Looking to do a little Brisbane-based retail therapy? Here are eight local brands who are giving Brisbane’s creative scene a great name, and making waves in the slow and ethical fashion movement.
Alice Nightingale
Alice Nightingale creates garments using vintage and locally produced fabrics. The brand’s pieces (timeless and feminine) are made in Nightingale’s Brisbane studio. Her garments are made with prints inspired by vintage trends as well as Australian flora and fauna. Her pieces also include embroidery of cute Australian animals and sassy Australian quotes.
Shop 4, California Lane, 22 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley, alice-nightingale.myshopify.com
Lubajo
Image: @lubajo.apparel
Lubajo’s pieces are bold and colourful, influenced by founder Sanyu LJ’s South Sudan background. Her brand features stunning kimonos, voluminous maxi skirts, matching two-piece sets, statement head wraps, and weaved bags, all instilled with a tropicana vibe. Lubajo believes that wearing colourful clothing is a way of expressing yourself and celebrating life.
Catch Lubajo at The Village Markets in Stones Corner, the Brisbane Youth Markets on Stanley Street, and the Boho Luxe Markets at The Old Museum. lubajo.com
Nico underwear
Nico stocks bras, underwear, swimwear, socks, body suits and t-shirts, all made sustainably using plant-based dyes, organic cotton and recycled fibres. Their garments are simple and comfortable, and feature clean lines, luxe fabrics and flattering cuts and colours for everyday wear. The pieces look and feel beautiful, while being kind to the planet.
Maiocchi
Image:@maiocchi_
Maiocchi’s pieces are timeless and instantly recognisable, with their flattering retro-inspired silhouettes and fun prints. Their garments are manufactured here in Brisbane, using bamboo and cotton fabrics to create their summer frocks, skirts and fitted tops.
Find stockists and shop online at maiocchi.com.au
Meta Design Co
Meta Design Co.’s pieces are hand-cut and sewn in Brisbane, by founder Kathy, who strives for slow fashion over fast fashion. She works predominantly with cotton and she caters to a variety of sizes and body shapes. She works with simple cuts and interesting materials that are printed with colourful and whimsical illustrations of birds, rainbows, cats, mushrooms, trees, flowers and more.
Find their items stocked in The Collective Store in Wynnum, Nook in South Brisbane, and Hummingbird in Paddington. metadesignco.com.au
By Shyanne the Label
Image: @byshyannethelabel
Ethically made in Australia and Bali, By Shyanne the Label is inspired by Queensland summers and gives off a relaxed, resort vibe. Featuring floaty linen basics in coastal colours, the garments allows women to embrace trends while mixing it up and incorporating their own personal style and pieces. By Shyanne the Label is transparent in their manufacturing processes and strives to support Australian-owned companies. They source their linens from Perth and their stretch fabrics from New South Wales. They dye their garments at a family-owned business in Victoria, who use recycled water and work with two family-owned manufacturers in Brisbane, Australia.
Gloria Dulcie
Image: @gloria_dulcie
Gloria Dulcie creates simple, smart pieces in earthy neutral tones, which she describes as the reflection of a modern woman with echoes of a nostalgic whimsy. Gloria believes in escaping trend cycles, and instead creating detailed, luxurious, feminine linen clothing that is environmentally sustainable and supportive of slow fashion.
Kablooie
Image: @kablooiestore
Kablooie stocks sizes four to 24 and offers customisation in order for their pieces to fit every customer. From T-shirt dresses, baby doll dresses and dresses with pockets, to breastfeeding dresses, the brand is quirky, playful and suits all body types. Their garments are ethically handmade by the founder and her team of local seamstresses right here in Brisbane, using natural fibres. Kablooie also collaborates with local independent artists to create the bright floral, geometric, foodie, and Australiana-inspred prints you see on their garments. Not only does Kablooie support and showcase local artists, but it also makes ranges special and unique to its brand.
