In 2020 Create Impact x OBUS joined forces on an art auction fundraiser, held in conjunction with the OBUS X OLANA JANFA collaboration.
Together we raised over $11,000 to donate to Create Impact, and the funds were used to complete three new schools in remote Ethiopia.
When Obus Founder Kylie found out the Create Impact team where returning to Ethiopia, an idea came to mind to build on the partnership and create something extra special. Using coloured markers and paper for the first time, the children of Segno Gebeya Primary School were asked to draw their ‘Favourite Thing’ or ‘Favourite Animal’. Full of creativity and joy, these unique and personal drawings made their way back to Australia where Kylie created two prints - ANIMAL KINGDOM and FAVOURITE THINGS.
Obus is proud to share this Summer capsule of feel-good styles, in Organic Cotton Jersey & crisp Cotton Poplin. 10% of profits from each collaboration piece directly supports Create Impact’s community projects.
The collection includes a Create Impact x OBUS Tote Bag, perfect for the giving season. For each Create Impact x OBUS Tote purchased, 50% of profits are donated and school kid receives a specially designed and much-needed school bag. As part of the collaboration, 2000 school bags were designed featuring the ANIMAL KINGDOM print and made from durable Recycled PET.
“I’ve loved working with the kids drawings, and knowing that OBUS has been a tiny part of their journey! It feels so special to be able to continue this partnership and have such a meaningful impact.” Kylie.
Share in the journey and make a meaningful impact. Shop the collection here & instore at Obus.
Q Kylie - What sparked the idea for this collaboration?
My partner’s parents called me to say they had a gift for me that was SO OBUS, SO PINK but SO PRACTICAL for all our outdoor adventures… and they couldn’t have been more spot on! I instantly fell in love with the Bobbi! It seemed so obvious that lovers of Obus would also love Merry People, and vice versa! I'm so happy that we've been able to create something so special for lovers of both brands to enjoy!
Q Dani - What made you want to collaborate with Obus after they reached out?
I have always loved OBUS. Their designs are bold and timeless and (like us) they’re not afraid to play with colours. Cass (our Head of Product) and Kylie had worked together in a previous role, so when Kylie reached out to Cass initially - it felt like a very natural partnership. We are both local female-owned businesses in Melbourne’s inner north, but it also gave Merry People the opportunity to work with some pattern experts on our very first pattern boot. I am so proud of the products we have created and I hope our customers also love what we have created.
Q Kylie - What was the inspiration for the print and why was it chosen for this collaboration?
I created the AERIAL print for Obus quite a few years ago - originally it was part of our ISLANDIA collection and it was extremely popular. Aerial has been one of those special prints that has a cult-like status amongst Obus Lovers (frequently requested, and still sought after secondhand) so it felt like the perfect slice of Obus to share. It's a whole new colourway for the collab, drawing from both brands palettes... it feels super fresh!
Q Dani - What about this collab is NEW for Merry People?
This is our first Merry People patterned boot along with the higher raised neoprene lining. It is also our first time collaborating with a Melbourne brand (our second time doing a product collab.)
Q Dani & Kylie - What was the design process like? How did you collaborate and make decisions together?
Dani - It was Fun! Kylie and her team were great to work with. Our first meeting we had in person was at our office in Collingwood where we got to see all the patterns Kylie had created. We spent some time discussing how this could translate onto a boot, colours to style with and the alignment of our brands. Kylie, Cass and I are all mums - so it was great to chat and mum talk, share recent photos and stories! I think the decisions were quite easy (in my opinion.) We had 3 patterns we wanted to see on a sample boot. Once they came in, I wore them around the office and showed the rest of my team for their feedback and together Cass and I put forward our recommendation to Kylie
(which she thankfully agreed with!)
Kylie: The raincoat is a great example of how easy and organic the design process was! We all agreed a second item to round out the collab would be ace, so landed on a raincoat. It was an entirely new product development for us, (but something that had been on our radar, and often requested by Obus Lovers). It was my favourite part of the process because it's NEW! Our design aims were totally aligned here - it needed to be totally waterproof, totally practical, and environmentally made... and we are all so proud of how beautiful the final piece is!
Q What is your favourite boot design feature?
Dani: I love how the raised neoprene! Something you may see more from us in the future ;)
Kylie: I love the colour combination we landed on for this, so many gorgeous tones to outfit with.
Q. Would you wear the collab pieces with print?
Dani: Absolutely. I love clashing colour and prints (when I wear them!) Maybe an oversized printed shirt with a basic t-shirt with straight jeans (or leggings in my mum wardrobe!)
