Investigación Especial de Color de Goelia en la Isla Canguro: Avanzando hacia una Moda Sostenible para el Desarrollo a Largo Plazo

Goelia's philosophy of "Nature + Civilization = Fashion" finds its ultimate expression on Kangaroo Island. Known as "the edge of the world," Kangaroo Island was ranked second on Lonely Planet's must-visit destinations for 2024. With over half of its land covered in native forests and thriving wildlife in a free-range environment, the island is often described as an "open zoo." It attracts artists from around the globe who explore the relationship between humans and nature.

"Nature + Civilization = Fashion" signifies a harmonious blend where nature represents raw purity and ecological balance, while civilization embodies human creativity, wisdom, and cultural achievements. On Kangaroo Island, Goelia discovered a balanced, sustainable lifestyle that became the foundation of this color research project.

The exhibition presents five iconic colors inspired by Kangaroo Island’s flora and fauna: Laze Green, Koala Brown, Honey Yellow, Rock Orange, and Eucalyptus Blue. From project initiation, academic course planning, on-site field studies, experimental workshops, to the final exhibition—this nearly year-long project showcases color-themed installations, fiber art, Goelia fashion photographed on the island, local artist creations, multimedia installations, fabric dyeing, and garment trials. Together, they offer endless possibilities for color application.

Curator Ben explains, “The project title, ‘Outstanding Colors,’ represents more than just a color study; it’s an inquiry into the relationship between nature and humanity, a reciprocal understanding of civilization and the natural world. This isn’t a conclusive exhibition but the beginning of an ongoing conversation in sustainability, giving a tangible dimension to Goelia’s decade-long journey on Kangaroo Island.”

Students and faculty from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts’ Industrial Design School deeply engaged in the project. Associate Dean Peng Shengfang notes that Goelia's collaboration with the academy exemplifies a new cross-boundary model for commercial and educational partnerships. “Modern natural color research integrates both Eastern and Western educational approaches developed over the past century, bringing in global perspectives across production, academia, research, and application. This partnership extends beyond sustainable fashion development, creating a new model for sustainable talent cultivation.”

Ding Min, the associate professor and project lead, shared, “Kangaroo Island is known for its rich ecosystems, and many in China learned about it through Goelia. This color study is unprecedented academically and marks the start of a journey in natural color exploration. We hope more people join in the exploration of nature.”

Professor Wu Yueqi, serving as the mentor in natural plant dyeing, applied colors inspired by Kangaroo Island to fabrics using plants from Lingnan, southern China. “Goelia grew from Guangdong yet remains dedicated to promoting global culture, so I wanted to represent this blend of Eastern and Western colors,” she said.

Artist He Wencai, who participated in the island exhibit, marveled at the island’s resilience. “After the fires, the island's primal ecosystem and charred trees appear transformed yet radiate a powerful vitality, ready to restart. My work, crafted from discarded fabric scraps, embodies my vision of Kangaroo Island, resonating with Goelia’s commitment to sustainability.”

Graduate students Xia Xin and Shen Yongyi, along with 32 undergraduate students, repurposed fabric strips, yarn, and scraps collected from the island, creating 25 installations that visually represent each student's imaginative interpretation of “Goelia on Kangaroo Island,” forming a vibrant world of color.

The exhibition also highlights the intersection of nature with technology, fashion, and art. The interactive installation "Kangaroo Island Color Fusion," created by Jinse Interactive Design, reimagines the natural colors of Kangaroo Island through a dynamic visual experiment with mechanical installations and digital imaging technology, exploring the future possibilities of color.

From selecting natural fabrics and biodegradable buttons to the in-depth study of natural colors applied to clothing design, Goelia upholds its commitment to sustainable fashion. Founder Hu Qiming remarks, “We are constantly exploring a balance between nature and civilization, where fashion is not just a trend but a responsibility. In addition to natural fabrics, heritage Xiangyun silk, and natural color applications, plant dyeing will be a future direction for GOELIA ’s product development.”

Officials from the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou also attended the event. Consul-General Dr. Timothy Kendall highly praised the project, noting, “From the perspectives of social sustainability and the global fashion industry, this initiative has multiple significances. It enriches the artistic expression of natural colors and redefines the relationship between fashion and nature with an ecological lens. We thank the Goelia team for their long-term efforts in promoting and preserving the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island and its flora and fauna.”

“Nature + Civilization = Fashion” is not only Goelia’s brand ethos but also a future trend in the fashion industry. Fashion innovation rooted in natural resources may become an essential reference for global brands on the path toward sustainable development.