Our favourite Australian labels making upcycled accessories
IMAGE @par___moi/INSTAGRAM
words by daisy henry
One-of-a-kind.
Australia is full of emerging designers who are breathing new life into old or discarded materials. Not only are they clever and sustainable, they’re making some of the cutest bags, silk scrunchies and beaded necklaces out there.
For more on slow fashion, head to our Pre-Loved section.
This growing list highlights 10 local makers doing their bit to combat the fashion industry’s waste problem. From leather handbags made from vintage belts, to old designer towels reworked into beach bags, you’re bound to find your new favourite accessory below.
Iona Maclean
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Based in Adelaide, Iona MacLean first started out as an online vintage store with curated, weekly clothing drops. Its since evolved and expanded its offering, including reworked belts, necklaces and bracelets, made with upcycled beads and leather rope.
Virk Bags
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Based in Melbourne, Virk Bags is the creation of sisters, Ellen and Oliva Romert. Alongside its woven and crocheted pieces, Virk’s Ruby and Rola bags are thoughtfully designed and crafted from recycled T-shirts, denim and other upcycled materials. Because of the nature of the fabrics available, each piece can vary slightly, making it unique to the owner.
Caroline Fifteen
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Some of you will be familiar with Fletcher Kelly, the designer behind Caroline Fifteen. Known on TikTok for his creative upcycling, he makes anything from panelled jeans to patchwork shirts and cut-out tops with white lace. With the next drop landing on April 9, you can expect one-of-one caps, hand-stitched, bleached, sprayed and distressed by hand.
Not Sew New
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As the name suggests, Not Sew New exclusively uses surplus, remnant or pre-existing textiles to make its versatile pieces. Alongside clothing and custom orders, you can find its signature Bowling bag and Deflation tote, both made-to-order and created locally in Brunswick.
Amy Cottrell
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Fashion designer Amy Cottrell has long been committed to sustainability in her practice. Each piece is crafted from carefully sourced materials that are vintage, recycled, deadstock or sustainably produced. Her Red Mini Sequin bag is made from recycled beads, handcrafted bioplastic sequins and repurposed feathers, while her Brown Sequin bag features vintage chandelier crystals sourced from a flea market in Spain.
Re/lax Remade
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Re/lax Remade is a Sydney-based fashion label making hats, jackets and bags from vintage, designer towels. Because each towel is different, every piece is one-of-a-kind and no two designs are ever the same.
Hydra Opia
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Hydra Opia is another Melbourne-based label that’s been committed to using upcycled materials from the beginning. From its clothing to Blyth buckle belt and Saddle bag, every piece is crafted using repurposed fabrics, including wool kilts, leather offcuts, deadstock and vintage belts.
Gliese 504
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You’ll find voluminous, hand-dyed scrunchies made from deadstock silk organza at Gliese 504, along with a curation of high-quality, upcycled vintage.
Par Moi
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Launched in early 2019 by designer Ashiya Omundsen, Par Moi has made clothing and accessories from deadstock fabrics since its inception. Each item is made-to-order and designed, cut and sewn in-house, in Melbourne.
Emiroux
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Designer Aimee le Roux of Emiroux exclusively uses deadstock, secondhand and vintage fabrics in her creations. The label’s bags made sustainably and ethically from secondhand shirts and fabrics, making them all unique, one-of-one designs.
For more on the benefits of upcycling, head here.
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