Kylie: I'll be wearing mine with anything and everything from the Obus winter collection, in particular our winter Terry Print (in Lavender and Garnet) will be the perfect match! ALSO... it's pretty clear the boot and coat were MADE to be rocked together! Love a set.
Q. Dancing in the rain? Yes or no?
Dani: Of course I have. If you’re feeling a little flat.. I strongly encourage you to leave your phone at home/or in the office - and just go for a walk (and maybe do a few twirls with the rain on your face) you instantly feel a sense of freedom, rejuvenation and a connection to nature.
Kylie: Hells yeah! Dancing in the rain, Singing in the rain... love it.
Q. What’s your style motto?
Dani: I try to only buy quality products I really love, that give me joy - and that I can see myself wearing in 12+ months time. Items that can be easily be dressed up or down.
Kylie: I love to mix and match... it's all in for me with feelings and memories that clothing can bring us every day. A style motto must also be conscious... so supporting small business, shopping with my values always.
Shop The Collaboration instore or online here.
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If you’d like to find out more about our local makers, ethical manufacturing practices and design process our FASHION REVOLUTION series gives you a behind the scenes look at #whomademyclothes
THE BEST IS BACK
In covetable Summer prints, our bestselling styles return in extended AU sizing. We've made small but important changes to your favourite styles - We’ve used softer, thicker fabrics to make your favourite styles even better! Based on your feedback straps are still adjustable for extra support, but are now fixed in crossover position, and leg lines have been reshaped.
Photographed across multiple sizes, to give you the best idea of how our much loved swim styles will fit you.
FLATTERING NEW FITS
Two new silhouettes have joined our offering! Thoughtfully constructed to fit like a dream, with of the moment square necklines and wide shoulder straps for comfort. Designed to sculpt, flatter and fill you with confidence, new shapes feature flattering panel lines and in built support in all the right places. Perfect for a carefree Summer spent seaside.
EVEN BETTER ECO FABRICS
With just the right amount of stretch, the ultra flattering fabric used in our swimwear is created from from cutting edge, sustainable fabric comprising recycled post-consumer material.
Made from regenerated waste such as carpets, clothing and fishing nets, this recycled alternative to traditional polyester continues to improve alongside technological advances.
This season’s swimwear fabrics have a luxe finish, that's soft on your skin and the environment.
Made and printed in sunny Sydney, mix and match Obus swim styles for a colourful, feel good Summer.
Having travelled the world together, Kylie and partner Simon combined their shared love of vintage postcards, logos and branding to create the artwork for Obus Atletski. In a project that harks back to the beginnings of Obus, which translates to trolleybus in German, the collection is about the journey we take together each season.
To begin this journey, the couple began looking for references in eastern Europe and stumbled across images of a small community ‘Atletski klub’ in Slovenia, which is Athletic Club in English. Inspiration grew from there in a collaborative process that look a community of people to create.
"OBUS Atletski arrives at a time when we are looking for comfort, reliability, but also an escape. It's a collection we've worked tirelessly on, and I'm so proud of team Obus for making it happen!” - Obus Founder, Kylie
With it's vintage styling Obus Atletski looks to the beginnings of the brand's aesthetic as a way to move forward. To bring Atletski to life, the Obus team partnered with trusted makers in a process that is end to end GOTS certified and one of the labels most eco-friendly collections.
Atletski items are proudly created from organic cotton and expertly milled and dyed locally by the team at ABMT Textiles in Melbourne. ABMT are Australian industry leaders and are fully certified processor of Organic Cotton knits under the guidance of Australian Certified Organic (ACO) with all fibre, dyes and auxiliaries being GOTS certified. Garments are then constructed by our long term manufacturer Mr. T (basically family), and then garment washed and screen printed in Melbourne.
Sporty essentials to wear together as sets, or contrast with luxe and printed separates. The collection includes sweatshirts, track pants, logo tee’s and caps for active and everyday life, ushering in a new era of dressing.
Launching Saturday 4th September 2021 at 8am.
Scroll to your favourite print below, and click the link to download the file for your preferred device. Once the image loads, save it to your photos app, camera roll or desktop, and follow the steps you'd usually take to make any photo or image your device wallpaper.
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Whenever I’m designing earrings in collaboration with another designers prints, certain patterns, forms and colours just instantly jump out at me.
AWAKEN your senses and take pleasure in the warmth of the Winter sun. It is from a deep slumber we emerge with open eyes and hands, ready and rested. AWAKEN embodies the beauty we’ve found in the familiar and the excitement we feel for the days ahead.
