Yankunytjatjara artist Linda Puna and ethical fashion label Unreal Fur have launched their new outerwear collaboration with a one-week-only exhibition at the Alcaston Gallery in Melbourne.
The four-piece capsule collection celebrates the home and vision of Yankunytjatjara artist Linda Puna.
Born in the Mimili Community of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, Linda is the first Anangu woman to live in a remote community while being dependent on an electric wheelchair. An important and outspoken advocate for disability rights in her community, Linda shares a unique perspective on life in her artwork – full of joy, resilience and strength.
From inception to fruition
Over the past 18 months, Linda has worked with Unreal Fur to co-design a capsule collection of outerwear featuring the artist’s unique and bold brushwork. As part of the project, she directed a fashion shoot on country, supporting young women in Mimili Community to develop skills in photography and videography, and celebrating the diversity of First Nation creative expression.
Images from the Unreal Fur x Linda Puna Mimili Maku Shoot. Photography by Meg Hansen.
Speaking about the collaboration, Linda said, “I am so excited about sharing my art on these jackets! It will bring joy to people in cities all around the world. I am happy to be showing the young women in my community what they can achieve through their art and by being proud in the culture!”
The four-piece collection comprises two jackets and two coats, heroing Linda Puna’s celebrated painting Ngayuku Ngura (My Home), each named in the Yankunytjatjara language: Awari (wow), Munga (night), and Inyu (fur).
The garments are crafted from all-vegan materials including satin, vegan wool, and Unreal Fur’s signature lush faux fur. The Awari coat and jacket are both reversible with a blush-shaded lining that can be worn on the exterior.
The collection, from left to right: Awari Coat, Awari Jacket, Munga Coat, Inyu Jacket.
From their roots as a family-owned vegan label in Melbourne, Unreal Fur have become leaders in the ethical fashion movement. They are thrilled to be launching this unique collaboration.
“Unreal Fur x Linda Puna is the first of its kind in our ten-year history”, said Creative Director Gilat Shani.
“Two years ago, our search for an artist of Australia’s First Nations People led us to look inward to Unreal Fur’s values: art, inclusivity, and ethical design. Once we met Linda Puna and her renowned acrylic painting, My Home, the connection was immediate. Linda is an artist with a groundbreaking perspective, filled with joy and resilience.
“These styles celebrate Linda’s artistic voice and embody the notion that fashion is a nuanced form of storytelling for everyone to behold.”
Awari!
Linda Puna and Unreal Fur are marking the launch of the new collection with an exhibition at Melbourne’s Alcaston Gallery from 22-29 March 2022, by appointment only.
The event, titled Awari! (Wow!), will showcase a range of Linda Puna’s iconic paintings and a photographic exhibition of the community of Mimili, South Australia. Visitors will also have the opportunity to shop the Unreal Fur x Linda Puna collection in person for the first time from 2-4pm on Saturday 26 March.