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Meet the 10 Australian creatives who inspired Nobody Denim’s AU22 campaign

In partnership with Nobody Denim

Photography – Jess Brohier at Alt-House
Photography assistant – Enrico Kas
Makeup – Rose Letho
Hair – Banan Mahmoud
Words by Ruby Staley

 

A match made in heaven.

Since my early intern days, I’ve always been in awe of the creative community I fell into. Not only because of the powerful artistic work it produces but for the unwavering support and friendships that come with it. 

Based in Naarm but existing beyond these perimeters thanks to the internet, this community is home to writers, like myself, and also designers, models, performers, visual artists, stylists – the list goes on. 


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Personally, through interviewing and working with a host of talented people from this group, I’ve not only made lifelong friends but also somehow acquired dedicated cheerleaders who encourage and inspire me daily. These relationships go far beyond the regular bounds of networking. 

Over the past couple of years, the creative industry took a huge hit, and I wondered whether this community I love so much would ever be the same again. For a while, things were tough and disconnected and everyone lacked a sense of inspiration. Luckily, it finally feels like we’re back on track.

As proud supporters of Australian talent, Nobody Denim found inspiration in this very community for its recent Autumn 2022 campaign – a fitting nod to the brand’s grassroots heritage here in Naarm. Since its inception 1999, the Nobody Denim name has become synonymous with integrity and innovation, through quality craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to community.

The brand’s refined approach to design has cemented it as a leader in the Australian fashion industry, creating a sustainable uniform for the modern consumer. Championing faces from all ends of the creative realm, the brand teamed up with Fashion Journal to celebrate a collective reconnection to artistry.

I was lucky enough to join a group of local talents in making this campaign our own. Each of us brought along our own unique touch to the shoot – from our favourite vintage designer boots to the classic Converse we wear day in and day out. 

While getting to know one another in the beautiful surroundings of Casa Warrandyte, I realised we all shared a commonality. Our love for creating manifested in multiple passions and pursuits – whether out of necessity or desire, we all did a little bit of everything. 

I was lucky enough to pick the brains of the inspiring folk present at the shoot, and I would be selfish to keep their stories to myself and not explain why I’m so enamoured with each of them. I’m fairly certain you’ll end up feeling the same.

The day of the shoot kicked off strong, with content creator and all-around gorgeous human Kristy Wu shooting first up. Her strong passion for design was made obvious through her stylistic choices. A natural in front of the camera, her selections both in the shoot and her day to day are unparalleled. 

Fresh on the modelling scene, Onella Muralidharan is most passionate about shifting society’s beauty and body standards – a huge but admirable task. The multi-skilled beauty is also an interior designer concerned with creating spaces that are not only functional but aesthetically align with the use of the space (and she somehow finds time to pole dance on the side).

Dynamic duo Ginger and Carman are living proof age is just a number. Fun-loving and enigmatic, these two unintentionally stole the show on the day and had everyone obsessed. They were filming fun TikToks, frolicking around and dishing compliments out to everyone they met. 

A ceramicist by trade, Jess Choi of Eun Ceramics was lucky enough to find purpose in her hobby, turning it into a successful business and even finding a way to connect to her Korean heritage. Leaving her love of throwing clay behind for the day, she brought an air of lightness and fun to the shoot.

A true creative in every sense of the word, visual and musical artist Bel is a sight to behold. In her words, crafting “scriptures for the transcendental, visual forms to stun” is her prerogative, and this love and passion for the artistic realm is clear from the moment you come into contact with her. 

Hansika, a fashion designer, pattern maker, seamstress and stylist, is not only talented – she’s the human form of sunshine. Passionate about designing pieces that push the boundaries of men and women’s fashion for her brand DocGirl, her creative knack is only enhanced by her warm and bubbly personality.

Su Park, a model and graphic designer (and all-around wholesome human), is creative in her approach to life. Constantly smiling and giggling, she radiates an enviable aura of positivity that boosted the mood for everyone involved on shoot day. Both through her work and her personality, it’s clear that making life just that little bit more fun is her forte. 

Finishing the day strong, writer and curator Sabina McKenna was last up on the call sheet. The brains behind the photojournalistic project Where Are You From?, she is a true storyteller at heart. On the day, Sabina completely captivated everyone with her intelligence, warmth and vulnerability.

Being among this incredible group of creatives, I obviously experienced some major imposter syndrome, but above all, I felt seen, heard and supported. 

The stories we shared and the moments we captured on film were all made possible thanks to the incredible team who each brought their own individual definition of creativity to the project. 

With the peculiarities of the past couple of years somewhat behind us, it was a moment in time for us all to take a break from normal life, to connect and reignite the fire that keeps this fierce community alive. It’s a gift I won’t soon forget, that’s for sure. 

Explore Nobody Denim’s AU22 collection here

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