Created by proud Bila-Kalari (Upper Lachlan River) man from the Wiradjuri Nation, Benjamin Thomson, Take Pride Movement has grown to become not only a retail brand, but a movement.
"Take Pride Movement isn't just a brand. It's a statement. A movement. A collective. A big 'screw you' to the doubters, the crabs in the bucket, and anyone who ever tried to keep me small," Thomson says.
"I'm not here to play it safe. I'm not here to fit into a box. This is about taking up space, standing tall, chest out, and owning every single step forward.
"Take Pride Movement (TPM) is like a bag of mixed lollies—each piece has its own flavour, just like the people who wear it.
"From old-school hip-hop to new-wave Indigenous sounds, the vibe is always shifting, always evolving."
Thomson said after a quiet 2024 he is committed to perfecting Take Pride Moment.
"2024 was a reset year for me. I stepped back from socials, took time to breathe, and really stripped things back to why I do this," he said.
"I love fashion. I love creating. And I love that I get to build something that represents pride, power, and movement."
Take Pride Movement officially launched the Take Pride: True Locals capsule after the Melbourne Fashion Festival's MOB IN FASHION runway on Saturday.
"This collection is about being on Country, by the land, by the ocean—it's about honouring where I come from before stepping up into something bigger, something unstoppable," Thomson said.
"From there, it's forward movement only. No backwards steps. I don't care about the doubters. I don't care about the noise. I refuse to be held back by anyone or anything."
Thomson said the new True Locals capsule collection fuses an ath-leisure vibe with a street style twist.
"This collection is a blend of old-school sportswear, modern street style, and raw cultural storytelling. It's bold, expressive, and built for everyone—men, women, and even kids," he said.
"I went back to the essence of streetwear—that effortless energy from the 80s and 90s. Oversized fits, statement graphics, and pieces that don't just look good—they feel powerful to wear. But this isn't just about aesthetics. Every piece carries a story—a piece of me, my people, my journey.
"But more than that—this collection is for everyone who wears it. Take Pride Movement isn't just mine. It's all of us. When you put it on, you're stepping into something bigger. You're repping strength, culture, and the belief that we move forward—always."
Thomson strives to market and promote the brand as a movement.
"TPM is built on survival, resilience, and progress. I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors, of 60,000 plus years of culture, strength, and resistance. I'm here because of the people before me, who fought for the right to be seen, to exist, to thrive," he said.
"But let me make one thing clear—this is also a business. Fashion is not an easy industry. Brands come and go. People start things, but when they realise the grind it takes to actually build something sustainable, they drop off. That's not me. I refuse to stop.
"I'm self-taught. I've made every mistake in the book. I've had setbacks. I've had people try to box me in, doubt me, and hold me back. But every single time, I got back up, moved forward, and stood taller.
"Take Pride Movement is bigger than me. It's a collective. It's everyone who's ever been doubted, underestimated, or told they couldn't. It's about owning your space, taking no backwards steps, and standing up with your chest out."
Take Pride Movement is in the running to become one of the industry's most popular First Nations brands.
With Thomson's unique eye for design and Take Pride Movement's loyal consumer base, the brand is quickly growing to become known both in and outside the fashion industry.
"If there's one thing you can expect from me in 2025, it's consistency. Every drop, every campaign, every project—I'm bringing the best in quality, creativity, and storytelling. But this year isn't just about holding my ground—it's about expansion. This is the year I take TPM global," Thomson said.
"Through digital storytelling, online platforms, and high-impact content, I'm making sure TPM reaches new audiences worldwide. I'm not here to be small. I'm not here to fade into the background.
"I've got major collaborations lined up, projects in the works that I can't talk about yet, but what I can say is this—2025 is about levelling up, raising the bar, and making sure Take Pride Movement is recognised on an international scale."
For more fashion, culture, arts and lifestyle news - subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
