At Red Fox Sox, we're drawn to designs that make everyday life a little brighter and a little more Australian. Our collaboration with Melanie Hava, a Mamu Aboriginal artist from Far North Queensland, does exactly that. Her vibrant artwork takes the wildlife, rainforest and reef of her Country and wraps it around a collection of 13 colourful bamboo sock designs.

Meet Aboriginal artist Melanie Hava

Melanie identifies as a Mamu Aboriginal woman through her mother's family, with connections to the Dulgu-barra and Wari-barra family groups of the Johnstone River catchment in Far North Queensland. Through her father, she also has Austrian roots. On her official artist website, she explains that the rainforests and reef country of North Queensland are among the biggest sources of inspiration in her work.

She started making art young, and you can see both sides of her story in what she paints: her Aboriginal heritage on one hand, and the European folk-art influences she soaked up while living in Austria on the other. The result is a style all her own, with expressive patterns, rich colour and a deep love of the natural world.

Her work has been shown around Australia and overseas, including at Cairns Art Gallery and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Her solo exhibitions at Cairns Art Gallery include Bugan Mungan and Marngaree.

From rainforest and reef to wearable art

Every design in the collection has its own personality. Put them together and you get a colourful, wearable way to enjoy contemporary Aboriginal art, one pair at a time.

Australian birds and wildlife

If you love native animals, start with Koala Cuddles, where koalas snuggle among bright branches, or Platypus Race, a playful turquoise design full of platypuses. Bird lovers are well looked after too, with Fairy Wrens, Rosella Reunion, Galahs Under Stars and Eagle Soaring. And for lively scenes of animals and trees, take a look at Heart of the Wild and Canopy Encounters.

Koala CuddlesKoalas among bright branchesShop now → Platypus RacePlayful platypuses on turquoiseShop now → Fairy WrensBlue wrens on leafy branchesShop now → Rosella ReunionColourful rosellasShop now → Galahs Under StarsPink galahs under the night skyShop now → Eagle SoaringAn eagle spreading its wingsShop now → Heart of the WildKangaroo and bush scenesShop now → Canopy EncountersPossum and animals in the treetopsShop now →

Ocean and Great Barrier Reef inspiration

Melanie's connection to reef country shines through in the ocean designs. Great Barrier Reef is packed with colourful fish and coral, while Returning to Shores follows sea turtles up to a sandy beach. Giants of the Blue, Humpback Whales and Ocean Wanderers bring whales, rays and flowing blue patterns into the mix.

Great Barrier ReefFish, coral and sea turtlesShop now → Returning to ShoresSea turtles near a sandy shorelineShop now → Giants of the BlueWhales in glowing blue patternsShop now → Humpback WhalesHumpbacks and ocean patternsShop now → Ocean WanderersRays and marine wildlifeShop now →

Australian bamboo socks that feel as good as they look

Yes, they're pretty to look at, but they're also properly comfortable. Our bamboo socks are made from a soft, lightweight bamboo-rich fabric, with just one fine toe seam so there's no scratchy stitching inside. The pattern runs all the way around, so the artwork looks good from every angle. These are crew socks for men and women, easy to wear with sneakers, boots or your favourite pair of work shoes.

So whether you're after Aboriginal art socks, Australian bamboo socks, funky socks for yourself or a gift that's a bit different, this collection ticks the boxes: art, comfort and a strong sense of place.

Need a roomier fit? We also have a range of bamboo socks for larger, wider feet.

Australian gifts with a story behind them

Socks are one of those gifts that nearly everyone can use. They're easy to wrap, easy to post and easy to pop in a suitcase, which makes them a great Australian souvenir to send to friends and family overseas. Koalas, platypuses, fairy wrens and the Great Barrier Reef are always popular with anyone who loves Australian wildlife.

With Christmas coming up, they also work well as a stocking filler, a Secret Santa present or a small thank-you. Most of our designs sit comfortably in the gifts-under-$20 range, and you'll find gift boxes if you'd like something ready to give. Shipping is free on orders over $50 within Australia, with free express shipping over $70.

One artist, one voice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art isn't a single style. Each artist has their own Country, family story and way of seeing the world. Choosing socks from a collection like this one is a lovely way to get to know one artist's work properly, rather than lumping it all together. Melanie's designs reflect her own heritage, experiences and creative eye.

Explore the Melanie Hava x Red Fox Sox collection

Ready to find your pair? Browse all 13 designs, or see what else we've created with other Aboriginal artists.

Shop the Melanie Hava collection All Aboriginal artist collaborations

Want to know more about Melanie, her story, exhibitions and original artwork? Visit the Art of Melanie Hava official website.

Quick answers

Are Red Fox Sox bamboo socks soft?

Yes. They're made from a lightweight, bamboo-rich fabric with a fine toe seam, so there's no rough stitching inside the sock.

Which Aboriginal art socks make the best gifts?

Koala Cuddles, Platypus Race, Fairy Wrens and Great Barrier Reef are favourites for anyone who loves Australian wildlife, including friends overseas.

Can I buy more Aboriginal art socks from other artists?

Yes, see our collaborations with Caitlin Trindall and Kirsten Gray.

Red Fox Sox is a Perth, Western Australia business. Prices, stock and shipping offers may change, so please check the product pages for the latest details.