Sustainable Fashion Brands
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Perth, Western Australia is not a fashion capital, known as it is for its fabulous beaches, ubiquitous sunshine, and casual, outdoor lifestyle. Runways and fashion don’t usually spring to mind when thinking about Perth. Amazingly however, fashion lovers will find that some of Australia’s favourite sustainable fashion brands are actually Perth-born.
While sustainability can mean a range of different things, we’re focussed on the brands that are making an effort to either produce slowly, limit their production runs, are hand made, use natural fibres that leave a smaller imprint on the plant or are making an effort with sustainable packaging.
Whether you’re looking to rediscover some old favourites, or find a new brand to add to your wardrobe, these are the sustainable fashion brands from Perth that you need to know about.
33 POETS
With a love of streetwear, 33 POETS designer and founder Rebecca Patterson subverts regular textile practices and instead aims for something unique and innovative. Using techniques such as the Japanese method of manual fabric dyeing, Patterson is a slow fashion advocate who is passionate about creating distinctive pieces while minimising her carbon footprint and without harming the planet. Worn by many well known in Perth and beyond, and highly praised by international fashion talent David Downton and Alexandra Kohut-Cole, international fashion journalist and contributor to Vogue and Harpers Bazaar.
Dyspnea
One of the things we love about Dyspnea is their amazing range of sizes. Because they are made to order, they can make in your size ladies – whatever that is -and isn’t that great news! With a party style that boasts of enough sparkles to give you a headache for days, founders Jameen Zalfen and Rachel Motteram met at TAFE WA. We first discovered Dyspnea when we were shooting the street style looks at Australian Fashion Week not long after they launched and came across their head-turning signature fashion. Hand beaded, and ethically made in Bali. Worn by Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton and Dua Lipa.
Visit Dyspnea
Empire Rose
Label Empire Rose are known for their dramatic, colourful pieces that play with structure and volume. Founded in 1998 in Western Australia by Kathryn Cizeika, every single garment garment is designed and produced in Cizeika’s North Fremantle studio and shop. Each collection from Empire Rose is transeasonal and produced in limited runs to encourage their clientele to purchase timeless pieces that will continue to be worn for years to come.
Visit Empire Rose
Flannel
A family business which began in Perth in 2006, Parisian inspired chic all-day-wear brand FLANNEL now has boutiques all over the world. For the the well-travelled, free spirits of the world who wants to invest in timeless pieces to be worn multiple times over the years. Leaning towards sustainable practices Flannel reuses offcuts and excess fabric by turning them into lining and packaging for their candles. In store bags are reusable and the brand has been entirely plastic-free since 2020.
Visit Flannel
Kirrikin
Founded by Wonnarua woman Amanda Healy, Kirrikin was born as a solution to address the shortage of authentic Indigenous products. As part of her label, Healy aims to create more sustainable forms of income with different Aboriginal artists she works with. Using their prints for various designs, Healy pays them a part of the profits. Additionally the brand has implemented a dress hire service as a sustainable pathway for fans of the label. Worn by Marcia Langton, Karla Grant, Sam Harris and Narelda Jacobs.
Visit Kirrikin
Mountain and Moon
You may have seen Mountain and Moon jewellery on celebrities like Winnie Harlow, Cartia Mallan or Sydney Sweeney on the cover of Variety. But as part of their business, founders Audrey Allen and Ashton Cameron wanted to give back with their accessories brand. They’ve partnered with the Saheli Women foundation in India to ensure a percentage of all sales go towards projects in Rajasthan, India. Worn by Dua Lipa.
Visit Mountain and Moon
Natalie Rolt
Resort, evening and bridal wear thats both ready-to-wear and made-to-order, Natalie Rolt that defines the female form and effortless elegance. Good on You rates the brand with a smile and “Its a Start”. Launching the brand in 2012, the eponymous label boasts a massive online following and is known for its minimalist sophistication. Worn by Bella Hadid,Shanina Shaik, Natasha Oakley and Nadine Leopold.
Visit Natalie Rolt
One Fell Swoop
Born during their time studying at the Western Australian School of Art and Design, Daniel Romanin and Nina Ergic bonded over their shared love for draping and meticulous tailoring. After nearly 20 years in business, the duo have continued to commit to ethical practices by ensuring all their garments are designed and made in Western Australia. Fabric offcuts and scraps from their workroom are saved from landfill and donated to a local sporting manufacturer for stuffing. Any remaining rolls of fabric are sold below cost to fashion and design institutions to help aid the development of local talent.
Visit One Fell Swoop
Poppy Lissiman
Now worn by the likes of Justin Bieber, Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa, Lissiman’s eponymous label launched in Western Australia in 2008 as a ready-to-wear line before changing direction and the accessories brand we know and love was born. All the designs by Lissiman are made with faux leather materials and are cruelty-free. Always looking to minimise their footprint, the brand have incorporated PET fabric made from recycled post-consumer plastics into some handbags and utilise recycled acetate options for some sunglass styles. Worn by Kendall Jenner, Georgia May Jagger and Hayley Bieber.
Visit Poppy Lissiman
Wild Horses
Natalie Donavan started Wild Horses over a decade ago with the idea of creating a luxe brand that can take you from day to night. Made from natural fibres of cottons and linen, Wild Horses only produces small runs each year. With the longevity of garments in mind, Natalie designs in the belief that her sustainable creations will be worn year after year, across seasons.
Visit Wild Horses
Zhivago
Another famous Perth label seen on celebrities such as Camila Cabello, Alicia Keyes and Narelda Jacobs, Zhivago has established itself as a 100 per cent cruelty-free fashion house. Founder and designer Lara Kovacevich brags a label known for their impeccably tailored evening-wear. Not only are they 100 per cent cruelty-free, but have also achieved PETA approved status in 2017 and was named PETA Australia’s Most Animal-Friendly Label in 2018. Worn by Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Paula Abdul, Paris Hilton, Khloe Kardashian, Lady Gaga and Madonna.
Visit Zhivago
All images for sustainable fashion brands via the Instagram pages of each brand,
with thanks.
Featured Image: Natalie Rolt
See more: Fashion Innovation: 33 Poets
