Hi Tara! Can you tell us a little about yourself — who you are, where you're based, and what you do?

Hi Roz! I’m a Melbourne based artist, clothing and textile designer. I also opened a Fitzroy shop in 2024 called Shop Gal. I ran it as a pop up in 2019 and it’s been such a joy to create a space where the community discover art, Australia’s most celebrated local made clothing, jewellery, make up and footwear. We also offer a great variety of workshops where you can learn a new skill and meet like minded friends. The designers we work with are pretty amazing - we have famous designers like Poppy King, Lady Petrova (from Project Runway) and Mokuyobi. What is so amazing to me is that you don’t just get to shop their work but they host amazing workshops and events in the space too. Learning from and meeting designers from the international stage? That blows my mind!

Let me get back to the question.. myself? I love painting and I have been running my clothing label for 10 years (happy birthday to Tsuno too!). My clothing collections focus on artwork that draws on my experiences in life and places I’ve travelled. I found my art practice while living in Guatemala- volunteering for war affected Mayan women, helping raise income for them to pay for basic medical bills, food and schooling for their children. I was designing woven products - it was the best job! Walking past a volcano every day to work- travelling in the back of a truck to visit a remote maker… so much fun! I had my film camera pinched while out on an adventure one day - and it ended up being a good thing, because it pushed me to paint my experiences.  I found it easier to paint out in public too - it felt like a gentler way to capture the beauty. Moving back to Australia, I started my brand, making locally. I loved that part of working overseas and wanted to carry a bit of that with me.

I’ve had some pretty great opportunities with my brand from representing Australia on the international stage at Paris and New York Fashion Week Runways (twice) and have won awards like the Frankie Magazine Fashion Designer Award, and have been a finalist in many awards such as The Victorian Premier’s Design Award (twice) and The Design Files Award.

How did you first get into fashion design and art? Have the two always been connected in your creative process?

I always enjoyed art at school, I wasn’t sure of how you could turn it into a career, but magazines like Frankie in the collage box highlighted that there could be something out there. It wasn’t until I was accepted into Top Arts and exhibited at the NGV that I thought  I should probably apply for some creative courses. 

I used to draw outfit designs between grades 3-5 for my pretend Tara Whalley brand, and had dreams of running a clothing store. It’s a pinch me moment how that dream has come true.

I have always loved the idea that art can be part of everyday life, a great outfit that turns heads makes an ordinary day an exceptional one.

 

What was your inspiration behind the artwork you created for Tsuno’s mini tampons?

This artwork was created over three months at my artist residency at Lamington Drive, now Jacky Winter Gallery. The work was about 4m x 3m roughly and was painted on wood. It features favourite pots and statues I have and plants I saw around the Gallery during my residency. The body of work was published in the book "Sustainable & Fashionable Melbourne - a guide to local makers”. I hoped to have this work feature on packaging, so I’m delighted that’s exactly where it’s been used! 

Your work often features bold, painterly prints — how do you approach creating a new print or collection?

All my work is a reflection of real life experience - so it’s like a journal! I like to observe what jumps out to me- colours, flowers and statues may inspire me, and I like to translate these studies into artworks and then textile prints.

The prints I create or the vibe of the collection will then inspire the clothing shapes. I love building artwork collections over time and seeing the ideas in my mind come to life- it’s so fun and satisfying. I have recently listed some painting classes too where I teach my process.

 

Do you have a favourite piece or project you’ve worked on in your career so far?

This one! And also my 2024 collaboration with Gorman was a career highlight! I loved the range and would love to do more collaborations with brands in the future. I also loved my collaboration with Frankie Magazine for the 2024 diary and my collaboration with Big Design Market in 2023- seeing my work all over the city of Melbourne.

What’s your favourite thing about Tsuno?

I love how the brand is women owned, and creates an opportunity for women to celebrate their time of the month with fun packaging. I love how it gives to women and girls in need and by just purchasing from this brand, you are making a difference in the world. Making everyday items beautiful is such a delight, and it’s been a dream collaboration for a long time! I remember the “Do It In a Dress” challenge that Roz did, and thinking wow - that’s a business owner with dedication, courage and vision. I feel so inspired by what business owners like Roz can accomplish. 

 

What's inspiring you at the moment? Any colours, places, people, or ideas lighting a spark?

I am having such a great time hosting  events with amazing designers at Shop Gal. People come to learn new skills in the workshops and walk out with new friends. I often refer to it as men’s shed for women- but men are welcome too! I love meeting so many people I would never have met otherwise, and it’s my favourite thing to see a class erupt in laughter or break out into a mini dance party. Is it ok to have this much fun at work? Gathering to create tends to make people spiral up, boosts confidence and becomes a springboard for more ideas. A lot of guests report that after a class they have a huge boost of creativity and go into a making frenzy for months. 

These vibes keep me inspired to make, paint, create and take my own work to the next level!  Work is my playground. 

Having a physical space for my own brand has also been phenomenal. I love people from all over the world discovering my brand and other local brands I stock. I have a really good size range, and people often send me their measurements so I can find the perfect fit. Seeing peoples faces as they emerge from the change room feeling fabulous inspires me to create even more iconic looks for my customer. The conversations inspire me and I love getting to know everyone personally. 

Where can people find or shop your work, and follow what you're up to

@shop.gal  @tarawhalley 

Shop Gal
248 Johnston st Fitzroy
Wednesday - Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-4
Or by appointment 

We also do private events, birthdays, and more!