If you're tuned into the zeitgeist, you'll know that the 21st Century is an opportunity to create sustainable communities to counter the economic, political, and ecological crises troubling our world. It's slow progress – government and big business are dragging the chain – but people are starting to embrace the philosophy of ethical, sustainable, and locally-made in their daily lives and weekly shopping lists.
And while it's relatively easy to find fashion or clothing brands (especially for women) that are committed to the made-in-Australia ethos, from the well-known Cue and Bianca Spender, whose clothes are worn by celebrities, to more niche labels such as EDITION and par moi; information about accessories, homewares, toys and other everyday items is not so readily available.
It's time to change that!
Let's talk about sustainable wardrobe essentials that are not made from luxury linen, organic cotton, or Australin wool. Let's talk about the embellishments you choose to enhance your best clothing brand or fashion label threads, whether they be denim jeans, activewear, or your favourite going out outfit.
Sustainable jewellery fashion brands
Soft and Sensuous
When you imagine a sensuous pair of earrings, is leather the first thing that comes to mind? Probably not, but it is a lightweight, sustainable material that innovative designers are starting to use for Australian-made jewellery. Caroline Carruthers in Noosa is leading the way with the Deccoangel label. She uses a combination of processes to minimise waste, and creates unique pieces (with a nod to femininity) that are designed to make the wearer feel special.
Sculptural Fashion
Sustainable practices have a place in the Frank Ideas collections created by designer Rowan Shaw. Her sculptural fashion accessories are made by hand in Australia from quality new, recycled, upcycled, and non-conventional materials. You'll see style icons wearing these tactile masterpieces, and you'll find them in art gallery gift shops and specialist boutiques.
Wearable Art
Leela Fernandez from Solart creates gorgeous wearable art from her original ink paintings. Her jewellery is made in Melbourne using sustainably sourced hoop pine. Leela believes Mother Earth needs our love and that we can all help by going local and embracing sustainably sourced materials and recycling.
Aboriginal culture
Gunditjmara woman Laura Thompson, founder of The Koori Circle and Clothing the Gaps, combines a love of fashion earrings with Aboriginal culture in her accessory brand, The Koorie Circle. Her designs, which feature Aboriginal art, cultural items, and native animals, are an ideal way to help the wider community learn about and respect Aboriginal culture. Wood was her first material of choice, and the company has now embraced other eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, in its Melbourne-based business.
Bold and Memorable
There's a good chance you've seen Sophie Cooper's earrings, necklaces, and brooches in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, or Byron Bay because they are bold, memorable, and designed to compliment every wardrobe. Her brand, Scoops Design, crafts all its products in Australia from sustainably-sourced wood. Obviously the lightweight variety. The range is loved in the fashion industry and it is not only for women; Scoops has a men's collection as well.
None of this ethical Australian-made jewellery is produced in a factory. Rather, manufacturing is small-scale and production is often done by hand. The supply chain is contained, with raw materials being sourced from the local community. Companies that embrace sustainability are also known for using packaging made from post-consumer waste (recycled) materials. Some use fabric jewellery bags made from textile waste, while others use recycled card boxes and compostable mailer bags for online deliveries.
Moreover, many artisans and designers who are committed to using sustainable and ethical production methods, include recycled and upcycled materials in their practice, and take care to minimise waste.
The benefits of sustainable Australian-made
Australian-made designer products and handcrafted items are made with premium materials and attention to detail, resulting in products that will last. Years of craftsmanship and skill go into these products, ensuring they are of the highest quality.
Sustainably made jewellery is often unique and one-of-a-kind, with each piece having its own story. This is especially true for handmade items, as each is crafted by an individual artisan and is unlikely to be identical to any other.
By buying from an Australian designer business or an online store that creates handmade items, you are supporting neighbourhood artisans and communities, while helping to sustain local industries and economies.
Australian-made designer products and handcrafted items often draw on local and regional cultural traditions, providing a sense of connection to the history and heritage of the country. This is especially the case with First Nations art and craft, which frequently embodies thousands of years of cultural knowledge.
Overall, Australia's designers and artisans excel at creating products that are unique, beautiful, and functional, drawing on the country's natural beauty, multicultural heritage, and rich cultural traditions, to create pieces that you will love for a long time. And finally, a commitment seeking out local and ethical products is an important way that each of us can demonstate that we care about the community.
Once you start to look, it is surprising how many fabulous Australian-made designer products can be found.
We've made a start for you by putting together this collection. Take a look now at the rest of the range at O Gosh Shop.