Ethics & Sustainability
FABRICS
We choose to use natural fabrics for our collections as our research has shown that these are better options for the environment, they will eventually break down should you ever discard your garment. Also the raw materials are gentle on the earth, as opposed to synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester which are petroleum based.
Currently our preferred fibres are:
SILK. We use 100% mulberry silk. Silk is a natural fibre that is made from the thread of silkworm cocoons. Silk is often referred to as “the queen of fabrics” and it is our favourite fabric to work with. Silk adores to be worn, it requires very little washing, does not retain odours, and will soften with a light steam.
Our sandwashed silk satin, also known as ‘sueded silk’, is extremely soft with a delustered silk sheen and is certified OEKO-TEX 100.
It is sourced from an Australian fabric agent who has long-standing relationships with their mills and the OEKO-TEX 100 certification means it is made of materials tested for harmful substances, they have been manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities and made while in socially responsible working conditions.
Please note if you are vegan you may prefer our linen or cotton ranges.
VINTAGE SILK. Our vintage silk comes from a vintage wholesaler based in India. We have worked with her for around 6 years and trust her ethics in sourcing quality silks. Not only does this contribute to the livelihoods of Indian people, by using vintage fabrics we are breathing new life and love into the threads and the work of those who made the fabric is appreciated for many years to come.
Using vintage and reclaimed means that our Earth’s vital resources – such as water, land and forests – aren’t being used up unnecessarily for more fabric production when there is an abundance of beautiful fabric that would otherwise end up in landfill.
LINEN. We source our linen from an Australian fabric agent who has long-standing relationships with their mills to ensure the highest standards of working and environmental conditions. All their linens are European Flax linen and are OEKO-TEX 100 certified. Linen comes from the Flax plant, which is grown using very little water and no pesticides, making it the best choice in terms of being gentle to the Earth.
COTTON. Cotton is comfortable to wear, easy to maintain and is one of the world’s longest running fibres for clothing. The production of cotton has been known to use quite a lot of water and pesticides, so we strive to use only 100% organic cotton in our collections. Organic cotton farming supports cotton farmers all over the world, our current cotton range is sources from India, supporting the farming families and mills. As a natural fibre, cotton will also break down earlier than synthetics should you ever discard of your cotton clothing.
MANUFACTURING
All our clothing is made in Australia. Owner and head designer Raffael makes the majority of pieces from her home studio, based in Perth Australia. Due to the growth and demand for our dresses, we have recently enlisted the services of an incredible local seamstress/solo manufacturer. We ensure that she is paid above award wages for her work.
RESEARCH & NEXT STEPS
Owner & Designer Raffael has completed the course “Fashion and Sustainability”, through the London College of Fashion. She continues to research the latest sustainable and ethical options and explores how the brand can make a positive impact in the world. It is an ongoing journey and we continue to strive to be better.
We are currently sourcing alternative thread options and how to carbon offset our manufacturing. As with all sustainable fashion brands, we are not perfect, but we are constantly taking strides towards a better future.