In an exciting local collaboration, Darwin’s Paul Arnold, Matilda Alegria and Lulu & Daw have revealed their ‘wearable art’ uniforms for volunteers as part of Bruce Munro’s world-class Tropical Light exhibition today.

The iconic designs combine style and practicality to create unique Tropical Summer-inspired pieces and are designed to be comfortable and functional for volunteers to wear and work in during the Darwin Build-Up and Wet Season.

Two garments have been designed by Matilda Alegria in consultation with Lulu & Daw; a unisex linen button-up shirt and a women’s kaftan-style top made from a cotton crepe fabric.

All patterns and samples are made in Darwin, from fabric printed with an exclusive design by Paul Arnold called ‘Radiant’, inspired by the floodplains and river systems of the Top End.

A raincoat will also be created as part of the uniform featuring the ‘Radiant’ print on the cuffs, pockets, hood and button stand.

Each volunteer taking part in the Bruce Munro: Tropical Light exhibition will receive one of the limited edition garments to wear throughout the exhibition and to keep as a souvenir.

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the exhibition, with all money raised going to CanTeen to support Territory families dealing with cancer.

To find out more information or to volunteer for the Tropical Light 200 Club, visit www.tropicallight.com.au

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“The Territory Labor Government is delivering Bruce Munro: Tropical Light, an event that not only puts Darwin on the world map, but also boosts visitation, supports local businesses and now showcases the rich artistic talent of Darwin’s ever growing fashion industry.

“Bruce Munro: Tropical Light is an exciting opportunity for Darwin businesses and it’s great to see Paul Arnold, Matilda Alegria and Lulu & Daw collaborate to produce these unique pieces for volunteers to wear as part of the exhibition.

“Our volunteers are going to look fantastic while they are helping showcase the Territory and raise important funds for CanTeen."

Quotes from Abstract Aerial Artist and Gallery Owner Paul Arnold, who created the chosen artwork ‘Radiant’, which is digitally printed onto fabric and used in each uniform design:

“The original image was captured near Kakadu National Park about 2km above ground.

“We chose this image because it really reflects the colours of the Wet Season and the light rays across the floodplains that surround the river systems of the Top End.”

Quotes from Fashion Designer Matilda Alegria, who designed the three uniforms, drafted the patterns and produced samples:

“My field is design, but it was such a collaborative process. All of us got together for a chat, looking at which of Paul’s prints we’d use to encapsulate the Tropical Summer.

“For the design we thought about the Darwin climate, the Build-Up and the Wet Season specifically, and what would work for men and women in terms of comfort and style.”

Quotes from Lulu and Daw Co-Founder Emily Hardy, who, along with other Co-Founder Susan Forrest, was involved in the consultancy process for choosing the fabrics and assisted in the design creation:

“Our expertise lay in what fabrics work for the climate in Darwin with a focus on natural fibres.

“We’ve built up a good knowledge over the last four or five years of what works as well as keeping what’s stylish and practical in mind.”

Media Contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858