Muse: Sophie Taylor

Tell us a little bit about you and your journey to where you are now with your career / creative path?

I grew up in a creative household; Mum is an Indigenous artist,  she always had ceramics on the dinner table, and us kids were always covered in paint. I followed in Mum’s footsteps and studied Contemporary Indigenous Australian Art at Queensland College of Art, and have been lucky to grow up with an incredible community of indigenous artists. My passion for the arts and my culture really sparked again when I had my daughter, Rumi. I felt this overwhelming sense of duty to give her the same creative vibrancy that I grew up with. It always felt like such a blessing being brought up believing in the freedom of self-expression. Since having her, I’ve created my own ceramics practice, have almost finished my degree, had an exhibition with Mum and co-created a performance art event that is centred around self-expression.

What is it that you love most about being a woman today?

I’ve always felt powerful in my femininity and grew up around strong women that emitted a nurturing, creative, kind yet fierce and reckoning energy around them. I loved that the epitome of safety a woman can create for others and the utter beauty of a woman in her expression. I feel all of it so much deeper now I am a mother.

How would you describe your style and what influences what you wear; how do you like to express yourself through your choices with your personal style?

My style has definitely changed since motherhood. I used to gravitate to very flowy, long dresses. I liked the freedom of the fabric, and I think it certainly was an embodiment of my mindset at that time, travelling the world with very few cares. These days, my style is much more experimental, vibrant and thought out. I’ve found so much pleasure in exploring who I am as a mother and artist, and fashion has been a really fun medium for that. These days, my wardrobe is very textured and colourful but also practical and low maintenance. 

What practices inspire you to keep evolving yourself and your career during such changing and often challenging times?

I love getting creative with family, especially my daughter and mum. Seeing them both in their creativity is always so centring and inspiring, no matter how blocked or challenged I’ve been feeling.   The other is my project with Gabrielle Miller, HOTMESS. The whole practice was created mainly as a creative outlet for ourselves and others. It’s been really grounding to have a project that feels so limitless, I feel like I’ve evolved along with the project.

What is your favourite part of calling Byron Bay home? 

It’s been home since the day I graduated high school, I came straight here, and it’s been the place where I’ve grown into the woman I am today. The hills are my favourite, the sweet air and the expressive, colourful characters that make this area so special.

What is on the horizon for you - what’s next?

HOTMESS is what I’m putting most of my creative energy into at the moment. We are hoping to tour it in festivals and galleries.

Finally, what is it about wearing Natasha garments that resonates for you, and what would you love to be wearing but haven’t found yet?

I love the dresses that feel resonate with that maiden freedom I felt pre-motherhood but elevated in a way that it feels womanly and elegant.

With thanks

Natasha xo

Sophie wears the Muscari Wrap Dress in White and the Sophia Rouche Shoulder Dress in Black from the upcoming Collection