Australian designer Olga Moore has ripped into fast fashion, claiming it is cannibalising the industry.
The Naked Official founder claimed while Austrlaians are spending $28 billion on fashion each year, the vast majority consists of garments made abroad.
“There is an oversupply, particularly in the apparel sector, from the foreign retail entrants entering the Australian marketplace, and competing on price is not a sustainable option.
“The Australian customer has to consider the future and decide whether they just want to wear fast fashion brands, or build a strong local brand culture providing individuality”.
Naked Official’s collection is entirely made in Australia, with its first transeasonal collection launching amidst financial woes for several reputable local brands.
“It is crucial for me to build relationships and source materials from local manufacturers and suppliers, not just to build a strong base for my brand, but to also ensure the longevity of the textiles industry in Australia," Moore said.
"Fast fashion has created the 'wear once - throw out - repeat’ culture, which has unethical practices and produces close to half a million tonnes of landfill per year.
We want customers to buy clothing they love, but to be smart it. Stop spending your hard-earned money on clothes that are cheap, and that you only wear once. Invest in quality items that see you through more than a couple of weeks."
The first collection is available via The Iconic, as well as selection of boutiques and online stores.