagram and Dee Street Dance classes.
How would you describe your personal style?
Lots of colour, and printed dresses, but also really into wearing colourful suits and shirts at the moment.
What are 5 essentials in your wardrobe?
Gallery/Curious Cat shirt with paperbag jeans I found in Japan.
Curious Cat t dress
Big bright pink jumper from Japan
Black pointed toe boots/white mules
Where is your favourite place to shop?
I actually don’t shop that much, as I wear my collection often, but when I do, I love supporting my stockists and picking up something from places like Pinkys or Nook Brisbane. I think I got some stacking trays from Pinkys, which come in a great range of colours and have made finding homes for studio odds and ends a bit more exciting! And I found a great backpack from Nook for short hikes. Shopping local is a great way to invest in Australian creatives and small businesses. Purchasing from a local business often supports several other local businesses.. and is a great way to keep Melbourne an exciting and creative city. I also love vintage for special one off pieces.
Tell us about some of the people who inspire you and why?
I’m inspired by my folks who work really hard to bring joy to people’s lives through what they do. Dad is Melbourne’s happiest tram driver, and it makes my day hearing how he brings a bit of sunshine to people’s lives on the tram. People will pass on little notes to him and the tram depo, it’s very lovely. Mum works with ladies to help them know their colours and personal style. She loves encouraging people and helping women feel seen, confident and empowered. You never know what situation someone is taking a tram to, or how someone feels about themselves, so it’s important to bring smiles and be encouraging wherever you work.
What would be your ideal collaboration?
I love seeing my artwork on different brands and products- especially products I’d find it challenging to produce myself! Ideal collaborations include Gucci, Gorman, Kip and Co, Kuwaii, Mara Hoffman, Karen Walker, Romance Was Born, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters. I’d love to do another shoe collaboration, more homewares, activewear and design a ceramic collection too. I’d love to work with a festival or big event to create the official artwork… and more packaging! Book illustration too! I have a big list .. and if a few of those doors open.. that would be alright!
What are the top 3 resources that you turn to for inspiration?
I tend to take little reference photographs on walks and on holiday that I can turn to to study plants at a later time, better yet – painting from real life! I will also take photos of walls and little colour combinations that jump out out at me. I also have been enjoying vintage home decorating books lately.
How are you staying inspired creatively in these challenging times?
I’ve spread out to a bigger desk which has helped me set up more inspiration jumping points and gives me space to paint freely. Hosting a virtual exhibition in this time was a lovely way to reconnect with creative friends and also get the creativity flowing. Nothing like a deadline!
I’m also finding that allowing myself to take a day off has been refreshing and helpful, and easier to have more productive working days. Sometimes working from home can mean there is no specific end point to the work day… so allocating days off helps to not burn out. Taking some online dance classes has helped know when to put pens down too.
What else is on the cards for Tara Whalley in the coming weeks/months?
I’m part of the Renegade Craft Virtual Fair, which is an American fair running every weekend. I go live on my Instagram for this on Saturday mornings 8-10am.
I have also been working on a collaboration, and developing prints for clients. I’ve started developing my next collection so I’ll continue that too!