The local labels FJ editors love for a capsule wardrobe
IMAGE VIA @friendswithfrank/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY ELLA TAVERNER AND FASHION JOURNAL
Less is more.
In recent years, the capsule wardrobe has been catapulted back into our lives thanks to the industry’s shift towards slow fashion and conscious consumption.
While a quick dive into the hashtag #capsule on Instagram will present a slew of nearly identical plain white tees on marble backgrounds, capsule wardrobes needn’t be minimal and monochromatic. A well-functioning capsule wardrobe doesn’t require you to abolish all sense of personal style; instead, it’s about creating a streamlined collection of staples you’ll reach for time and time again.
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As our social media feeds become increasingly inundated with the latest micro-trends and ‘must-haves’, it can be difficult to distinguish a timeless wardrobe staple from a regretful impulse purchase. With this in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of our favourite Australian and New Zealand designers who are here to help you find your own balance.
Wynn Hamlyn
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New Zealand-based designer Wynn Crawshaw launched his label Wynn Hamlyn in 2014 after a career pivot post-university. Hamlyn’s designs strike an unmatched balance between classic tailoring and playful eccentricity and are the perfect antidote to stale winter dressing. Amplified through his use of intricate fabric layering and fresh, bold colours, the label is perfect for those looking to add some vibrancy and colour to their capsule wardrobe.
Deiji Studios
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Byron Bay label Deiji Studios is a firm favourite in the Fashion Journal office. Known for its soft cotton fabrics, the label strikes the perfect balance between pyjamas and outwear. The result is a collection of loosely draped silhouettes in soft colours that you’ll feel just as comfortable lounging around the house in, as you would dressing for work.
Harris Tapper
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Founded in 2018 by Kiwi design duo Lauren Tapper and Sarah Harris Gould, Harris Tapper is redefining modern workwear staples through elegant femininity and sculptural minimalism. Each season and capsule is designed with the intention to evolve on the previous, delivering thoughtful yet unique pieces crafted from beautiful and hard-working fabrics. Taking an offbeat approach to design, expect the unexpected – think olive satin blazers and cobalt blue trousers.
E Nolan
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It’s hard to pinpoint a more perfect capsule wardrobe item than a suit. The right two-piece will work for the office and after hours, as well as any special occasions you might otherwise have ‘nothing to wear’. Melbourne designer Emily Nolan is the best in the business. Through her eponymous label, Emily custom tailors suits to best fit your body type and suit your personal style.
Oats the Label
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Oats the Label operates on a made-to-order model with pieces going out 20 to 35 working days after an order is placed. By doing this, the label ensures no products goes to waste. Find yoga pants, lace dresses, one-shoulder tops and adjustable skirts in a race of customisable colourways.
Courtney Zheng
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Sydney-based label Courtney Zheng is all about designing for an enduring wardrobe. Featuring luxurious fabrics and snatched tailoring in neutral tones, her pieces feel just as good to wear to a fancy dinner as they do to the office.
Friends with Frank
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Melbourne label Friends with Frank was first founded by Julia McCarthy in 2012 and was built on the idea that investing in high quality, enduring staples was the key to a long-lasting wardrobe. Over a decade on, and this philosophy still guides much of the brand’s design. Find woollen outwear, cotton basics and structured denim.
All is a Gentle Spring
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All is a Gentle Spring is an ethically conscious Melbourne-based womenswear label specialising in natural fibres like silk and wool. The label operates on its own calendar, releasing clothing in slow, small batches. From woollen long-sleeve tops and trousers to silk dresses, All is a Gentle Spring makes staples that will last for years to come.
Beare Park
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Launching its debut collection at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week in 2021, Beare Park is a luxury label designed and manufactured in Australia. Its collections offer classic tailoring and denim with a modern twist, perfect for those looking to elevate their wardrobe.
Post Sole Studio
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Melbourne-based shoemakers Post Sole Studio are a part-design-house and part-studio dedicated to keeping the local industry alive. Since 2014, the brand has been committed to making quality shoes as sustainably as possible with a made-to-order model, offering customisations for your perfect fit. We love their classic workwear styles like loafers and Mary Janes.
Olivia Cashmore
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Committed to reducing production waste in the fashion industry, New Zealand-based label Olivia Cashmore operates on a seasonal pre-order basis. The brand releases small, intentional collections, designed to gauge the pieces customers really want in their wardrobes. Classic tailoring, premium knitwear and flattering cuts are staples of the brand.
Paris Georgia
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New Zealand label Paris Georgia creates timeless collections, fit with tailored pants, transeasonal merino pieces and show-stopping trench coats to add to your capsule wardrobe.
Rachel Mills
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New Zealand-born brand Rachel Mills designs each piece with intention, ensuring pieces maintain a high-quality standard and accessible price while utilising the skills of the brand’s in-house machinists. The result is a beautifully curated selection of elevated basics, designed to slot into your everyday wardrobe.
Kahe
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Melbourne-based label Kahe is a staple in our capsule wardrobe, especially for denim. Designer Kacy Heywood always puts her unique spin on a classic pair of jeans with unexpected washes, hardware, pockets and seam placement, adding interest to an otherwise simple outfit.
Esse
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The name Esse is a shortened version of the word ‘essentials’, so it’s a sure bet when considering who to turn to for your capsule wardrobe. Designer Charlotte Hicks launched the label with a limited offering of ‘forever pieces’, which she’s slowly expanded over time. Her expert eye brings sculptural lines and considered, modern silhouettes to a range of core wardrobe styles, giving an elevated feel to what otherwise might be considered basics.
Pave
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The latest addition to Australia’s growing list of slow fashion labels, Pave is on a mission to simplify the art of getting dressed. With a brand ethos united by wearability, versatility and longevity, Pave’s pieces are designed to see you through life’s busiest moments. Shop an array of beautifully crafted extra-fine Merino wool tops and polos to build out your seasonless capsule wardrobe.
Maara Collective
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Maara Collective is a First-Nations-run luxury resort wear label that champions a collaborative approach to design. Finding inspiration from Country, and working closely with Indigenous artists, Creative Director Julie Shaw established the brand in 2019 to showcase and celebrate First Nations fashion and art.
The name Maara is a sign of acknowledgement and recognition to the many hands and hearts involved in the collaborative creative process, referring to ‘hands’ in the Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay language groups.
Permanent Vacation
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Permanent Vacation is an ongoing project series offering a curated collection of effortless and considered clothes designed to fit seamlessly into any modern wardrobe. In a bid to reject the cyclical nature of fashion consumption, each release falls under a Project, rather than a traditional season, allowing each item global relevance all year round.
Nelson Made
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Nelson Made makes comfortable, classic footwear made to complete your capsule wardrobe – because fabulous shoes are essential. A range of consciously-crafted sandals, flats and heels are produced in the brand’s Melbourne studio, powered by clean energy.
For more tips on how to build your capsule wardrobe, head here.
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