Appreciated fashion combats the cycle of fast fashion by encouraging more thoughtful and lasting purchases. Small batch colourful wearable art heaven.
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We're so excited to be joining the fabulous women behind Dangerous Females to offer a beautiful new Limited Edition design to help build awareness and help raise funds for a cause that affects many women across our country.
We chat to Jes, Jas and Cath, the passionate ladies behind this initiative...
This project kicked off for us in 2018 following the horrific attack, rape and murder of Eurydice Dixon, and the subsequent reports that told us it was DANGEROUS to walk home, it was DANGEROUS to wear what we want, and DANGEROUS to be a woman in Australia in 2019.
We were sick of seeing reports like the story of Eurydice, and the inadvertent victim-blaming that accompanied it, but we were also sick of saying how outraged we were whilst sitting back in the comfort and safety of our homes, so we decided we needed to do something, not continue to actually do nothing.
As a Social Worker, Cath has an amazing network of colleagues across the country who recommend deserving charities to us. We also look to support services that provide specific assistance to minority groups who appallingly, are most at-risk of violence and abuse in our community.
Join our community on instagram where we advocate for self-love, self-care and for women and those in the LGBTIQ+ community to live a life free of violence.
If you’re in a position to, buy a tee! All profits (100%) from sales of our tees (and other merch) are directed to charities who work tirelessly to deliver front-line support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
All profits are currently being donated to Brisbane Domestic Violence Service and Lou's Place.
We see our collaborations not only as a means of offering an alternative to our original DF design, but as an opportunity to showcase and support the artistry of incredible Australian women. We look for artists who are aligned with our values and really want to take tangible action to support women and minorities to live lives free of violence.
We have had some supply issues which has been disappointing, but realistically out of our control.
Aside from that, the pandemic has made us more motivated than ever. Thinking about those in violent relationships suddenly being in lock-down with their abusers is extremely distressing, particularly as statistics gathered during this time show that those in violent relationships are experiencing an escalation in that violence.
We are in the midst of a pandemic, so we aren’t getting too ahead of ourselves, but it is in our plans to become an officially registered Charity. This won’t change the way we work though - we’ll still be 100% volunteer and pass on 100% of profits.
Collaborators: @dangerousfemales
Photographer: @katelukephotography
Model: @theperrymooney
HMUA: @makemeoverartistry
We've been in the fashion game for 20 years, and each season we listen to your valuable feedback so we can continue to deliver EXACTLY what you want. Our denim silhouettes have changed and evolved with your feedback and we are super proud of how they look and fit!
The perfect pair of jeans must be not only fashionable and wearable, but also CELEBRATE that our bodies are all different - waist, bum hips, height and thighs - we are all individuals and literally nobody measures the same all over. Part of our fit process when creating a new style is to see the piece on as many bodies as possible, and that's where TEAM OBUS comes in. Amongst our small team we have a variety of shapes, sizes and ages, which is SUCH a benefit when we're developing something new.
Between our best selling FOREVER JEAN and COMPANION denim styles, you’ll be sure to find your favourite fit.
The FOREVER JEAN earned its name because it's a style that is both modern and a total classic. A jean that is at home with a sneaker and winter woolie as it is elevated with an ankle boot and blouse. With a wide waistband and flattering pleated front, the FOREVER JEAN compliments curves to create the perfect silhouette. The FOREVER JEAN is the ultimate style – casual, trans-seasonal and classic.
Katy says...
The COMPANION JEAN is one of our most loved denim styes. Flattering and and versatile they create a sophisticated and stylish look that our customers love! A high waist & full length wide-leg create the perfect COMPANION for your favoured Obus look. We love them with a tucked in blouse and the ANTIPODES BOOT.
Amanda says...
One of the benefits of buying online means you get to try on your jeans in the comfort of your own home, and pair them with all your favourite Obus pieces. Our advice when trying on Obus Denim? Try on with shoes!
For more information on Obus’ ethos regarding manufacturing and environmental impact click here.
]]>#stayhome Melburnians xx
June 20:
What an incredible time we have all just survived, well done ladies ~ you’re heroes! As lock down begins to ease we have reflected on what OBUS will look like on the other side.
And the future is bright, full of amazing new prints and styles we are looking forward to sharing. We've been working so hard behind the scenes and have news about the next part of our journey. With your amazing support over these past crazy months we have been given the opportunity to try new things; we've changed the way we work, the way we think about the future of Obus, and trialed new ways to share what we've made with you.
