AFENDS X HOUSE OF DARWIN

AFENDS and House of Darwin invite you to 'Return to Earth' for the latest and arguably most exciting edition of Create not Destroy.

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Shaun Edwards, Founder of the Indigenous fashion label, House of Darwin, invited us on a journey up to the top end to experience the raw beauty of the Northern Territory, the rich indigenous culture and their continued traditions - forming the foundation for our capsule collection. 'Return to Earth' is our collaborative effort to inspire people to seek knowledge and join hands in the chorus of change.

For the latest edition of our artist program, Creare not Destroy, we're featuring our good mate and creative powerhouse, Shaun Edwards. With a fresh approach to storytelling and sharing the aesthetic of Darwin and its surrounding areas, Shaun started House of Darwin to tell the story of his homeland and give back to the community. As a catalyst for change, the brand exists to inspire, educate and cultivate change within the two worlds of Australia.

SHAUN EDWARDS: FOUNDER, HOUSE OF DARWIN

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY WITH HOUSE OF DARWIN? 

I started House of Darwin just over two years ago with the ambition to tell the story of my homelands - the Northern Territory whilst also using creativity to give back to the community I love so much.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR CONNECTION TO ART & DESIGN? 

I’ve always been intrigued with design. Its ability to be used across multiple realms that touch our every day lives - whether that be the design of our driveway or the design of our coffee cup and how if all the little moments are designed with care and practicality then they lead to a happier life. I’ve always been interested in whether I could use creativity to create my own workspace and way of giving back to the community.

WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?

The Northern Territory. It’s the last true frontier of Australia filled with wide open untouched spaces and characters that make this place so special.

ART - NEW AND OLD - WHAT GETS YOU GOING & HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE IT INTO HOD?

We use art to simplify the story of a untouched and sacred land. We create iconography driven art pieces inspired by different places across the Territory which are then placed across different garments to communicate our story.

YOUR FIRST PROJECT FOR HOD WAS A MURAL - WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS PROCESS?

The street art scene in the NT was just taking off and it was the first time I could visualise the culture of Darwin on the walls and I knew I wanted to be apart of it. The street art scene has been so pivotal to the culture of Darwin over the last 10 years and we wanted to be apart of it. We've now got 3 murals around Darwin which really helps our exposure and introduce new visitors to Darwin to the brand. We always work with Luna Tunes.

HOD HAS A PRETTY DISTINCTIVE STYLE - DO YOU CREATE THE ARTWORK YOURSELF OR DO YOU HAVE IN-HOUSE ARTISTS WHO WORK FOR YOU?

Since the beginning of House of Darwin we've work with Luna Tunes who continues to provide most of the artwork for the brand. He's been such a great supporter and pivotal part to the House of Darwin story.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THE AFENDS X HOD COLLABORATION WORKED CREATIVELY? WAS THIS A TYPICAL PROCESS FOR YOU?

Working with AFENDS and their sustainability approach we came up with the concept of "Return to Earth" to bring awareness to the oldest continuous surviving culture in the world and their practices to maintain and preserve the land.

BOTH YOUR UNCLE AND GRANDMOTHER APPEAR IN THE CAMPAIGN. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAVING THEM WORK ON THE COLLAB? 

Yeah my uncle Tibby and Grandmother feature throughout the campaign. It's so great to be able lean on them about our beautiful country in Darwin and learn about all the stories and origin stories.

OKAY NOW FOR SOME FUN ONES. FIVE TRACKS THAT MAKE YOU DANCE? 

Beach - Chayell

Escape - Rupert Holmes 

Could heaven ever be like this - Indris Muhammad 

Blekbala Mujik - Mibala Yubala 

Arafura sea - Saltwater Band

BEST KEPT SECRET IN DARWIN?

Ella by Minoli

TOP 3 GO-TO SNACKS?

Poached eggs 

Chilli Mud Crab 

Flat white 

GEORGE: CREATIVE DIRECTOR, AFENDS.

WHAT WAS THE IDEA BEHIND CREATE NOT DESTROY?

Afends believes in a better future for all, and what better way to do it than through creativity. We use our platform to support creatives at any level when they contribute to the Afends world. We are a community of creatives that come in all forms and work in different practices. The bigger the community the better the outcome!! Why destroy when you can create!

AFENDS LAUNCHED ITS ARTIST PROGRAM 3 YEARS AGO WITH 15 VOLUMES. WHAT ARE THE BEST HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT THE PROGRAM? 

HOUSE OF DARWIN: super special to be working with the future of Australia fashion!! This is just the begging. 

BROCCOLI MAGAZINE: Afends has always had its big old toe dipped in the CBD oil, so it was nice to connect and work with The Broccoli crew and present WEED culture in a new modern light. Stoner culture has shifted into a more creative light, which works just fine with us. Hard to pin point another: All the epic artist we get to work with each season. Always a massive pleasure working with Nirvana Selwood, Chess club (Bricks and Mortar store in Melb), Tokes, Brodie Jackson, Seaside and moreeeeee.

WHICH ARTISTS ARE FEATURED THIS SUMMER 22?

Exxy, Nirvana, Kane Lehanneur are some of the artists that are in featured our Vortex, Summer 22 collection. 

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CREDITS 

CREATIVE DIRECTION: George Barnes Shaun Edwards
& Byron Spencer

VIDEO/PHOTO: Byron Spencer

DOP: Ben Montague

CREATIVE ASSISTANT: Marcus Kemp

TALENT:
Aavaisha Collins (& Mum)
Javadd Anderson
Joshua Moris
Nina Fitzgerald
Shaun Edwards
Denise Quall
Tibby Quall