In a market full of big brands, mass production and high fashion turnovers, a handful of retailers are daring to promote individuality and ‘slow’ fashion through handmade design.
Brisbane retailers are leading this revolution toward a more considered retail approach.
The importance of quality found in handmade design resonates among consumers now more than ever, as value for money is considered to extend beyond the latest bargain.
Vicki Sinclair, owner of handmade speciality retailer in.cub8r has noticed this growing trend among her customers.
“I think in times of recession people really come back to things that mean more to them,” Sinclair said.
“Items that are made with love and items that are made by people always seems to have that resident emotion that you are passing onto other people.”
Unlike mass production, handmade design promotes individuality, ‘slow fashion’ and local talent.
This growing trend of all things handmade has revived the DIY movement, tapping into Brisbane’s talent and its support for community building.
Piece Together is a studio, workshop and marketplace where people come together to learn, create and purchase handmade items.
Located in Woolloongabba’s antique precinct, the studio encourages consumers to join a community of handcrafters and develop skills in handmade design.
Tammy Spiller, owner of Piece Together, says the studio also provides great opportunities for Brisbane’s creative minds to engage with their target market by teaching workshops.
“I think one of the main aims of the studio is not just to teach people skills but it’s to support the people who do make handmade,” Spiller said.
“We have designers, crafters and…artisans who come in and teach the workshops. So they get in touch with their community, the people who are interested in what they do, and it supports and exposes them as well.”
Piece Together is open Tuesday to Friday, 9:30am to 2:30pm, unless workshops are on in the evenings.
For information go to their website: http://www.piecetogether.com.au/
Photography by Shabnam Khan and Tanya Wakeley