In what has been a patchy start to retail this year, here's a reminder some pretty wonderful things have happened too.
1. The fashion industry has banded together to support bushfire victims
Since the start of Australia's devastating bushfire season, fashion brands have joined forces to raise funds and awareness around the issue. More than 30 Australian retailers raised $780,000 for the Australian Red Cross via the 'All In' initiative. Mosaic Brands donated more than $1 million worth of clothing to fire ravaged communities. Even international giant Kering, parent of Balenciaga and Gucci, has contributed $1 million of funding to assist with the crisis. That's not even the tip of the iceberg.
2. Historic brands prove it's not just survive, but thrive
The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences is currently hosting Cue: 50 Years of Australian Fashion. It is the first exhibition to explore the brand's iconic history, after Rod Levis AM established the brand in 1968. From the company’s Sydney head office, where it is still based today, Cue maintains its support of onshore manufacturing and design. Not enough? Blundstone, also family-owned to this day, has just celebrated a whopping 150 years in business. The boot brand was established in Tasmania in 1870.
3. Fashion continues to place sustainability as a priority
When it comes to innovation, Australian brands and retailers are not dropping the green baton this year. M.J. Bale is about to commence its Carbon Neutral Wool project, starting with a year-long scientific trial at Kingston farm. The aim is to reduce the impact of woolgrowers on the environment, while continuing to create the brand's iconic suits. The Iconic also recently announced the latest installment of its sustainability mission; a clothing donation initiative called Giving Made Easy. Giving Made Easy encourages Australians to donate their pre-loved clothes instead of sending them to landfill.
