All too often we look overseas for fashion trends and take styling advice from those far removed from Australian design.
Well, we have many great designers in this country and as a personal stylist who works with many of them, I wanted to share my top picks when it comes to Australian clothing brands that offer style with a focus on sustainability.
ELK
Founded in 2004, this Melbourne based independent label not only offers on-trend items but it has a social conscience too. ELK only works with small manufacturers who meet their ethical values and are also involved in several charities.
Leonard Street
If you want something eclectic with colour, here it is. This Melbourne based label has been producing adventurous prints and poppin’ designs since 2004. Founder Amanda McCarthy takes inspiration for clothes design from the imaginative world of children’s stories, folklore and myths.
Harlow
Driven by a belief that every woman has the right to find fashion that reflects her personality, Harlow offers clothes in sizes 12-26. The husband and wife team started their business out of a need to find clothing that looks great in sizes that fit plus-size women.
Arnsdorf
It’s brave to cease operation due to the poor ethics of an industry, that’s what Arndorf did in 2012. But realising they could be the change, they started trading again in 2016. Arndorf is the complete set, offering everything in fashion from dresses and denim to trousers and footwear.
Nelson Made
With a commitment to slow fashion, small-batch model, Nelson Made offer sandals that are unique and stylishly designed. Materials are sourced with the lowest possible environmental and human impact. With a variety of colours, designs and styles, Nelson Made will have what you’re looking for.
Kuwaii
This operation exists entirely within 15km of Brunswick in Melbourne to support local jobs and keep valuable trades alive. Kuwaii produces vibrant and quirky styles of play and jumpsuits, tailored pants, tees, dresses, jackets and footwear. If you want something that screams individual style check out Kuwaii.
Kloke
Relax guys, I haven’t forgotten you. Kloke have a complete men’s range that will have you decked out in the latest trends and designs. Personally, I love their women’s line and standouts are their chalk mapping skirt and their ink Marfa trench coat.
DIIDA
This independent Melbourne label has built its market by offering sophistication and luxury. According to founder, Dimitria Papafotiou, DIIDA is a brand that represents the modern woman in all her forms, on all occasions – strong, chic, incredibly romantic, extremely flirtatious and very seductive.
Well Made Clothes
Their philosophy is simple. Well-made clothing looks better, feels better, and wears better and production of well made clothing minimises harm, empowers individuals and sustains communities. Their clothing certainly looks great, ranging from dresses, lingerie, knit and activewear to jewellery and accessories to shoes and even homewares.
My General
Launched in 2016, this designer is producing small considered collections made from natural fibres in simple shapes and is the idea of founder Michelle Glew-Ross. Colours are often earthy while styles are clean. My General will appeal to those looking for something subtle and comfortable.
No matter your fashion and style needs (or wants) leading into 2020, you’re bound to find something from my list above.
