After 30 years in the ragtrade, Paul Chrimes and Ben Bowen have put their minds to a new cause.
Sustainable womenswear label, Torju.
Torju is part of The Laboratory family, a privately-owned wholesale and retail fashion company based in Geelong, Victoria.
The firm was established by Chrimes and Bowen in 2005.
After working together at the Austin Group - Chrimes the former CEO and Bowen the former GM - they decided to partner to create an ethical and sustainable venture.
“A chance meeting with an Indian supplier at an Australian Trade Fair led me to a factory in the Indian city of Agra (home of the Taj Mahal). I was so inspired by the owner’s vision to create organic clothing based on a sustainable, fair-trade and ethical business model,” Chrimes said.
“Growing up on the coast, we have all had a long-time love affair with the ocean and the magic it brings into our lives. This connection to the ocean ensured we were determined Torju would have the least impact on the environment as possible."
The Torju SS18 collection features organic cottons, slub jersey, crinkle crepe and organic cotton, while palm and seagull prints are highlighted as a nod to the traditional Australian summer.
The colour palette is made up of bursts of greens, fresh ocean blue and a warm blush pink, mirroring summer sunsets on the Victorian coastline.
Chrimes said the brand is committed to safe working conditions in Agra, with additional programs for surrounding communities.
To minimise their environmental footprint, a rainwater harvesting system puts the water back into the earth and solar energy is used at the Agra-based factory.
The use of fairtrade organic cotton ensures the best return for local farmers, Chrimes said.
There’s also no unnecessary usage, with off-cuts used to create new products and swing tags made from recycled materials.
Torju is stocked in 11 Laboratory boutiques across Victoria and available online at www.torju.com.au.