I first became aware of slow fashion brand OSSOM when they showcased their designs at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. Based in sunny Brisbane these unique designs are created by Ukrainian born designer – Olga Bruykhovets. On November 27, OSSOM showcased their new collection “ Glory. Time and Place” right here in Red Hill, Brisbane. It was dedicated to the art and crafts gallery, Forager’s Nest.
The event was designed to showcase a growing need for learning to make and appreciate original expressions of the handmade. Here they shared a current reflection of our evolving culture and featured a thoughtfully selected collection of artworks from local artists, together with a fashion runway exclusively devoted to the launch of “ Glory. Time and Place” by OSSOM x Tiwi Design.
For two years in a row the brand OSSOM has showcased its collections created in collaboration with Tiwi Designs in the “ Country to Couture Runway Show “ as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Olga’s creations were also on stage at Melbourne Fashion Week and Afterpay Australian Fashion Week in Sydney. Collaborating with the Tiwi Design Art Centre, with the support of Indigenous Fashion Projects, the label is proud to have celebrated First Nations textiles and talent.
The designer presented a collection full of classic colours and placement print designs on easy wear fabrics. Tiwi designs artists, Bede Tungutalum, Jean Baptiste Apuatimi and Osmond Kantilla and Master printer Alan Kerinauia worked with apprentices – Layrisha Bakter – Potaminni and Kira Apuatimi ( granddaughter of the late Jean Baptiste Apuatimi) whose design ‘ Body Painting ‘ appears in the collection presented in 2022. The works were all individually hand – printed on small block screens with the artist’s designs by the Tiwi Designs house crew.
Designer, Olga Bruyukhobvets from OSSOM transformed these handprinted fabrics into the collection of ready – to – wear clothing called “ Glory. Time and Place “ seeking inspiration from the Great Gatsby shimmering style, Art Deco and 1920’s fashion.
Olga (founder and designer of OSSOM) said, “ I’m really proud to see that First Nations Art and Textiles occupies more and more space in the Australian and International fashion industry. Art and fashion is a way to speak, to tell a story. Jarrakalani (turtle) and Yirrikapayi (crocodile), Kulama ( yam), Pandanus and Jilamara, each print from Tiwi Designs is meaningful and deeply reflects the rich culture and traditions of the Tiwi people.”
OSSOM makes stylish, unique and timeless slow fashion accessible to the everyday woman. Olga is inspired by the beauty, gracefulness and intelligence of women worldwide. OSSOM’s collections are designed to make women look, and most importantly feel special and exude confidence. With the preservation of the environment top of mind, OSSOM’s clothing is handmade with natural fibres and is made to order to eliminate overproduction.
OSSOM is known for bright prints and simple, comfortable styles that become the foundation of your wardrobe. You can see the beauty of the pieces in the following images captured by photographer – Priyantha Malavaria from Capcreains Images. Each print complements each other and the clothes you already own. Made right here in Brisbane these accessible styles are simply beautiful and can be customised for each unique wearer.
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