Slow Fashion Labels
You Need To Know
We’ve put together a shortlist of amazing slow fashion designer labels that are making an eco-friendly name for themselves in the Australian fashion scene. No scratchy hemp or crumpled beige looks here. Rather, it’s all high design and craftsmanship with choices that range from vivid colours to upcycled denim and beyond!
A.BCH
Unique fashion label A.BCH, is aiming to minimise its fashion footprint by designing quality clothing that can be composted or recycled at the end of its well-worn life. Think breezy linen shirts, organic cotton skivvies and fleecy track pants, each a perfect addition to a sustainability-minded wardrobe. More recently, the label is the first Australian made label to go circular. This brand is leading the way in slow fashion, sustainability and circularity.
Arnsdorf
Aiming to bring some radical honesty to her relaunched brand Arnsdorf, founder Jade Sarita Arnott decided to showcase the real cost making her garments. For that reason the brand publishes all costs associated with labour, materials and logistics on their website. Known for their minimalist, structured cuts, Arnsdorf is setting the benchmark for a new high in fashion. It’s a brand that’s also going circular.
Clothing the Gaps
Influencing social change and aiming to unite non-Indigenous and Aboriginal people through fashion is social enterprise Clothing the Gaps. It’s a brilliant slow fashion label that is harnessing support for important causes, like Free-the-Flag. Learn more about how they’ve grown into Australia’s Largest Aboriginal-owned Clothing Label.
E Nolan
Shattering the view of outdated, stuffy office wear and transforming suits into a statement is the aim of E Nolan. The brand creates bespoke suits for every occasion in Italian linens and Japanese cottons. E Nolan hopes her suits can be the ultimate in power dressing for her customers, making them feel amazing and giving them an extra boost of confidence in their wardrobe.
HoMie
Social enterprise HoMie is here to help break down the negative stigma of homelessness and life on the streets, through fashion. They’re creating Australian made hoodies, tees and beanies with 100% of profits supporting youth affected by homelessness or hardship.
Design by JUDE
Made from start to finish in Melbourne, Jude caters for all genders with his versatile designs. Using quality natural fabrics, vintage materials and fabrics, Jude, who has a degree in Fine Arts, ensures that every detail of each garment measures up. From the outset, JUDE has always worked closely with local artisans and manufacturers and says fast fashion is best fought by offering unique, quality garments.
Kuwaii
Kuwaii’s stand out styles can be seen on so many Melbournites, bringing a pop of colour to the all-black looks that roam the alleyways. Known for their timeless cuts and vivid hues, Kuwaii provides an exciting alternative to cheap, trend-driven and mass-produced fashion.
Lois Hazel
Untraceable supply lines and excessive waste in the fashion industry are pet hates of Melbourne label Lois Hazel. Aiming to rectify these fashion Dont’s with her label, Lois Hazel publishes the true cost of her garments online. Detailing right down to the threads that are used to bring her creations to life, Lois Hazel is brutally honest.
Nobody Denim
Nobody does denim like Melbourne’s Nobody Denim. Made in their own factory in Thornbury, this slow fashion brand supplies sustainably made, well-fitting denim designed to last. They are currently breathing life into old denim as part of their HoMie collaboration. Think patchwork jeans and frayed up jackets.
Sister Studios
Join the sisterhood of linen that is Fitzroy’s Sister Studios. Known for their versatile apron dresses that are the uniform of practically every Melbournite, Sister Studios creates pieces you never knew you needed. All garments are made out of deadstock fabrics, luxurious linen and gingham cottons.
For more sustainable Australian fashion labels, check out: Your Guide to Sustainable Active Wear
