Spiraro is the Naarm-based label making wearable art inspired by nature
IMAGE VIA @SPIRARO__/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I hope to inspire others to embrace upcycling in their own expressive way.”
Fashion has long been inspired by the colours and textures of nature. Flora and fauna have informed the collections of high-end designers for decades (just think of those infamous Alexander McQueen looks). For Melbourne artist and designer India Heath, the connection between clothing and nature runs deep.
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India’s label, Spiraro, uses natural plant sources and deadstock textiles to create experimental, genderless pieces. Printed and dyed with rust and lichen, Spiraro garments are 100 per cent upcycled from found materials. Below, they tell the story of the label so far.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
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I am an artist living and breathing on Wurundjeri land. While I have one year of a textile degree up my sleeve, the majority of my skills are completely self-taught. I have a huge drive to learn how things are made.
Shopping secondhand was a big part of my childhood, it still is the only way I [know how to] shop. Stumbling across discarded materials fuels my imagination as I start plotting how I’m going to use them in my next project.
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There’s an abundance of ‘trash’ (treasure) on this planet, and I’m determined to transform it into something valuable and beautiful. Forget Christmas – council cleanups/hard rubbish are the most exciting weeks of the year.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
I’ve been manipulating my clothes using bleach and a pair of kitchen scissors since I was about 14. However, the turning point when I began to approach it more seriously was about three years ago, when a friend proposed I trade a garment for a tattoo of theirs. Expressing appreciation for my work and putting a sort of value on it, akin to the beauty of a tattoo, served as a catalyst for starting Spiraro.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
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My purpose has never changed. I’ve always been driven to provide an option to shop sustainably, infusing every garment with my creative expression. Educating my community on the harsh realities of the fashion industry is also a very important part of Spiraro… [I’m] constantly advocating for positive change and encouraging mindful consumer choices. Alongside this, I hope to inspire others to embrace upcycling in their own expressive way.
I’m constantly learning new techniques and ways to repurpose old materials. While I’m still working with upcycled and deadstock fabrics, I’ve recently ventured into bio-materials. Experimenting with growing scoby ‘leather’ has been a really exciting project and super intriguing to learn about.
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
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The name Spiraro draws its roots from the Latin verb ‘spirare’, which translates to ‘breathe out.’ The act of exhaling forces you to slow down mentally and physically and this philosophy translates into my work through materials and process. I embrace a diverse range of pre-existing materials, each with its own story and character.
The materials are then translated into the expression that is Spiraro through multiple eccentric textile manipulation techniques inspired heavily by nature… I invite the audience to slow down and reconnect with their environment through wearable art.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
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I’m proud of the freedom to be my own boss, which allows creativity to flow without constraints. I am immensely proud that I can create whatever I desire and I receive constant support from my beautiful community. Above all, the most rewarding aspect is inspiring others to find beauty in pre-existing and natural materials, encouraging a collective journey toward sustainable and creative expression.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
I know I’m three years in, but it still feels like I’m starting. I’m in a constant state of learning, adapting and evolving, and every day presents new challenges and opportunities. I’ve really enjoyed getting to where I am now and all the challenges I’ve had to face are just a part of running a small business. We’re all making it up as we go, right?
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian fashion right now?
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I’m really into what Jessie French and Amy Cottrell are doing with biomaterials. Their innovative approach to materials is really exciting and represents a sustainable direction that the fashion and textile industry is heading.
What about the Australian fashion industry needs to change?
The ignorance of the effects of fast fashion. Trends. Waste. The disconnect people have to their clothes.
Dream Australian collaborators?
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At the moment, my dream collaborators would be artists whose expression of sound and movements deeply inspire me. The idea of building a collection in reflection of their artistic language, where fashion blends with the motion of their creativity, is incredibly appealing to me.
Go-to dinner party playlist?
Soul music makes the food taste better. Here’s a playlist I put together blending Erykah Badu, Sault, Darondo, Jill Scott, Tirzah, Sade, Roy Ayers, Ojerime, Kamaal Williams, etc! It’s about 25 hours long so there’s something for everyone.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
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Through my website. I also attend a fair few markets in Naarm/Melbourne, I love meeting new people who are interested in my work! I’ll always advertise my upcoming markets on my Instagram beforehand.
Anything else to add?
If you have any questions about anything I’ve mentioned in this article and want to learn more or just say hey, don’t be afraid to message me on socials or email! Peace!
You can browse the Spiraro collection here.
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