Iconic Australian retailer Cotton On is set to re-launch the TBar brand under Cotton On for TBar, a new global graphic tee destination that went online on Wednesday 2 September 2015 and in all Cotton On stores from Wednesday 9 September 2015.
Committed to providing established and emerging artists with a global platform to showcase their creativity, Cotton On has collaborated with six talented artists for the launch, each who have created unique wearable art for the TBar Artist Series.
Cotton On Global General Manager Felicity McGahan said Cotton On is excited about the opportunity to partner with some of the country’s most talented artists for the new series and is looking forward to uncovering talent from both inside the Cotton On family and the external community.
“At Cotton On we believe the t-shirt is the ultimate canvas for self-expression, giving our community an opportunity to tell the world who they are through fashion.
“As a brand, we’re committed to making a difference in people’s lives, so providing emerging and established artists a global stage to showcase their work was a natural fit for us and we’re so thrilled with the result for the launch collection,” said Ms McGahan.
The TBar Artist Series features talented Australian artists, as well as designers from the Cotton On Group’s internal community. They are:
Nathaniel Kiwi
Nathaniel fell into art when he painted Australian actor Stephen Curry for the Archibald Prize and has gone on to have the portrait, along with one of Australian comedian Chris Lilley, in the Black Swan Prize for two consecutive years. Nathaniel describes his style as pop surrealist, which is reflected in his quirky, anthropomorphised animal designs for the TBar Artist Series.
Megan Boonstra
Hailing from Melbourne, Megan has a style that’s very much trend driven and graphic. She enjoys experimenting with bright pastel colours, shiny metallics and glitter. Megan’s designs for the TBar Artist Series are inspired by the amazing vintage tees she saw while recently in California, as well as the return of 70s style disco music.
Nelson Nokela
Drawing inspiration from the skate and surf art of his childhood, Nelson’s favourite tools are his sharpie pens and highlighters, which allow him to create intricate line work that features bold, over-saturated neon colours. His favourite design for the TBar Artist Series is the ‘Sketched Hand with Compass and Butterfly’.
Katerina Petrovska
For as long as Katerina can remember she always wanted to work in the arts and considers being a graphic designer and illustrator more than a job. With a passion for fine liner works, Katerina draws inspiration from anything and everything. For the TBar Artist Series, Katerina has created designs that she would love to wear, with her favourite being the ‘All Seeing Eye’ pieces.
Blain McCallion
Blain has a versatile style and uses different methods and mediums, creating a dark and moody pencil drawing style for the TBar Artist Series. Currently a senior designer at the Cotton On Group, Blain draws inspiration from anywhere – from travel and other artists, to grimy laneways and gigs.
Shannon Graham
Describing herself as a ‘total art geek’, Shannon is currently based in Portland, Oregon and describes her style as ‘loose, naïve and whimsical’. Shannon considers the street, nature, people, blogs and books great sources of creative inspiration.
TBar Artist Series designer Megan Boonstra said, “I have always been fascinated by the relationship between fashion and art and see the humble tee as an amazing medium for communicating a message. I love that Cotton On celebrates both fashion and art and was ecstatic to be asked to be involved”.
Cotton On for TBar will retail for AUD$14.95 and is available online now and in Cotton On stores globally from, It will be an ongoing in-store and online destination for the brand.
by Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
