The Journey of Barbwire Noose: Unveiling the Corpse Flower Experience

A Swift Start to a New Adventure

And it certainly has been a swift start! The snake is shedding its skin, revealing both the best and worst times ahead. Out of the gates, my One Love brand, Barbwire Noose, has developed its long-awaited Hangman Word Master App. And boy, is it addictive! Just a few tweaks before it releases. I can't wait for you all to play!

I start Legal Studies after being accepted as a student three times at two different universities. It’s a journey that’s been long in the making. Opening the year of 2026 with the BBL, Adelaide International, and Smellanie, I’m diving into February with the Melbourne Fashion Festival. The year is definitely picking up pace!

The Fascinating Corpse Flower

What is Smellanie?

Let’s talk about Smellanie, the Corpse Flower. This rare giant, commonly known as the Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum), is famous for its enormous size, spectacular (and smelly!) bloom, and its rarity. Fewer than 1,000 remain in the wild. A team led by horticultural curator and corpse flower expert Matt Coulter works tirelessly to conserve this incredible species in Australia and beyond. In fact, many successful blooms interstate started right in Adelaide!

Native to Sumatra, the Titan Arum can take up to ten years to bloom for the first time. When it does, it’s a showstopper. The bloom will likely last for just 48 hours, so you don’t want to miss your chance to see one of the world’s largest flowering structures in action.

Stay tuned for updates and plan your visit. This is one botanical event you’ll never forget!

Where: Bicentennial Conservatory, Adelaide Botanic Garden. Visitors should enter via the Friends’ Gate on Plane Tree Drive and come prepared for queues and summer conditions.

When: While the exact timing is hard to predict, it’s likely to happen later this week. Keep an eye on our social channels and website for updates on when the flower opens and the viewing hours.

Cost: During the flower’s two bloom days, entry to the conservatory will be free. However, we encourage a donation so we can continue our important conservation work.

Find out more here Smellanie Live.

Smellanie AdelaideBotanicGarden CorpseFlower TitanArum RareBloom

My Visit to Adelaide’s Famous Corpse Flower

My excitement during the trip to Adelaide Botanical Gardens—a two-hour drive—was palpable. I had a grin from ear to ear, one that even the negative words of a non-morning person couldn't pierce. Following the journey of the Corpse Flower for days, after years since its last bloom, was thrilling. I had never lived so close to such a phenomenon. A jungle flower to smell, see, and experience in its phenomenal rare form was truly a spectacular thought, let alone the reality of experiencing it.

Dressed in my favourite Eco Fashion Week Australia runway garment from 2017, the purple floral print was the perfect attire for this stupendous experience. And boy, was it an experience! The wait was as long as the drive, and this gorgeous, once-in-a-decade bloom did not disappoint the masses who flocked to the Botanic Gardens in Adelaide, SA, to view the wondrous Corpse Flower.

The Impact of Nature on Our Lives

Nature has a way of grounding us. It reminds us of our place in the world. The Corpse Flower, with its unique characteristics and rarity, serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience and beauty in the face of adversity. Just like in human rights activism, we must fight for what is rare and beautiful. We must advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

The experience of witnessing the bloom is not just about the flower itself; it’s about the community that gathers around it. It’s about the stories we share and the connections we make. In a world that often feels disconnected, moments like these remind us of our shared humanity.

The Role of Fashion in Activism

Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a form of expression. It’s a way to communicate our values and beliefs. My brand, Barbwire Noose, embodies this philosophy. Each piece is designed not just to look good but to make a statement. It’s about empowerment, about standing up for what we believe in.

As I navigate the world of fashion and activism, I see the parallels between the two. Just like the Corpse Flower, fashion can be a rare bloom in a field of sameness. It can challenge norms and provoke thought. My goal is to use my platform to advocate for the voiceless and drive positive societal change, especially in Australia’s governance and disability sectors.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

So, what can we do? We can start by being more aware of the world around us. We can support conservation efforts like those for the Corpse Flower. We can engage with our communities and advocate for change.

Let’s not wait for the next bloom to take action. Let’s be the change we want to see. Together, we can create a world that celebrates diversity, beauty, and resilience.

Best xx