International Women’s Day is March 8, and so I’d like to take a moment to celebrate all the incredible female-identifying creatives that work in our city. I’ve made a little list of some of my favourites below – I own pieces from some of them and can only dream of owning pieces from others, for now, but if you’re looking to support local this might be a good starting point.
I’ve focused on a few individuals here, but big love to all the women working hard in our city – even if it’s not a creative pursuit, even if you’re taking the first baby steps towards a dream, even if you’re busting your guts but feeling like no one sees, even if you’re just making it through each day in one piece. International Women’s Day is about celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and real change always starts at home. Vote with your dollars and support local women, as well as the women in your own life – celebrate them and elevate them.
If you’ve got a business or a project you’d like some coverage for (or if you know someone who does), let me know! I am ALL ABOUT local people doing awesome things, and would be delighted to use the small platform that I have to tell other people about the awesome things YOU’RE doing.
Planet Hostile
Combining new designs made from recycled fabrics and upcycled vintage, Planet Hostile’s pieces are handmade and hand-painted by Clair Emery in Brisbane. You can purchase on the website via shopify or find Planet Hostile sharing a retail space with Max & Mort in Winn Lane, Fortitude Valley.
Amy Crow
Amy Crow is a multi-talented Brisbane creative – a designer, artist, photographer, screen printer, musician…the list goes on! She has recently concluded an exhibition at The Third Quarter and since November 2017 she has designed Future = Female, a cool unisex streetwear brand that was initially a pop-up shop in Winn Lane and became a platform for local and interstate artists. For International Women’s Day Future = Female + Friends have a pop-up shop from March 8-10 in Annerley. Amy’s work is a lot of clean lines, good messages, and mythic imagery, which I love, but there’s also a bunch of local and other artists to discover in this store from prints and homewares to apparel and accessories. Check out Amy’s work on her website and online shop.
Phoebe Paradise
Phoebe Paradise is the alter-ego of Brisbane-based creative all-rounder Phoebe Sheehy, independently owned and operated since 2014 and situated in Winn Lane since 2017. The screenprinted dresses, tees, totes, robes, accessories, and artwork stocked at Phoebe Paradise has an often grungy, distinct Queensland feel – from the cigarette butts on the Ashtray Blouse to the outlines of wraparound verandas on the Home skirt. Visit the brick and mortar store in the Valley or shop online via the website.
Shani Finch
I’ve been following Shani Finch’s bold artwork for a while now and I love the no-bullshit, feminist, body positive messages that she promotes through her art. You can find her work on walls across Brisbane, through her website, or on Instagram.
Shibuya Moon
Designed and made in Brisbane by designer and illustrator Tiffany Atkin, Shibuya Moon is a dreamy range of jewellery “inspired by vintage costume jewellery and a little bit of magic”. Check out her Instagram and online store, restocking again soon.
2 Little Houses
Houses for your home! Laura from 2 Little Houses illustrates classic Queenslander homes in black and white with beautiful clean line work. She has a real eye for detail and her work is hanging proudly in many homes, including mine and my Grandma’s. Laura’s work is also currently available at the State Library of Queensland store and online in the form of tote bags and greeting cards featuring designs inspired by the ‘Home: a suburban obsession’ collection. In the meantime, you can check out her work on Instagram.
Alice Nightingale
I’ve pretty much been drooling over Alice Nightingale’s gorgeous Australiana pieces since I discovered them a few years ago. Native flora prints? Check. Wombat and avocado embroidery? Check. Hand knitted jumpers with Aussie phrases? Ken oath. She’s also just got super cute swimwear and lingerie in her online store and in California Lane, Fortitude Valley.
Bonnie Hislop
A Brisbane-based creative with a focus on ceramics, Bonnie creates brightly coloured, functional works of art. I’m a bit in love with her beautiful cat mugs – there are still a few available via her website and you can also read more about her work. Bonnie is also a workshop facilitator and hand building teacher at Mas & Miek (see below) and has recently opened a shop + painting studio in California Lane
Yippy Whippy
Nicole is a Brisbane-based designer who creates original apparel and accessories with plenty of colour and pop culture references. Her creations are stocked in the GOMA store, Monsterthreads in Brisbane City, Junky Comics in West End, and Thousand Island Dressing in Paddington. You can also purchase her work directly through her website.
Meta Design Co
Kathy makes beautiful women and children’s clothing in bold prints and simple designs, predominantly cotton with the intention of avoiding synthetic fabrics. Meta Design Co is stocked at Nook in West End and is often at markets around Brisbane (check the website for details) as well as via the Etsy shop.
Backstreet Brisbane 
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