The Story Behind the 'Our Islands Our Home' Dress
Made by Natisha Tabua (Kulkalgal, Masig Island) and hand-painted by Lucas Schober from Musu Arts (Wuthathi, Yadheigana, Kaurareg and Yindjibarndi), this dress features an incredible 12-metre crocodile in tribute to Lucas' beloved Nana, Nora Raymond.
This is the story behind the dress.
Why a Crocodile?
Central to the dress is the saltwater crocodile, a powerful totem shared by both Lucas and Natisha.
"When we decided on the crocodile, it felt right," Lucas shared. "It represents resilience and adaptability — qualities that resonate with both of us, and our shared heritage."
The Messages within the Crocodile
The 12 metre hand painted crocodile embodies a journey beginning with rising sea levels and urban chaos, symbolised through crocodile motifs, fire escapes, and safety markers.
It transitions into Community scenes, music, and family life, including representations of card games, Community gatherings, and the heartwarming depiction of his grandparents' home.
Rising Waters
The journey of the dress begins at the tail, where Lucas introduces the themes of resilience and survival. The cut-off tail symbolises overcoming challenges and making it through hardship, a representation of the larger battle against climate change.
At the bottom, waves and thunderstorms illustrate the rising sea levels that threaten the Torres Strait Islands. This turbulent foundation captures the urgency conveyed by the Our Islands, Our Home campaign and aims to platform he struggles faced by island communities on the frontline of climate change.
Urban Buildings
The dress transitions to a striking contrast of Melbourne’s urban landscape, showcasing closely packed buildings that convey Lucas’ shock at moving from Darwin’s wide horizons to the bustling city.
Escaping the Hazards
The inclusion of fire escape ladders you see on sides of Melbourne buildings and safety cones reflects the metaphor of navigating through life’s hazards.
This section symbolises a collective call to action—finding ways to escape and respond to the challenges of climate change and city life.
Circles of Support
A notable section of the dress features repeating circular motifs that symbolise people. Lucas painted larger circles to represent his Nana, Nora.
These circles serve as a reminder of the importance of Community and the interconnectedness that supports people through difficult times.
Nightcliff Beach
Further up the dress, Lucas shifts to a serene scene depicting Nightcliff Beach in Darwin on Larrakia Country, his hometown. This peaceful landscape contrasts with the chaos below and represents a vision of harmony and a return to simpler, natural beauty.
Community Gatherings
Illustrations of those iconic green and white plastic chairs evoke the warm memories of Community gatherings and shared meals. This panel is a nod to the strong sense of unity and the informal, welcoming spaces where Mob come together to listen, share, and support one another.
Old School Music
The addition of a guitar neck and strings is inspired by the CDs borrowed from his Nana and Pop’s house and captures the soundtrack of those cherished moments with family. Those sounds reinforce the comfort found in family traditions.
Coconut Palms and Rainbows
The dress continues with a depiction of Lucas’ Nana and Pop’s backyard, complete with coconut palms and a double rainbow.
This imagery symbolises the hope and light that family brings, as well as a reminder of the abundance and joy present in the simplest of life’s details, like getting two coconuts!
Card Games
One of the dress’s most personal sections is the depiction of a hand of cards from the game "Russian," which Lucas’ family frequently played. The winning hand, known as a “special,” symbolises victory, fun, and the competitive yet loving spirit shared in his grandparents’ home.
The triangles depict people and how his Nana’s presence was at the heart of it all, celebrating her as a champion among them.
Home
The next section showcases the entrance to his Nana and Pop’s home, marked by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, which stand for identity, pride, and unity.
A depiction of the chair his grandparents often sat in symbolises the power and respect they command in the family. Nearby, the fridge, always full of treats and leftovers, represents nourishment—both physical and emotional—showing that their home is a place of comfort.
Constellation Of Stars
Above the Nightcliff scene, a constellation of stars stretches across the fabric. This motif underscores the interconnectedness of people and the sky country. A shooting star symbolises hope, while the crossed-out boxes stand for persistence and daily progress, a reminder that each day brings the potential for dreams to be realised.
This hopeful section provides a breath of calm and reflection amid the dynamic story of the dress.
The Final Shell Chandelier
The top of the dress ties all elements together with the return of the shell chandelier motif. This final piece serves as a reminder of community, interconnectedness, and the unyielding strength of family bonds.
Heart of the Crocodile
The dress culminates in the crocodile’s head, which embodies strength and resilience. The crocodile, named Nora after Lucas’ Nana, symbolises her enduring presence and influence.
A dart near the crocodile’s heart recalls how his grandparents met through a darts club, an emblem of love. The crocodile’s necklace and rings bring forth the image of his Nana’s love for jewellery, adding a personal touch that celebrates her spirit.
CTG at MFW
At the closing showcase for Melbourne Fashion Week 2024 we joined thirty other iconic Australian brand to create three looks incredible campaign dresses. Each of these dresses are more than fabric and design - they’re a call to action, a recognition of history, and a commitment to our future.