Living in the beautiful town of Byron Bay, I’m in awe of the local labels that put sustainability, transparency and timeless fashion at the forefront of their brands. It’s an honour to tell the story behind some of these brands and the inspiring work that they do (not to mention their incredible talent and creativity)! Let’s make conscious fashion the new norm.
A B Y S S E
Conjured up in the tropics of French Polynesia, this brand has been brought to life by local woman Hanalei Reponty. Growing up on the island of Tahiti, Hanalei experienced a deep connection the the land and its people. After becoming both a surfer and model, she dreamed of creating a label with substance; Abysse was born. It is now a small family business run by women. The surf and swim suits are made using recycled materials from beginning to end. Profits also go toward charities the family believe in. With classic designs and amazing functionality, you’ll want to invest in some sustainable pieces.
A F E N D S
The coolest kids on the block for sustainable fashion, Afends was founded by duo Declan Wise and Jonathan Salfield. It naturally developed from their screen printing business, originally focused on punk and hardcore bands, with the added influence of surf and skate culture. Fiercely dedicated to sustainability, Afends uses 100% sustainable fibres with a big focus on hemp. Their philosophy encourages consumers to ‘question everything.’ Their wish is for people to think for themselves and challenge the messages they receive in order to develop their own opinions and make their own choices. Shop here for timeless denim pieces and groovy tees.
A L E M A I S
Australian designer Lesleigh Jermanus infuses her Lebanese heritage into her artisanal designs to create contemporary fashion that applies transparent and sustainable practices. Her designs honour traditional craft and techniques – using an eclectic mix of natural textiles, hand crafted embroidery and exaggerated shapes. Jermanus is also passionate about reducing her environmental impact and treating her suppliers with respect. A tree is planted with each sale.
A L L T H A T R E M A I N S L O V E
Romanticise your life with the loveliest handmade pieces from Leaha Lockley. Each limited-edition collection combines timeless femininity with slow simplicity. Employing exceptional craftmanship, the pieces feature hand-painted batiks, colourful crochets and sophisticated silhouettes. Lockley has an unwavering commitment to sustainable fashion and defies fast fashion with her ageless vintage style. It’s no wonder she has garnered a cult following. Add some romance to your life with a timeless piece.
A R N H E M
Saying the name of this Byron brand might evoke beautiful imagery of a colourful gypsy lifestyle. Inspired by her nomadic childhood and nature’s beauty, Arnhem developed her own designs with a signature vintage style of earthy florals and vibrant colours. What began at the Byron Bay markets quickly grew into a vast online presence that celebrates the wild wilderness of her hometown. With a deep connection to the Earth and passion for sustainable living, Arnhem is a beautiful brand to support.
B Y B I L L I E
The brainchild of mother and creative, Charlotte Palardis, By Billie was born after a move from Brisbane to the small coastal town of Crescent Head. As a new mother, Charlotte wanted to reconnect to herself and her brand became a way to do so. Designed for children and women, her designs are fresh and fun, often sporting sustainable messages for a better world. She is committed to an ongoing journey of sustainability in her production, using 95% cotton for her materials and organic where possible. Find your fresh fit here.
C H A S I N G U N I C O R N S
Lovingly created in small batches, conscious consumption is at the threshold of this Byron-based label. Born from a life-long love of vintage and tendency towards wanderlust, Sarah Humphrey created a label that honours timeless, feminine fashion. Her aesthetic is artisan bohemian with a rock and roll spirit. In dedication of slow fashion, it is a brand of beautiful integrity. Did I mention she’s based in Byron Bay and all of her employees are mothers? Find your collectable piece to treasure here.
D E I J I S T U D I O S
Named after the humble daisy, a symbol of nature’s simplicity and resilience, Deiji Studios was born from a collaboration between Juliette Harkness and Emma Nelson. Their vision was to blend sleepwear and daywear with an emphasis on ease, comfort and languor. Luxurious linen bedding is also fittingly part of their brand. Proud members of the 1% for the planet movement, Deiji Studios exhibits an unwavering social, ethical and environmental consciousness. It is based in Byron Bay, shipping across Australia and world-wide.
L O T T I E H A L L
Put some funk into your fashion with beachy cool designs by Lottie Hall. After studying fashion and working a few years in the industry, Hall branched out to start her own label. Her designs all feature her own artwork, in the form of print or embroidery. Playful and colourful, they conjure up dreams of summertime by the sea. Her clothes are handmade in limited runs, made in a longterm factory in Bali with natural fabrics. She has a showroom in Byron and her pieces are available online.
Enjoyed this blog? Stay tuned for part II, list of local labels that love the planet (M-Z) xx