MEET THE DESIGNER

Dynamic DUO

WORDS CAITLIN ZERAFA PHOTOS LISA PEARL

WHEN THE WORLDS of a talented Noosa hat manufacturer and prolifi c fl oral artist meet, something incredibly beautiful is sure to transpire. Of course, we are talking about wearable art and the special collaboration between two talented creatives who love what they do.

In a celebration of art and fashion that matches our idyllic coastal lifestyle, these timeless and holiday-inspired must-have accessories – and Australia’s fi rst wearable art hats – were born from a rather unique meeting.

Mary Rowan has always wanted to release a collection of her beloved Topshow hats featuring the designs of a local artist. Little did the Eumundi resident know that a few kilometres up the road, in the neighbouring suburb of Doonan, artist Amanda Brooks spent her days painting exquisite fl oral pieces.

In fact, it was a popular open studios event that brought Mary and Amanda together.

Flashback to 1995 when Mary noticed a gap in the market for a soft, foldable hat that was both practical and fashionable. Growing up watching her own mother hand-make straw hats and helping to decorate them ready to sell at the Eumundi Markets, it seemed only natural Mary follow in her footsteps.

So, the single mother of three children came together with her business partners Virgil Lohrey and Glenda Marks and Topshow was born out of her home garage.

“I’ve always made clothing for my children, so I decided to try and make a cloth hat,” Mary says.

“I came up with a design using cotton knit. It’s a classic round school girl shape. They were sold originally in Hastings Street, at the pharmacy, where they averaged around 30 hats per day in the holiday season at one stage.

“The business had to grow on that alone and we expanded. I guess you can say we have grown very organically since then.”

Outgrowing the humble home, Mary purchased a factory in Eumundi in 1998 where Topshow’s beloved ‘The Noosa Hat’, which is recognised and loved worldwide, is still made today.

The hat is known for its classic shape and wide brim. Mary sources natural fi bres including cotton, linen and hemp to create UV protective hats for men and women. She says the hats are incredibly popular with holiday makers, particularly from Sydney and Melbourne, who want an authentic Noosa product. There are also regular sightings of the hats overseas.

“It is quite an iconic shape and it’s been spotted in cafes overseas,” Mary says. “I’ve been told stories where people say ‘Oh, you must be Australian’ because fellow Australians see and know the hat.”

So how does an internationally recognised hat manufacturer create Australia’s fi rst wearable art hat? Well, social media and a local art event, of course.

“I really wanted to create a fl oral hat and was looking for a design,” Mary says. “I was already following Amanda Brooks on Instagram, but I actually trailed around looking for artists at last year’s Noosa Open Studios.”

Amanda says there was an instant connection with Mary, mixed with a foundation of similar morals, quickly fl owing into the elegant collaboration.

“The bond happened straight away. It was very easy. Mary knew in her head what design she wanted to start with and it just flowed from there ”

“The bond happened straight away. It was very easy,” Amanda says. “Mary knew in her head what design she wanted to start with and it just fl owed from there.

“I know she is very passionate about environmental and sustainable fabric and I was drawn to that because I am very drawn to using items that are ethically sourced. Had it not been for Noosa Open Studios, she may not have discovered my studio and come to have a look around and get a feel for what I do.”

Amanda was destined to be creative, growing up in a family of artists and creatives. A fl orist by trade, she has always had an appreciation for tactile arts and began painting full time in 1998, two years after moving to Australia from South Africa.

Her art refl ects the contemporary, casual and colour-fi lled

lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast using light, movement and textures to form abstract-style compositions.

Running her business Art by Brooks alongside her husband Jason, and raising three children, Amanda’s art has featured in collections throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, the United States and Australia.

“Before I was an artist I was a fl orist, so I think fl oristry was a good base to create compositions for my fl oral artworks. When I’m painting the fl oral artworks I’m doing an arrangement in my head before I paint it. The two go hand in hand.”

Topshow’s wearable art hats by Amanda Brooks feature a vintage design printed on cotton sateen, and Mary has expanded the range to include sarongs, silk scarves and bandannas.

“People love to wear something that is unique and not mass produced. Wearable art is quirky and one-off and has that story to tell,” Amanda says. “The artwork that Mary selected was actually quite a vintage one of mine that has been in my collection for about 10 years.

“It was one of my earlier modern fl oral works and she was drawn to the bright summery colours.”

Mary says the hats are made fusing layers of fabric together with a large fusion press, before they are sized and cut into pieces.

“Like a jigsaw puzzle, Virgil and Glenda sew the pieces together to create the hat. Machining of the hat requires skill to ease the patterns together smoothly.”

Mary sells her hats at the Eumundi Markets every Wednesday and Saturday, and online globally, and has three designs in her wearable art collection. Other artists include Doonan’s Bronwyn Barton and Melbourne fl oral artist Camilla Cicoria. “I’m the only one in Australia making wearable art hats, so it’s an exclusive gig to us,” Mary says. “We love what we do. We really do.”

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