Some designers turn heads with their fabrics. Others with their silhouettes. But for Simone Thomson — a proud Wurundjeri, Yorta-Yorta and Wiradjuri artist, public creator, and now fashion designer — it’s the story woven into every seam that truly makes her work unforgettable.
“I really enjoy seeing the story transformed onto a person,” Simone tells me, her voice brimming with quiet pride. Her debut collection is more than just clothing — it’s a vibrant tapestry of heritage, modernity, and personal journey.
The Full-Circle Journey
Simone’s path to fashion started not in a studio, but on the runway. At just fifteen, she was modelling for Aboriginal and First Nations designers from Victoria and Western Australia. “It’s been interesting to come full circle,” she reflects. “Using my experience as both an artist and a formal model to create my own garments feels incredibly fulfilling.”
From those early days strutting in other people’s designs to now seeing her own creations come to life, Simone’s evolution is a testament to how early passions can quietly shape a career’s destiny.
Cultural Stories, Modern Forms
Her debut collection draws inspiration from the glamour of the 1960s and 70s — an era she describes as “iconic” for the matriarchs in her community. These women weren’t just fashion-forward; they were leaders, activists, and changemakers who helped establish institutions that continue to protect and empower Aboriginal communities today.
“I’m paying homage to them,” Simone says. “Whether it’s a ball gown, a long sequined dress, or a trench coat, it’s about weaving their strength and style into wearable art.”
A Day in Simone’s Creative World
If you imagine Simone’s creative process as leisurely sketching over coffee, think again. Her days stretch from the early hours into the evening, filled with bursts of inspiration that cross disciplines — from public murals to sculptural art to her new venture into fashion.
“I love not pegging myself to one creative outlet,” she explains. “Fashion has been an extension of my practice — a deeply fulfilling one.”
The Learning Curve of Fashion Production
Translating her intricate artworks onto garments has been both exciting and challenging. “It’s a new skill set,” she admits. “The production process is complex, but I’m embracing the learning curve. In fashion, you never stop learning and evolving.”
Looking Ahead
Simone envisions her label reaching audiences well beyond Melbourne — nationally and internationally — but her focus remains clear: connection. “I want people wearing my designs to feel a link to the artwork and story,” she says. “And, of course, to love the fashion itself.”
Advice for Aspiring Designers
Her guidance is refreshingly simple: “Be true to yourself. Don’t follow someone else’s path. Your uniqueness is what attracts people.” She also reminds new designers to enjoy the process — because if the joy fades, so will the authenticity of the work.
Fashion for Everyone
Inclusivity is at the heart of Simone’s brand. She hopes her designs will invite people — whether deeply familiar with First Nations culture or new to it — to engage, connect, and celebrate. “It’s about creating access for everyone,” she says.
📌 Follow Simone: Find her on Instagram and Facebook at @simonethomsonart — and remember, it’s Thompson without the “p.”
W: https://simonethomsonart.com/
F: https://www.facebook.com/simonethomsonart
I: https://www.instagram.com/simonethomsonart/
Simone Thomson isn’t just making clothes; she’s crafting cultural couture. Each piece is an act of storytelling, an invitation, and a celebration — the kind of fashion that makes you feel, not just look, extraordinary.
