BAREFOOT TO BOOTS

With winter soon approaching, the days are becoming shorter and our environment is beginning to wither and hide. The earth turns its energy inwards and returns home to rest in the soil, where activity subsides with the invitation of stillness. Nature retreats in preparation for the coming spring. Being ruled by the element of water, winter reminds us to slow down and come back to our roots. This winter, I introduce Barefoot to Boots.

Boots are a prominent piece in the fashion industry, making it easy to forget that they were once strictly made for and worn by our ancestors for functionality. Boots are born from our need for protection in farming and agricultural work. The Nomads Garage depicts boots as a symbol of protection from the seemingly harsh and overwhelming environment we live in today. Since boots are generally designed to be durable (the Latin root of durable is “dūrābilis”, which means “lasting” or “permanent”), they offer a long lasting support to tend to our soil — where we pull out the weeds of untruths and reveal a home within. In the life of a nomad, it is quite tangibly seen that not much is permanent. Historically, a nomad moves as the seasons change. In an industrialised society, this nomad wears boots for protection as the trends change — living ever in style.

THE NOMADS GARAGE presents BAREFOOT TO BOOTS.

Born from humans innate desire for belonging.

This season we are reminded of where we began. The earth's energy turns to the soil and, in turn, we invite stillness and come back to our roots. When our feet can't bear the weight of the fear we hold, boots offer long lasting support. Times are changing, technology is advancing and humans are evolving. From prehistoric origins to a contemporary take on nomadic culture, boots symbolise protection when we feel afraid of expressing who we truly are — boldly worn, gently held.

Barefoot to Boots embodies the spirit of the water element, featuring blue tones amidst earthy hues and bohemian inspired patterns. We wander through sun-dappled greenery, and forgotten fields, draped in floral prints, denim vests and flowing dresses. Vintage leather boots kick up wildflower petals with each step. Each piece tells a story — of wandering souls who value meaning over mass production, soul over speed. 

Shot in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. An escape from the noise. Where you can feel deeply inspired by the local artistic scene of Montville, the creative soul of the hinterland. The waterfalls and cool climate of Maleny create acute nostalgia for the winter quietude. A fertile space for dreaming and imagination.

Barefoot to Boots blends raw authenticity with dreamy nostalgia. This is not just fashion, it's a ritual of remembering. A doorway to a forgotten time, before the hum of machines and the concrete sprawl of industrialised life. It calls us back to when we were still dreamers — untamed, intuitive, and deeply connected to the earth and each other. This is an invitation to bring the boots back — to redefine beauty as a revolution.

To grow out of capitalism, we must first plant the seed. Put on your boots, we’re going sowing.

Captured by Rachael Shardlow.