“A playful, romantic escape”: Meet the made-to-order Sydney label, Starbound
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Josephine Sineux
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Dreamy! Hot! Sexy! Playful! Heavenly!”
For too long, a garment being labelled as ‘costume-like’ was a kind of quasi-insult. But in the year of ribbon mania, cowboy-inspired everything and librarian cosplay, the lines between costume and everyday outfit are blurred. For Sydney-based designer and fashion student Jo Sineux, her brand unofficially started when she and her best friend went to a dress-up party.
“We love being overdressed, so naturally I designed matching bloomers in red and white. We both adored the way they made us feel – flirty and skimpy, but still able to dance and be comfortable,” Jo says. After some design-refining, brainstorming and DIY photoshoots, Jo launched Starbound.
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The Starbound collection is comprised of five made-to-order pieces – ruffled bloomers, heart-shaped pillows, lycra short-shorts and lacy sock trims. Here, Jo tells the story of Starbound so far.
Where are you based? What are your pronouns and first/last name?
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Hey Fashion Journal! My name is Josephine Sineux, but I usually go by Jo. I’m based in Sydney/Eora and my pronouns are she/her.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
I am blessed to come from an artistic family and since a young age, I have always been interested in textiles and drawing. I have fond memories of sewing lessons with my French grandma on her retro 1950s Bernina at the dining room table. I always loved playing dress-ups with my cousins in thrifted costumes and sifting through trinkets and family heirlooms.
I think this is where my obsession with secondhand shopping, vintage clothing and collecting, in general, all began! As of today, I’m completing the final year of my Bachelor of Fashion at the University of Technology Sydney and I previously studied textiles and graphic design at the University of New South Wales [School of] Art & Design.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
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Starbound unofficially started when my best friend and I had to go to a costume party. We love being overdressed, so naturally I designed matching bloomers in red and white. We both adored the way they made us feel – flirty and skimpy, but still able to dance and be comfortable.
I was surprised that these samples received so much attention. People were constantly asking where they were from and how to get them! Fast forward a few months [after] some pattern refining and DIY photoshoots, and Starbound was born.
It can definitely be overwhelming running my small business alongside full-time study and work, but I’m learning how to manage my workload and take things as they come.
My made-to-order model provides me with the flexibility to manage orders and maintain the enjoyment I have producing each piece. I’m also extremely lucky to be surrounded by creative and supportive friends who will lend a hand when I need it.
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?
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When this all began, I was (and still am!) trying to create something fun and whimsical that made people feel special. I wanted to make clothes that I loved, that my friends loved, and that maybe somewhere along the way, strangers would love too. Starbound is a playful, romantic escape.
It’s also important to me to promote the message of slow, conscious fashion. All of my pieces are made to order. I lovingly design and construct pieces on a ‘need’ basis, which eliminates excessive textile wastage and overproduction. I also primarily use deadstock materials and design with wearability in mind.
For instance, my Lucky Girl Shorties are made from nylon lycra which are perfect for when you’re swimming at the beach, dancing in the club, working out, running errands or whatever else you desire! My customers value this approach and it is so heartwarming to see my designs worn again and again.
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
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Dreamy! Hot! Sexy! Playful! Heavenly!
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
Seeing people wear my clothes! I feel so much pride and joy when I see people out and about in my bloomers or my Lucky Girl Shorties. It is so surreal when friends send me photos of Starbound in the wild. Or when people send me DMs or tag me in posts of them styling my designs. Those feelings never go away, it’s so rewarding to know that something I produced is being cherished.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
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Starbound is still in its early stages and it all still feels very new to me. I’m definitely learning things along the way and absorbing all the advice and tips I receive. Something I’ve realised is that while it is so important to be open to opportunities, you have to know how to set boundaries and where your limits are to avoid the unfortunate reality of burnout. It’s incredibly difficult as I want to do it all, but the busier I become, I recognise more and more the importance of a work/life balance to stay inspired and motivated.
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian fashion right now?
Some designers that I have my eyes on right now are Emily Watson, Matea Gluščević, Alix Higgins and Court Jester.
What about the Australian fashion industry needs to change?
I think that because there is such an oversaturation of fast fashion and impulsivity in the way fashion is discussed, it is challenging to find an authentic sense of style and shop with intention. I would love to see a revival of bold personal style, and a shift in consumerism towards slow, handcrafted fashion by local designers. Shop for treasures!
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
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As I mostly wear secondhand clothes or make my own pieces, my wardrobe is a combination of my bloomers, shorties and sock trims, hand-me-downs from friends and family, and lots of vintage gems. Some that are heavy in rotation right now include a comically voluminous bubble mini skirt, a bronze leather Marc Jacobs handbag and an Oktoberfest T-shirt thrifted from the kid’s section.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
Currently, I am stocked at So Familia in Newtown, Sydney. They have my Lucky Girl Shorties in pink and cheetah available both online and in-store. The full range of bloomers, lucky girl shorties, accessories and pillows are available on my website. And if you have any questions or sizing concerns, my Instagram DMs are always open!
Anything else to add?
I’m always looking for exciting projects and collaborations! Please feel free to message me on Instagram or through my website.
Browse the Starbound collection here.
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