Circular Fashion
Part one
Fibre
We source all fabrics based on their environmental and human impact; with consideration of the whole garment lifecycle. Currently all our fabrics are sourced as deadstock fabric or are Australian Super Cotton, grown by our QLD farmers. In future, we hope to offer you garments made from Australian Merino wool and fabrics made from recycled fibres. The fabrics in our current collection are predominately natural fibres that can be recycled over again or broken down and returned to the earth once they're done. You'll notice cotton is our hero fibre. We love it as it soft, breathable, durable (so your garments last), and one of the best choices for fabric prints (as it is absorbent the fibres can be coloured brilliantly). Australia is the most water efficient producer of cotton in the world, and we love that most cotton (90%) are grown on family farms. Families that have often lived and worked in their community for generations.
Kelsey Drabsch Photography
Textile production
Full Circle Fibres connects us to Australian Super Cotton and has a transparent supply chain. All other fabrics are sourced as designer ends and deadstock. They are not produced sorely for our designs, rather, they are excess quality textile. Our main suppliers are The Fabric Store and Wall Fabrics. Learn more about deadstock fabric here.
In our Gold Coast studio, sewing the Kim Tee, from Australian Super Cotton
Design
The longer a single garment stays in use, the better. That's why we design with you in mind, ensuring every garment is one you are delighted to own and treasure. Garments are made with attention to detail, designed to last and bring you joy for many wears. For further information on our unique design process click here.
Illustration by Emma Bond for Madi & Pip
Preorder
Most of our garments are sewn when you order. We do this to minimise waste (caused by excess production) and to ensure each garment is perfect for its’ fashionable owner! All Madi & Pip garments can be customised to best accommodate your beautiful body. When we have an item of clothing that has a truly awesome fit, unique fabric choice, and is comfortable to wear; we treasure it. Lasting, quality garments are better for our planet, and better for you! Overflowing wardrobes of ill fitting clothes are overwhelming and exhausting. Curate a small collection of garments that sing “you” and make you feel brilliant each time you wear them.
Production
Local production ensures attention to detail, quality, fair working conditions, and we are able to support the Australian textile industry (which includes our awesome cotton farmers)! Emma designs, drafts and sews fashion in her sunny studio in Queensland, Australia. She collaborates with local pattern graders, and is proud that even our fabric covered buttons and garment labels are manufactured here, in Australia. As the brand continues to grow we are determined to always keep our production on shore, and work with manufacturers accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA). A note on waste - we don't have a lot! Our fabrics are in high demand. Offcuts are made into fabric covered buttons, face masks or shared with our personal community of home sewists and educators for use in their classrooms. Even our thread spools are saved and repurposed.
Distribution
All products are packaged and delivered plastic free. As many of our beautiful customers are local, we like to personally deliver where possible, or arrange pick up from a pop up location.
Further reading
Sustainable Fashion 101 - Study with Wardrobe Crisis Academy. Super boost your sustainability journey and grow your foundational knowledge o the issues driving our industry today.
Up parel A leader in textile recycling, Upparel explains Circular Fashion here
Further listening
The Wardrobe Crisis, podcast by Clare Press
Please let us know your thoughts, or share a link to an Australian business embracing circular fashion.
Talking about circular fashion and asking questions lets your designers’ know your values. You can play an active role in circular fashion.
