Trent Nathan art collection to hang at Womabt Hollow

Trent Nathan is a true Aussie icon.

He first set foot on our fashion stage in 1961, with impeccable designs. His natural flair for flattering both the male and female silhouette and affordable designs propelled him straight into the spotlight.

Accordingly, he soared to be indelibly recognised as one of our preeminent designers.

Always inherently creative, Trent had no formal training in fashion or design. Despite not being able to sew himself, his brilliant creativity enabled this team to bring his visions to life.

“Green Halo” by Trent Nathan, 2018. Acrylic on canvas.

In His Own Words

Trent told the ABC in 2007, “I can’t sew, I can’t do any of that. I’d do a really mean concept. I can put colours together, textures together, and give it a story. That was the story of our successes.

“I’d put a story together. Not just a whole lot of items, that meant nothing. And I think that’s why we won all the awards, because it was a story.”

Trent retired as the head designer and MD of Trent Nathan in 1999. The company was taken over by his nephew, Shane Barr, who carried on its enormous success.

In 2003, the company was sold to PVH Brands Australia, which set the label alongside prestigious international labels like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, a testament to the enduring quality of its designs.

Trent The Artist

While Shane went on to sports management, Trent turned his creative flair to painting portraits, which he has done his whole adult life, and now the Southern Highlands community is lucky enough to have his work on display at one our own iconic venues – Wombat Hollow!

“Purple Scarf” by Trent Nathan, 2018. Acrylic on canvas.

Trent’s Spirituality

The exhibition – The Power of Now – reflects on Trent’s Buddhist beliefs and spirituality, which he has held most of his life. He says this personal philosophy provides him “the clarity of mind and the inner peace to solve problems and pursue dreams.

“Spirituality provides me with an equilibrium and a sense of order which are invaluable to both my private and professional life. Learning to live in the moment took a lot of practice, but I’ve cracked it! I’m happy to be just an ‘everyday Zen’ living an uncomplicated life in an all too complicated world.”

The portraits have been created in his rustically gorgeous East Kangaloon studio. He looks out over breathtaking landscapes dotted with grazing cows and flower-filled gardens, given more vibrance by the colourful birds that visit.

The series of 40 portraits – each available to purchase – reveal his creative flair and vision. Expect whimsical, evocative faces, some of which bear a certain tribal inspiration, connecting to Trent’s earlier Maasai Series.

Exhibition Details

The Trent Nathan Power of Now Exhibition will be opened by Zoe Young at 5pm on Friday July 19. It will extend over the weekend of Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July from 10am to 4pm.

Tickets to the opening night are free, however RSVP is essential. You can secure your spot here