The amazing news is that these changes have worked! So that we can maintain momentum on this brave new Obus we've decided to close our beloved Gertrude St store... full of fond memories, the very first Obus destination, the one where we held all of our soirees and the store that for many of you was your weekly colour and pattern fix! We will miss seeing you at Gerty - but we know that we will see you instead at Obus in Northcote, Obus in the City - or of course online where so many of you are now enjoying shopping with us!
We are currently revamping Obus in Northcote - so that we can welcome you back in July to a fresh new space and a gorgeous new collection!
Please stay tuned for news about our City store - as restrictions continue to ease we will know when is the right time to open up Obus in the City again!
From the bottom of my heartsthank you for your unwavering support during this time - I know now more than ever that Obus is very loved and valued and we are so excited to share the next part of our journey with you.
Kylie and the Obus team xxx
]]>In honour of #FashionRevolutionWeek we want to share with you how we’re doing our bit to support the planet, our supply chain, and each other so we can continue to bring you beautiful garments to treasure for years to come.
We love to collaborate with brands, people and initiatives that are close to our heart - both locally and abroad.
Most recently, through our recent OLANA X OBUS collaboration with Ethiopian-born, Melbourne-based artist Olana Janfa, we were introduced to the fantastic work of Create Impact — an Australian-based non-profit organisation that provides education, clean water and health care to remote communities in Ethiopia. In conjunction with our OLANA X OBUS collection launch, we held an exciting online group art auction with all of the funds raised going to Create Impact and their Medagi school building project. Six contemporary Australian artists (Olana Janfa, Casey Burrill, Zan Wimberley, Jasmine Mansbridge, Stanislas Piechazek and Emma Gale) each generously donated one of their stunning works of art for the auction and together we were absolutely thrilled to raise a total of $11,700 in just seven days for Create Impact. Read More.
Earlier this year, as our hearts were breaking hearts, along with all of you, as the bush fires destroyed so much of our precious country - we knew we had to help. The Obus team all found ways to donate and help out in as many ways as we could, dedicating a weekend of profits from all sales to give to Australian Red Cross, as well as donating fabrics for much needed wraps and pouches for injured native wildlife.
Learn more about our social impact.
We are consistently reviewing practices and implementing policies to reduce our environmental impact at our head office and in our stores, especially in regards to order packaging and studio waste. Although we haven't been able to transition away from our biodegradable plastic bags to send you your online orders just yet, we have been working extremely hard to tackle the bigger impact of how our supplies and products are shipped and delivered to us.
Over the past 12 months we’ve worked hard with our suppliers to reduce the waste associated with the products we manufacture. Our deliveries now rarely arrive with any plastic and are not individually wrapped which reduces A LOT of waste - plastic or otherwise.
Within each seasonal collection, we prioritise the use of natural materials such as cotton, organic cotton, linen and wool, as well as eco-friendly fibres such as Tencel and Ramie. Leather used in our accessories and footwear is vegetable dyed (not chemical dyed and without chromium).
As technology in the digital textile printing space improves in leaps and bounds, we have been increasingly favouring this process to produce all of our custom-designed fabrics. It consumes less water than traditional screen printing and produces far less toxic waste water, whilst helping bring to life our bold and original printed textiles, which are present in each collection.
Now our soft cotton jersey fabrics are the only textile that we are still screen printing on, but we are working hard and continually testing and sampling to find a digitally printed jersey that will match our quality standards and continue to feel super cosy and comfortable for you to wear.
Learn more about our environmental impact.
We continue to think of ways we can turn our production remnants into something meaningful so they don't end up in landfill.
In celebration of International Women's Day 2019, we collaborated with Dahli - an inspiring young woman who is driving change and making an impact as a social entrepreneur via her business Beehemia.
Dahlia launched Beehemia with a vision to reduce food and packaging waste in her community, as well as support Asylum Seekers through business profits and employment opportunities. With the help of her mum, Gabrielle, Dahli and her Beehemia crew hand-make their beeswax wraps using natural ingredients (which smell divine!). While profits are donated to organisations such as the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), the venture also provides employment and skill-building opportunities for new Australians and people seeking asylum here.
Naturally, when we learned about Beehemia, we were 100% on board with supplying Dahli with linen and cotton fabrics in original Obus designs.
As we continue to adapt to the evolving health crisis, we are actively exploring how we can serve our community during such a strange and difficult time. For a limited time, we used our offcuts to create face masks that were both colourful, washable, reusable, and made from 100% natural fibres - which were an instant crowd pleaser.
