Australian made fashion. We do it now, or we don't do it all.
Australians buy a lot of fashion but only 3% of it is made here. This panel discussion at Melbourne Fashion Festival raised industry and citizen challenges and opportunities.
When you buy locally made you support local manufacturing. This means the supply chain has a greater opportunity to work more cohesively together: forging community connections and responsibility to both others & the environment.
For industry, local manufacturing has many benefits, including reduced MOQ (Minimum Order Quantities). Overproduction is one of the fashion industries biggest problems; local manufacturing empowers brands to be agile, to test markets and use just in time manufacturing.
‘When you buy Australian made you are buying someone’s craft.’ Tara Moses, R M Williams. It is challenging to produce in Australia (see some factors highlighted below) but those that are, they are experts in their field.
Key points of discussion:
‘Australian fashion is strong and credible but not recognised in the Australian market as well as it is internationally.’ Jaana Quaintance-James, Australian Fashion Council. Seconded by Juanita Page, Joseph & James ‘You need to make it big internationally, to be recognised by the local market’ (consumers & retail)
‘Manufacturing in Australia is craftsman based. Machines support the craft’ to give you further context.. 88 sets of hands will contribute to the crafting of a pair of boots. Tara Moses, R M Williams
The intimate connection between makers: ‘nothing better then being able to have a cuppa with your manufacturer’ Sarah Sheridan, Clothing The Gaps
Many fashion users are excited about locally made.
Whilst many love to hear about Australian made, less will actually make the purchase, largely due to price point. Fast fashion has skewed public perceptions of price.
Issues for citizens:
The audience questions demonstrated that many don’t know how to identify a well made garment. We need more education around this so that citizens can make informed choices about what they buy - and are aware of value (in craftsmanship) and what factors contribute to garment longevity.
Issues for industry:
Skills shortage: many of our local machinists and servicing technicians are approaching retirement
All in or it doesn’t matter: For many reasons a garment may not be entirely Australian made locally, from fibre to fashion. How can industry celebrate the components of supply chain that are local? Food products have a label clarifying ingredients’ origins and country of manufacture, how can the fashion industry adopt a similar system and how can we ensure that it is authenticated?
Opportunities for industry:
‘Lots of materials can be made here’ Tara Moses, R M Williams
‘We need investment in local spinning’ of fibres. Jaana Quaintance-James, Australian Fashion Council. We produce premium quality and responsibly farmed fibres here but export it. We have the skills to manufacture fibres here, we need investment in infrastructure.
Closer supply chains = community connections & humanising of all the steps in the value chain
Local manufacturing allows for low MOQ and greater control over design and production
‘A lot of time talking about the costs and not the benefits. We do it now, or we don't do it all.’ Janna Quaintance- James, Australian Fashion Council
I travelled to Melbourne specifically to attend this talk & the following panel on fashion circularity. Whilst I am quite aware of industry and citizen challenges, the value of attending such an event lies in resharing this content with you and the opportunity to meet more people curious about local manufacturing.
Australia is home to many incredible brands and manufacturers working tirelessly against the grain to produce in Australia (some or all parts)! This is your call to recognise them so that they can continue to thrive and in doing so continue to contribute to local communities and the economy. You can support by buying an item yes - but only if you love it and will wear it for a long time! Build a wardrobe for yourself that contains garments you know the stories of and are proud to share. When people talk more of the stories of their cloth we have an industry valued. People buying less and creating positive social impact with the purchases they do make.
Lastly, this is fashion- what did I wear?
I wore one of my own designs made from the most special of fabrics! My gown had never left Australian shores from fibre to fashion evidence that we can make here!! A beautiful dress that can be worn by many (you can share it as it is multi size and multiwear) and it feels beautiful - as it is made from cotton. Breathable, hypoallergenic, soft and supple! At the end of a long, loved life this garment can be returned to the soil and naturally break down. This dress doesn’t even contain dyes as it is naturally coloured fibre.
I accessorised with a pair Australian pearl earrings Pearls of Australia, a naturally dyed silk scarf made by a textile artist Annette Wiguna, and Bared Footwear. My makeup was Australian made by zero waste brand: Scoop Whole Beauty.
My bag is a leather baby bag by Oroton big enough to house all my pens and media!
