Relocating to a new country can be overstimulating. How do I open a bank account? Where do I find roommates? How are different fruits and veggies named,? And wait – what are all these fashion labels I’ve never heard of?
At first, there were so many new brands I was unfamiliar with, that I felt completely overwhelmed and avoided shopping. I’d beeline straight to Zara whenever I needed something (think: work pants or even a plain black tee). Gradually though, I started to acclimate and gravitate toward several retailers, designers, or brands that vibed with my style. Here were my 8 favourite* Australia fashion labels (spelled in good ol’ Aussie English for you). Some are listed out of pure admiration, and others I frequented on the reg.
Please note, during my time in Australia, I worked with non-profit (NGO) The Freedom Project, which not just raises awareness for human trafficking, but has active partners in countries like India and the Philippines to locate, rescue, and safely guide trafficked individuals to a new life. This brought me great awareness of the ethics behind our clothing and brands, and fortunately, there’s an incredible annual guide compiled by Baptist World Aid. This organization audits mostly Australian brands and scores them A-D (or F, if they’re unresponsive) based on the research uncovered about each brand’s labor and environmental sourcing, according to 44 criteria (process outlined here). I’ll be including the score for these brands below!
1. Cotton On
Ethics Grade: A-
Simple and maybe even familiar to some of us, Cotton On is an Australian retailer that produces a wide selection of stylish basics. I loved coming here for oversized print tees, tank tops or camis (also known as singlets), and loungewear, such as bralettes, sweats, etc. They also have some comfortable “activewear” or athleisure as we call it in the US. Most notably, at Cotton On you can almost always find a basic you’ll justifying “needing.” Their styles change frequently with quick turnover, they have significant markdowns, and they’re affordable.
2. Zimmermann
Ethics Grade: B-
On the opposite side of the spectrum, probably the most expensive brand I’ll list, we have ZIMMERMANN. The first time I walked through Bondi Junction’s Westfield and passed by Zimmermann, my eyes were peeled to their floor length glass windows. Their designs are stunning, the perfect balance of rich quality, ultra feminine, a touch of vintage bohemian, and a slight pop of edgy at times. This brand was started by two sisters in 1991, selling home designed-dresses at Paddington Market in Sydney.
3. Coco and Lola
This female-founded and led boutique is distinctly pink, with rounded interiors and minimalist racks that support rich designs by emerging Australian brands. If you want to know what the hottest Australian labels are, go to Coco & Lola’s site (or, if you love an Aussie brand that inflates their prices in the US, buy from Coco & Lola in AUD, and have it shipped for about $25 USD – if the price difference weighs out).
Their social media game is so on-point, with newly styled posts emerging every few hours, and an extremely active IG story channel that constantly showcases their stylists suggesting outfits and modeling them in 360 view. I LOVE how the girls are different body types, so we can guesstimate the size that may suit us best. The founder, Jess, even does Q&As to demonstrate just how transparent, interactive, and accessible they are to their followers. You can order online, or their visit their boutiques in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney.
4. SIR The Label
Ethics Grade: N/A
Minimalist yet effectively designed to fit your body with the perfect accentuation of crop, bag, or flowiness, SIR presents a simple yet feminine style. With select prints in neutral undertones, and majority of styles set in blacks and whites, SIR is the perfect addition to any closet that can suit many occasions. I’m all for their dresses, which compliment your silhouette with a touch of flutter, trim, ruffle, or open-backs for the wanderers.
5. Bec + Bridge
Ethics Grade: F* due to being non-responsive to the report
This newer Aussie iconic label is Designed and Made in Australia. With sophisticated, contemporary styles that often embody a minimalist style, played up by vivid colors, B+B is a fan favorite among millennials. You can see why: their designs are the delicate balance of clean, cosmo, and flirty.
6. The Iconic
Ethics Grade: C+* due to being non-responsive to the report
The Iconic is like the holy grail of eCommerce. The branding is clean and chic, and reminds me very much of Nordstrom, with high end and affordable options. The best part of The Iconic is their quick shipping, easy mail-in returns, and agility to do eCommerce well. Plus, if you return and opt for store credit instead, you get a % added: ingenuity at its finest.
7. Faithfull the Brand
Ethics Grade: N/A
Rosy, bohemian prints paired with sherbert linen sets define this vintage-esque brand. Started by a Norwegian and Aussie on holiday in Bali, the brand seemingly draws inspiration from European summers, ranging from chic francais lounging to sunny Majorca vibes, cafe couture and grassy picnics spent basking in warmth. Their tres mignon branding is so on-point, you won’t be able to resist following their perfectly tinted, faded, and filtered dreamily depicted lifestyles on IG.
Faithfull is significantly more expensive in the US, so if you’re heading down under, make sure you peek their range in Aus.
8. Kookai
Ethics Grade: A-
Kookai is quintessential Australian, with pastel blazers to puff-sleeve dresses and a wide array of basics. Chic, feminine, and stylish, this shop isn’t exactly “affordable,” but you can snag a good deal during their rare sales events. Just beware, they have a very inflexible return policy, with credit-only for 14 days.
SYDNEY TIP: If you love designers, Paddington Town Hall often is the site of many trunk or warehouse sales. Follow the brands you love for updates, or look out for posters around Woollahra Council.