While these masks are functional and act as a light barrier and can limit the transfer of droplets, they are not medical grade or classified as PPE. This means they will not stop you from contracting the COVID-19 virus or getting sick in general. We would like to reiterate that your safest option is to stay at home and self isolate. #stayathome
While we strive to make the most of each piece of fabric (even tweaking the design of garments to ensure fabric wastage is reduced), there will always be small leftovers.
We often make scarves, scrunchies and other accessories - which are the perfect accessory to so many of our collections. Yes, by donning a humble Obus scrunchie, you’re doing something to save the planet from fabric waste! Thanks, scrunchies (*whispers* We’re so glad you’re back.)
Learn more about Obus x Beehemia Beeswax Wraps
If you’ve followed us for a while you will know we talk a lot about our ethical considerations - everything from ensuring you’re receiving a high-quality garment, to managing waste is part of our commitment to creating clothing with a small ecological footprint.
Whilst it’s challenging at times, we truly believe we are in this together, and hope to come out the other side of this shared experience with more skills, strengthened relationships and most of all, more empathy, for one other.
We believe in the importance of supporting those local brands and businesses that you love, who with your loyalty, are able to continue to bring you products and garments that bring you joy.
]]>Last year, Kylie visited Olana in his studio to see firsthand the paintings that first piqued Kylie's interest. It's no wonder they quickly kicked off the collaboration conversation!
Olana and Kylie in the Obus studio, working out the details for this special collection (launching February 6!)
Photo of Olana by Peter Tarasiuk
]]>Yep, in the lead-up to Christmas 2019, we're playing Santa and giving you the gifts early! Clothes, swimwear, shoes, accessories, gift vouchers and some other special surprises are up for grabs each day on Facebook and Instagram. Follow along and check back daily for a new giveaway!
Terms & Conditions
Here's the giveaway fine print you need to know!
Good luck!
]]>Once the champers came out, the party really started ;)
Obus' production manager Alison makes the final tweaks to our GRANDIFLORA LAB COAT. The beautiful deluxe cotton drill was printed by our friends Frankie & Swiss.
The finished GRANDIFLORA LAB COAT, custom made for the Her Lab Coats auction, features a popular original Obus textile design custom-made in Melbourne. A truly one-of-a-kind item!
(Top) Kitiya in her studio // (Bottom) Kit has become known for her bright and bold felt illustration and typography creations
(Top) Kitiya can make a Piñata like nobody's business // (Bottom) Some of the felt foliage that is currently gracing our Northcote, Fitzroy and City store windows!
See more of Kitiya's work at her website or on Instagram @kitiyapalaskas, don't forget to stop by and see her Forever Foliage installation in the flesh at all Obus stores throughout October.
]]>Simply spend $100 or more* during October to be automatically entered into the giveaway. With lots of fresh new prints and contemporary styles arriving throughout the month, you'll have more than a few reasons to enter the draw. Good luck!
*TERMS & CONDITIONS
Competition begins 12.01am 1/10/19 and ends 11.59pm 31/10/19. Any transaction at or over $100AUD in value (excluding shipping fees or redeemed Collect vouchers) made online or instore during the competition period will count as 1 entry to the giveaway, provided the entrant has supplied a valid email address or phone number for contact purposes. Prize cannot be redeemed for cash. Winner will be selected at random and contacted by 5/11/19.
Louise used textiles from our NIGHT BLOOM collection as inspiration for her piece.
Louise Meuwissen's installation will be on display in the Obus City store window at Shop 5, 37 Swanston Street Melbourne until the end of August, as part of the Craft Cubed Festival.
Obus founder and creative director Kylie Zerbst's desk in our busy Northcote studio. Kylie wears our BITTERSWEET DRESS (due August). Photo: Mike Baker. Styling: Rhys Duggan for west elm.
[Above] Details from Kylie's Desk, including the Aluna Chair and Asymmetry Lamp from west elm. The studio wall has been refreshed in Wood Rose by Haymes Paint.
[Above] Studio mezzanine – before: Formerly a photography space, the mezzanine was functional but not particularly visually inspiring.
[Below] Studio mezzanine – after: A revitalised space! Rug, light fixture, stools, mugs, chairs and planters by west elm. Fireplace painted in Comanche Dust by Haymes Paint. Photo: Mike Baker. Styling: Rhys Duggan.
T&Cs
This competition is not endorsed by Instagram. Valid entries must tag @obusclothing and use the hashtag #obusontour from 27 Jun-14 July 2019 inclusive. Winner will be drawn at random and notified via Instagram week beginning 15 July. Prize is not redeemable for cash.
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