Roopa’s Rhapsody of Colour
- Words by Peppermint
![130820-thegalleries-low-023[14][4]](http://peppermintmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/130820-thegalleries-low-023144-406x270.jpg)
Melbourne-based designer Roopa Pemmaraju, who is well known for collaborating with Indigenous artists to create beautiful (and ethically accredited) fashion pieces, is now tackling another type of design. Roopa is part of an exciting new art installation in Sydney’s Lane Four. Running until the end of September, the installation also includes the work of four talented Indigenous designers. We caught up with Roopa to find out a bit more about the collaboration.
Can you tell us a bit about the installation?
The art installation has been an incredible collaboration between myself, the Indigenous artists and Lane Four. The huge wall space has allowed for beautifully printed silks to drape across the walkway, showcasing different Indigenous artists. It is the coming together of art and fashion.
You are well known for your collaboration with Aboriginal artists. What do you enjoy most about it?
The most enjoyable part for me is every story and the artist’s concept behind each piece of artwork.
What would you like people to get out of this project?
The idea is to reach out to a maximum number of people, with a story that is helping to sustain the Indigenous artists and their communities.
![130820-thegalleries-low-013[13][1][2]](http://peppermintmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/130820-thegalleries-low-0131312-406x270.jpg)
How has this project differed from collaborating on fashion?
The larger than life-sized pieces are not just textile installations but they depict the journey of art being translated into wearable fashion.
Australia will be hosting its own Indigenous Fashion Week next April. How do think this might influence the local industry?
A Fashion Week focusing only on an Indigenous concept would bring about more awareness to Indigenous artists and will bring the Indigenous community together, showcasing talents and stories behind Indigenous fashion. It will also ensure a fresh perspective towards diversifying indigenous art!
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Brighten up your inbox with our not-too-frequent emails featuring Peppermint-related news, events, competitions and more!
explore
More articles
Hang out with us on Instagram
Between 2000 to 2015, global clothing production doubled... while the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
We are throwing away clothing at a faster rate than ever before. How can we tackle this problem?
✨️ WEAR
Be an outfit repeater - wear your items of clothing as long as possible. Learn to style your garments in various ways. Loved clothing lasts.
✨️ SHARE
If you really need to move it along, share the love with friends - hold a clothing exchange night! Or organise a timeshare with a friend where you swap a few favourite pieces of fashion. If you really can`t find a new home for it, then donate to an op shop or charity.
✨️ CARE
The care of your clothing – washing, drying and ironing – can account for approx 30% of a garment`s total carbon footprint. Hand wash, line dry, wash in cold water, and only wash when necessary.
✨️ REPAIR
Mending – and making – slows down fast fashion buying habits. Repairing used to be common practice, until disposable fashion took over. Extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%. Fixing doesn`t need to just be utilitarian – get creative with visible mending!
*Fact from The United Nations Environment Programme
#PeppermintMagazine #WearShareCareRepair #SustainableFashion
Have you whipped up the Acacia A-Line Skirt yet? 🪡
Accessible to beginner and experienced sewists alike, its classic style makes this skirt a wardrobe staple and a pattern you can happily play on repeat. Curved front pockets and the fun exposed-zip detail at the centre back make this style pop! The Acacia is a blank canvas, awaiting inspiration – add contrast top stitching, trim the pockets with bias binding or even change the length. We’ve chosen the smooth, clean lines that come from facing the waist, with back darts to ensure a neat fit on the hip. *chef’s kiss*
This pattern was made with the support of the lovely folk at @WeftAndWarpFabrics 🫶🏼 The team at Weft and Warp graciously sent three sewists the fabric of their choice to whip up their own Acacia A-Line – the results are super sweet!
Head to our website to see the makes from @The.Sewcialite @HandmadeByCarolyn and @You_CanSew - link in bio!
#PeppermintAcaciaAlineSkirt #PeppermintPatterns #WeftAndWarpFabrics #MeMade
Polka dots for days…
We love this Tansey Top by @_Rubys_Threads_ - the ultimate simple but stylish top you need in your rotation now!
Pattern: #PeppermintTanseyTop
Fabric: Japanese cotton @RawFibre
#MeMade #PeppermintPatterns
How`s your long weekend going? Working hard on your PhD? 🪡✂️🧵
Image from JoellsLeatherWorks on @Etsy
#ProjectsHalfDone #SewingPile #ProjectPile
In case no-one has told you lately, Emma Giacalone says you`re a good egg. (And we happen to agree).
This incredible mini egg embroidered 3D artwork was created by @Emma_Giacalone_Textiles, a textile artist in Gloucestershire, UK.
"When we buy an item of clothing, a label is attached telling us how to look after it to keep it at its very best. My mission is to create little care instructions to help to remind us to lead our happiest life."
INGREDIENTS: Freehand machine embroidered onto 100% cotton, using Egyptian cotton thread, and wool felt backing.
#EasterArt #GoodEgg #TextileArt
No ordinary wrap dress! 💃
Wrap dress wardrobe malfunction? Not with the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress pattern! We designed the Waratah to make sure this never happens.
Enjoy a few BTS videos from this super fun shoot. Maybe some inspo for Easter weekend sewing?
MODELS/SEWISTS: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress @Tricky.Pockets @Laura_The_Maker
Head to the link in bio for the #PeppermintWaratahWrapDress 🪡
#PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress
