While at university completing an Arts/Science double degree majoring in Textile and Fashion and Environmental Management, Tayla Parnham explored the idea of an environmentally friendly clothing line utilising natural fabrics such as silk, cotton and wool and recycling/ upcycling garments.

Tayla had been making and designing clothing since she was a 12-year old taught by her Granny, and her university idea evolved into The Fabric of Nature label

inspired by growing up on a family farm surrounded by the Western Australian bush and natural landscapes.

She says that in current times, many of us are feeling a growing sense of disconnectedness with our surrounding environment and experiencing a loss of a sense of place, belonging and connection to the land.

“The Fabric of Nature label is about exploring ideas of appreciation and connection to natural environments through bringing together qualities of land, body and garment through hand-made processes. The natural dyeing of eucalyptus leaves is a meaningful part of the collection as the leaves transfer and mark cloth creating a direct memory of that environment,” Tayla said.

“The label also explores textile processes of deconstruction and reconstruction recycling work wear items such as denim and flannel shirts. The faded sun-bleached denim tells a story about its past life of working in the bush or on the farm but also gives new life to the garments.

“It is important to convey how nature and humans relate to each other and how we can go about being sustainable across textile processes.”

 Tayla is one of our Upcycling Challenge designers and has been involved with Eco Fashion Week Australia events since 2017. Find out more about her work on Instagram @fabricofnaturetp or her website Fabric of Nature