Brands celebrate Aussie cotton
Rodd and Gunn, Bonds, Sussan, Country Road, ELK The Label, Willow and Claude, Kamakura Shirts and Madi & Pip showcased beautiful garments & thoughtful conversations at the 2022 Australian Cotton Conference. Coordinated by Sharen Kenny of Palatine Productions, & Brooke Summers of Cotton Australia, in collaboration with Australian Cotton Shippers Association ; was the Australian by Design Fashion Forum & Runway. Held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre before over 2,000 delegates, it was a great moment to discuss why we choose Australian cotton.
Brooke Summers: I know you’re passionate about sustainability...what’s your take on Australian cotton’s environmental credentials?
Emma Bond:
“I think it is really important to recognise that sustainability is a journey. The more questions we ask and the more research we do, the more we got to do- and that’s why I love our Australian cotton industry. You are committed to research and constant change. You are a very modern industry. Since 1992, when I was a little ticka, you’ve improved our water efficiency since then, by 48%. That’s huge. And if we look at the insecticides used, that’s come down 97%. Like, congratulations! You are a wonderful bunch of people. Through the Australian Future Cotton Leaders program I’ve been privileged to speak to a lot of you along the supply chain and it has been a real honour.
The other thing that I just love about our Australian cotton industry, is that you don’t just want to be the best. You know, the best and most sustainable industry. You aspire to be global leaders of sustainable cotton. Getting your fabrics the best. And of course you’ve got that premium, long staple fibre which is beautiful to design with and virtually zero contaminants. So thank you for supplying that to us- we love it!”
Runway highlights
“Recognised as a leading responsible retailer, Country Road is proud to source Australian cotton which has become a signature fibre for the brand.”
I chose to sketch their Classic Chambray Shirt re-issued from 1984 in Australian Cotton and made in Melbourne! Quite a story about this great shirt, watch it here.
“For more than 80 years, Sussan has been celebrating the spirit of Australian women. We have been using Australian Cotton in our designs for decades and introduced our 100% Australian cotton collection in 2019 across our sleepwear and apparel ranges. Since then, we’ve proudly been working with Cotton Australia to support Aussie farmers and reduce emissions by sourcing locally.”
BONDS
“Working with Aussie farmers via Cotton Australia helps us to create some of the softest cotton clothing in the world. It also gives us a greater understanding of where our raw materials come from and how they are farmed and produced.”
ELK
“The opportunity to feature designs crafted from quality Australian grown cotton fibres, with their reduced environmental impact, supports our goals of tackling climate change, reducing our water footprint and protecting biodiversity.”
“We source from Australian Cotton growers, renowned for their high land management and ethical farming practices.”
Words, illustrations & photos: Emma Bond, designer & educator of Madi & Pip. Quotes taken from recording, and Australian By Design Fashion menu prepared by Cotton Australia & Australian Cotton Shippers Association for the 2022 Australian Cotton Conference.
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Breezy from the bust down thanks to a loose fit and luxe cotton needlecord fabric. Hand placed skirt pleating, no two designs are ever exactly the same. Cinch in at waist with fabric sash made from a silk linen blend. Appliqué flower belt loops at the back for those who like to cinch in the waste without adding a horizontal (belt look) at front. This dress has deep roomy pockets.
This garment is sewn from cotton fabric. It contains cotton thread, flat wooden buttons (inside, with cotton loopers, to keep your bra strap secured and out of site) and silk organza to give hidden support and structure at neckline.
The only plastic in this garment is the brand and care labels made of recycled polyester by Australian business Ted + Toot