Melbourne-based label With Consideration is fusing mindful production with simple yet sexy designs
WORDS BY ELLY SHINKFIELD
“Before you see the end garment, it takes 100 revisions before I’m happy with the fit and pattern and my approach to design will always be this way.”
Growing up surrounded by fabric and sewing machines, it’s not surprising that Melbourne-based designer Jasmine discovered a passion for textiles and fashion design early on. Her family owned an interior design company and during her school holidays she would spend her time “immersed in the behind-the-scenes of different forms of design and product development”.
This instilled a strong entrepreneurial spirit in her, and with the support and encouragement of her family, her slow fashion label With Consideration was born. The label is committed to a more mindful approach to fashion (hence its name) and makes each item in Melbourne. Working with local manufacturers has always been a priority for Jasmine, and she’s worked hard to cultivate these relationships.
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With Consideration create simple but sexy pieces – one-shoulder tops, singlets, slip skirts, boxers and tracksuits – out of deadstock fabrics and sustainable fibres like organic cotton, hemp and linen. Over the last few years, the label has found success on social media which has translated into genuine and ongoing relationships with their ever-growing customer base. Below, Jasmine shares how she built the label into what it is today and her aspirations for the future of the fashion industry.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
I’m Jasmine, the Founder and Creative Director of the Melbourne-based label, With Consideration. Funnily enough, I graduated from university with a degree in business and marketing, but fashion has been my one true love for as long as I can remember.
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My sister and I grew up surrounded by fabric and sewing machines, as our family owned a local interior design company that supplied fabrics and blinds. During the school holidays we would spend all our time there running around and being immersed in the behind-the-scenes of different forms of design and product development, but most of the time I was reading magazines on those high worktop benches.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
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I have to confess even my own family encouraged me to pursue a sensible job after uni, but it just wasn’t for me. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deeply in my family, and despite their hesitation for me to enter the fashion industry, I think their passion and ambition have been passed down to me. I was very determined to work in fashion and I knew early on that this was my long-term goal.
I started With Consideration in 2021 on Depop, as I knew sustainable clothing and fashion resonate with so many young people who want to invest in circular fashion. The pandemic provided me with an opportunity to focus my time and energy on growing the brand through eCommerce and growing my relationship with local seamstresses and makers.
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These early days were essentially focused on bringing our vision to fruition and having a dialogue with people who helped bring these garments to life. So just know that before you see the end garment, it takes 100 revisions before I’m happy with the fit and pattern, and my approach to design will always be this way.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
I decided on the name With Consideration for my label because it encapsulates our vision for the future and the principles we hold. We create and design in Melbourne and we prioritise working with local manufacturers to support our community. We don’t want to produce quickly or rely on overseas manufacturing because each garment must embody the essential quality of craftsmanship and local collaboration. We create thoughtfully and with consideration.
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
Simultaneously sexy and simple.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
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I’m most proud of the journey myself and my family have taken to get this far in creating With Consideration and I couldn’t have continued designing without their growing support. The second aspect I’m most proud of is the relationship we’ve built with our local manufacturers. We don’t ever want to sacrifice our design integrity and our commitment to fair and sustainable practices.
Lastly, we have our audience to thank for helping us along this journey. We grew organically on social media and take inspiration from what we see from you, and we hope to forever remain close and connected with our audience.
What about the Australian fashion industry needs to change?
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Growing up Asian Australian, I still see a notable lack of diversity in the design and ownership of clothing brands. I see so many different ethnicities and diverse people in the behind-the-scenes and running of production yet not ownership.
The fashion landscape can’t survive without the significant contribution of minorities and diverse individuals, yet where key decisions are made, they are often absent from the table. Around the world, we need a more equitable fashion industry that fosters inclusivity and social mobility at every level. The leadership within the fashion industry should mirror the diversity of our society.
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Lastly, we see Australian fast fashion brands… facing multiple accusations of replicating designs from Australian labels. I think it’s a great shame to witness someone profiting off another brand’s intellectual property and I think greater advocacy is needed to expose and bring this to light.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
All of our pieces are available exclusively on our website withconsideration.com.au.
Browse With Consideration’s range here.
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