It’s no secret that the Australian fashion industry was one of the hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns in various states. In fact, two-thirds of the Australian fashion industry did not think that they could recover from the shutdown. A survey released by industry body ‘The Australia Council’ found that only 34% of the sector felt they could rebound financially.
Here are some different strategies that we
recommend for fashion businesses to employ when getting back on track:
So how do small businesses without significant brand recognition and huge budgets survive in this environment? We’ve compiled a list of impressive small fashion businesses to consider when making your next purchase:
Bondi Born
Stocked around the world by significant Global retailers such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Moda Operandi and Net-a-Porter online, Bondi Born consists of elegant, sophisticated swimwear and apparel using high quality fabrics and local craftsmanship. Dale McCarthy (Founder) and Karla Clarke (Creative Director), work together to deliver pared-back, sleek silhouettes which are recognised worldwide.
Her Pony The Label
Initially running from a stall at Melbourne’s Camberwell Market featuring ‘up-cycled’ fashions, Her Pony The Label delivers bright, bold ‘festival-vibe’ clothing with a retro feel. Now with production based out of Indonesia, founder Lauren Stein has ensured a continued focus on socially responsible production practices and a zero plastic packaging policy.
Lenni
Founded by Lisa Stricker in 2013, Lenni offers wearable, unique day and nightwear pieces focused on a 1970’s aesthetic. Now with 200,000 online followers and offered the opportunity to design a capsule collection for a French clothing company, Lenni is a label to watch.
Wilson & Frenchy
Wilson & Frenchy is a boutique baby and kids clothing brand, designed in Melbourne and proudly Australian owned. The range features Newborn, baby + kids collections including accessories, cot & bassinet sheet sets, onesies, leggings, cotton and bamboo blend knitwear, muslin wraps, blankets and organic pyjama sets.
The Ark
The Ark Clothing Co. began 25 years ago and has always been designed and made in Melbourne. With a focus on sustainable, intelligent design, The Ark caters to women who have a mindset of building a considered wardrobe consisting of high quality pieces.
Now a team of over 70 staff, The Ark has 8 stores - 6 in Victoria, 1 in South Australia, 1 in New South Wales and an e-com store shipping worldwide. They also wholesale to 70 retailers nationally. They also received ethical accreditation by Ethical Clothing Australia in 2012, an acknowledgement of their sustainable design and manufacturing processes.
We have a range of candidates with design experience looking for their next opportunity. If you would like to chat about your business requirements, speak to Janine, Amy and Natalie.