Designer Spotlight: Phoebe Paradise

We all know too well the kind of love/hate relationship the Brisbane warmer months can heat up. It’s weather unique to this city, as time seems to be divided by trying to escape the sun gatecrashing your periphery, and enjoying another dose of sub tropical paradise. The city blooms this time of year and highlights all the little things that make up our culture. Local artist, musician and designer, Phoebe Sheehy, draws inspiration from flora and fauna, Australian debauchery and everyday items that often go unnoticed. We recently had a chat about her label Phoebe Paradise and what Brisbane summer means to her.

Firstly, tell me a little about yourself and Phoebe Paradise.

There’s something of a blurred line between me [Phoebe Sheehy] and Phoebe Paradise, haha! Phoebe Paradise is the pseudonym I started using in bands and art for a couple of years before the label began, and it just kind of stuck! The […] Brisbane-based fashion and art label [is] designed by myself and in collaboration with local makers and designers. 12 months ago I opened my flagship store in Fortitude Valley and it’s been a trip!

How long has Phoebe Paradise been operating?

I’ve been drawing since forever – but only started taking it seriously outside of people telling me I should make t-shirts or whatever from about 2010. It was about that time that I started making posters and art for bands, which is 100% my favourite thing in the world to do. The fashion label as a separate entity officially launched early 2014 after I started making a few hand-drawn tees and found myself with about 45 orders from friends and strangers and just thought, what the hell, I should start printing these or else my hand is going to fall off. It just kind of took off from there!

What do your designs aim to represent?

The prints I illustrate have always been a reflection of where I am at that particular moment in time, and the connection I have to my hometown. Brisbane city and its suburbs have been a constant source of inspiration. The detritus, the people, it’s beauty and flaws.

Are there any local artists that inspire you or influence your work?

I’m so lucky to be surrounded by an awesome gang of amazing artists and musicians. My friend Sam McKenzie is a huge inspiration to me. We’ve got a collaboration coming out soon which we’ve been talking about doing for years! I’m super excited about that. I’m also a massive fan of Niqui Toldi’s work, who I had the pleasure of collaborating with at this years’ Splendour in the Grass.

What would be your recommendations for a typical sunny day in Brisbane?

You don’t have to go far in Bris to find cool shady spots to sit and get day drunk amongst the trees, haha. I recently made a day trip to Nudgee beach, which has a super cool dog park and Mangrove boardwalk […] I’m recommending to everyone at the moment.

Tell us about the new collection you’re working on. What can we expect?

Outside of my collab with Sam, I’ve got a new print in the works that’s a little more personal. It’s a sketchbook-style diary of Brisbane in Summer [with] lots of figure drawings and observational illustrations of places and objects that reflect the feeling of this time and place. It’ll have a very similar feel to the Lockout Print of 2016, and will be hitting shelves just before Christmas time!!

Like & follow Phoebe Paradise for more effervescent homegrown activity. Shop the latest online at phoebeparadise.com, or in-store; shop 5D, Winn Lane, Fortitude Valley.