As a media commentator, activist and former Miss Universe Australia, Maria Thattil has worked with many brands. But her latest collaboration with Novo Shoes sees her slip her feet into new territory.
The 31-year-old has just released a capsule collection with the well-known footwear brand, with a focus on inclusivity and self-expression.
Thattil, whose father is from Kerala and mother is from Kolkata, grew up in Melbourne with a feeling that's familiar to many children of immigrants – she felt caught between two cultures and often on the outer. Representation and self-expression have been topics she's often spoken about, and she says this shoe collection is an extension of that.
“Long before I was Miss Universe Australia, a media personality, author or advocate, I was once a kid who believed that she needed to change her skin, body and ambitions to be good enough," Thattil says in an official statement supplied to Draw Your Box.
"But my parents always encouraged me to leave my footprint on the world so that it was better than when I found it. And that required me to show up as I am - with bravery, purpose, rebellion, joy and power. Those qualities are now styles in my first ever capsule collection with NOVO Shoes. It is an honour to partner with such a trusted, much-loved brand to create something special."
Maria Thattil has launched a shoe collection with Novo Shoes. Image Source: Supplied/Novo
With an emphasis on personal style as opposed to following set trends, Thattil's collection features a variety of looks including strappy metallic heels, genderless pool slides and knee-high embossed croc boots. The colour palette focuses on neutrals such as black, cream and tonal browns, with materials such as chrome, glossy patents, metallics, vegan leather and gold detailing.
"I wanted to design a collection that served elevated style whilst appreciating our human differences – because fashion is for EVERYONE and when you wear my shoes, you can show up as YOU," says Thattil.
"This collection is a reminder that we don’t have to fit a box." And so you draw your own box, right Maria?
The Maria Thattil x Novo Shoes collection has now launched, available exclusively online at novoshoes.com.au, novoshoes.co.nz and in select stores in NSW and VIC, ranging from $109.95 to $169.95.