Melbourne label Sister Studios’ new collection is celebrating the magic of women

Inspired by the spiritual powers of women around the world.

With nods to female icons of the ’60s and ’70s and flattering, easy to wear silhouettes, Sister Studios’ new summer collection, Magic Happens, aims to empower by embracing female solidarity.

Handmade and designed in Brunswick, Sister Studios’ local production means reduced carbon emissions, minimal waste and a hands-on approach to quality control. Favouring beautiful fabrications like linen, velvet and soft cotton, the brand’s effortless, feminine aesthetic is beloved by Melbourne’s fashion set.

For more on size-inclusive designs, head to our Fashion vertical. 

While the witchy, sisterhood themes threaded through the avant-garde film 3 Women were the catalyst for the Magic Happens collection, founders and designers of the label, Emma Cutri and Alice McIntosh, are constantly influenced by the artistic women surrounding them.

 

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“The space that I work in is with all creative women, so there’s just a constant conversation going on. I am really inspired by the women in the studio,” explains Emma.

Collaboration is central to the Sister Studios’ ethos, and this collection is no exception. Emma and Alice worked alongside Megan McNeill from Trinket Solo to envision and create detailed patchwork prints and lightweight fabrics in summery hues of green, blue, purple and orange.

“We really wanted to do a modern take on a paisley bandana print, so Megan actually painted up about six different bandanas. She paints them, then she puts them into the computer, then she compiles them all to make the prints,” Emma tells me.

“She is incredible. I also just wanted to do a really fun check, but I couldn’t find one. So she just made me that really beautiful green one.”

Taking cues from magical female characters like Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby and Sarah Jessica Parker in Hocus Pocus, the whimsical silhouettes take on an edge in the collection’s lime green and lilac warped check.

After a year and a half of oversized loungewear, I’m certainly reaching for different fits this summer. Reflecting this shift away from form-fitting to flattering, easy to wear pieces, Sister Studios’ has changed its hemlines in this collection.

“I tried to use really female flattering silhouettes this season, because coming out of lockdown, I feel like lots of people’s bodies have changed, or the way that they dress is really different now after the last year and a half.”

 

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“I’ve gone for a more A-line fit – a bit more comfortable but still stylish,” Emma tells me.

With lockdown still a reality in Melbourne, Emma envisions the Magic Happens collection to be worn to warm, relaxed outdoor activities with friends and family.

“I envisioned bike rides with friends, picnics, or just dressing up to go down the street. I didn’t even really think about nice dinners because I still feel like it is so far from my mind!”

Let the witchy hot girl summer commence.

Shop the Magic Happens collection here.