Shahna Smith - July 1, 2023
An unexpected, colourful and extraordinary collaboration has been born where sophistication meets art.
Lauren Rogers, an esteemed artist of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, has joined forces with the world-renowned brand Willow Bay.
The brand is renowned for its exquisite collection of handcrafted bags and exceptional style, which features exclusive hues with each new release. Rogers, on the other hand, is celebrated for her use of bold colours, intricate designs, and organic line work.
The collaboration between these two entities is nothing short of a perfect match.
Among the endless amount of talent and creativity amongst natives, the choice to find an artist was bound to be a tough challenge for the Willow Bay Founders, Hayley Norman and Tammy Bishop, but were instantly blown away once they had crossed paths with Rogers' work.
"Lauren's work is incredible so when our Business Development Manager Amalie spoke with her and she agreed to work with us we were thrilled!" said Norman.
Celebrating and acknowledging the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was a key focus for Norman, Bishop and Rogers.
"NAIDOC week is an incredibly significant time for all Australians to come together and celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Rogers said.
"It's a time to reflect on our First Nations people's rich history and traditions. It's a time to open your heart to new learnings, listen to stories and yarns and connect to culture and Country."
"The art collaboration with Willow Bay Australia is a unique way to celebrate NAIDOC week. The collaboration showcases the diversity and creativity of First Nations art and shares stories of my Ngarabal and Torres Strait Islander ancestry."
"It's a powerful reminder of art's important role in telling stories and preserving the traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures."
The designs featured on the bags for this year's NAIDOC Week, 'For Our Elders', are thematically aligned with the stories of the community, culture, and country as translated by the artist. The vibrant colours, dots, line work and iconography used in the designs are a testament to the depth of meaning and beauty that these stories possess.
The designs are a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the community and are sure to resonate with all who encounter them.
"The important message across all the bags is the message of connecting to culture – for us, these connections are central to our identity and way of life, and I tried to represent this in my art," Rogers said.
"The bags I painted in collaboration with Willow Bay Australia are more than just a fashion accessory; they are wearable art pieces that proudly embody my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
"Each bag is a canvas that tells a story of its own, with vibrant colours and intricate patterns that bring to life the unique artistry of First Nations culture. From the bold reds and oranges of the desert landscapes to the cool blues and greens of the coastal waters, the bags celebrate the natural beauty surrounding us. But more than just a pretty design, they hold deep meaning and significance, with each pattern and symbol representing a connection to the land, my ancestors, and the spiritual realm."
These hand-painted bags are a powerful representation of identity, tradition and culture and a symbol of pride and resilience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," said Rogers.
The official launch is 6pm central Australian time on Saturday 1 July available to purchase online.