Queensland fashion labels are up and coming and there’s a few reasons why I love them most. For one, they’re mostly made right here in the sunny state, so there’s no worries about offshore and unethical production. But secondly, they’re made for our climate. I just love that we’ve nailed these light fabrics and summer dresses so we’ve actually got something to wear in Queensland’s all-year-round sunny season.
1. Maiocchi
This Brisbane boutique set up shop almost 20 years ago and now operates out of its three boutiques in Brisbane, 60 wholesalers around Australia and of course online. It’s inspired by Japanese culture but the design is very much fitting for Queensland with light fabrics and summer dresses and skirts. Since day one Maiocchi has been ethically produced here in Australia.
2. Ukiyo Boutique
Another Japanese-inspired Brisbane brand, Ukiyo Boutique focuses on light linens and simple designs for everyday wear. The brand opts for block colours or simple patterns like checks and stripes so that your pieces never go out of fashion. It’s all super comfy and all made in Australia.
3. Meta Design Co
A bit heavier on the prints side is Brisbane’s Meta Design Co with more lovely light fabrics in T-shirts, dresses and skirts. The designer and brand founder Kathy says she opts for Japanese and African fabrics because she loves the patterns and colours. Everything is handmade by Kathy here in Brisbane.
4. Genkstasy
Fresh outta West End, Brisbane, designer Evie Willstreet of Genkstasy makes ungendered street wear for girls, guys and non-binary folk. The designer’s unisex apparel often features funky Japanese-inspired prints that gives the clothes a serious street edge. All the clothing is ethically produced here in Australia.
5. Isle of Summer
Brisbane-based designer Emily Whishaw makes clothing with mums in mind. The clothes are crafted with utility at their core – they’re loose, flowy, bend over-proof and feeding accessible. Importantly, they’re designed to be worn during a hot, Queensland summer. The Isle of Summer clothes are made in Australia by a Queensland based production team, focusing on small batches of high quality clothing you will love to wear and treasure forever.
6. By Shyanne the Label
Resort vibes year-round is the guiding style of Brisbane-based brand By Shyanne the Label. Made with the climate in mind, the fabrics for the collections are chosen for their longevity and breathability. Designer Shyanne Mirabelli says when she’s looking for materials, the first thing she looks for is practicality – opting for fabrics that can go without an iron or don’t require dry cleaning. Each and every one of the By Shyanne the Label garments are made by Shyanne in her Brisbane studio.
7. Jericho Road
Jericho Road makes beautiful patterned dresses, shirts, skirts and pants for the state’s print lovers. They opt for bold, bright colours and patterns so it’s not for everyone, but a nice addition to the wardrobe to mix with your staple items.
8. Kablooie
Handcrafted micro fashion label Kablooie is an explosion of colourful fashion for big and little people – available in sizes 4-24. The prints are uniquely Queensland with tropical fruits, plants and vegetables, in styles that suit everyone (even the kiddies!). These colourful cotton garments are ethically made in Brisbane by designer and maker Keneena Fanning.
9. Phoebe Paradise
Super fun punk brand Phoebe Paradise popped up in Fortitude Valley last year and has been wooing crowds with its funky designs ever since. Designer Phoebe Sheehy has created a style somewhere between Dangerfield and nineties classics in shirts, skirts, swimmers etc. Would you just check out these durries, VBs and mud crabs, mate?
10. Coy Street Clothing
Coy Street Clothing’s very wearable nostalgic shapes are made with self-expression in mind. The mix is sweet sentiment and contemporary edge, with each garment handmade from a charming combination of vintage remnants, recycled textiles and handpainted fabrics. Designer Libby Frederickson is self-taught and works in her home studio here in Brisbane, designing and making original pieces of slow fashion. Her small batch collections always start with an interesting vintage find, such as the recent Summer Club, and develop into a beguiling story of colours, patterns and prints. There is an exciting emergence of Brisbane fashion labels which are putting creativity front and centre, and showing an inherent commitment to low-waste production models.
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