Why These Australian Designers Chose to Produce Locally
Australia, you’re rather great.
You’re home to white sandy beaches, stunning wildlife, Vegemite, and best most importantly, a plethora of talented designers who think you’re pretty great too. That’s why, out of all the places in the world where they could have their products made, they choose Australia instead.
Many brands at The UNDONE create and manufacture their products in Australia which helps support local industry and gives better control over the design process. We spoke with some of our favourites Australian designers to ask them about their best-kept getaways spots, styles staples, and why they chose to produce their products locally in Australia.
We also attempted to settle the controversial debate once and for all: Weiss or Golden Gaytime? Read on to see who won this battle.
Your favourite place to spend an Aussie summer?
Probably right at home in Sydney as I love the numerous and diverse options on offer options for great swimming - rocky beaches like Mackenzies and so many harbour beaches to choose from. Away from Sydney, it would be Newrybar. It's close to Byron if you need a good restaurant but has that small country feel. Good swimming holes in the hinterland as well so you can keep away from the crowds.
What is your favourite beach?
Whites Beach near Byron - it's a bit sharky but so beautiful.
Most loved current season piece?
The Long Tiered Skirt by Matin - it’s the perfect day to night wear for these long sunny days and can be worn casually or dressed up.
What made you decide to have the majority (or all) of your designs made in Australia?
My father had a menswear manufacturing company here which influenced much of my desire and dedication to act local. Supporting local industry is important and feels genuine to the brand.
Vegemite on toast or avocado on toast?
Avocado - easy!
Caramello Koala or Tim Tam?
Neither for me
Weiss Bar or Golden Gaytime?
Weiss Bar - always!
Ilona and Peta Hamer - MatteauWhere is your favourite place to spend an Aussie summer?
Ilona: Noosa, Australia
Peta: At home in Noosa, Australia - we generally have a month of visitors from mid-December though to mid-January and we spend the month as tourists in our own town. It’s the best.
And your favourite beach?I
lona: Clovelly – it’s like a giant swimming pool in the sea!
Peta: Little Cove in Noosa; or any of the gorgeous beaches along the coastal track through the Noosa National Park.
Where in Australia have you yet to travel to but it’s on your bucket list?
Ilona: Tasmania. I am desperate to finally go to MONA and I want to visit Bicheno beach and Wineglass Bay.
Peta: Western Australia - we want to take a motorhome and spend (at least) 3 weeks on the road with the kids, exploring all the beautiful beaches from Perth all the way south to the Cape Le Grand National Park…and then we’d need to do another trip to head north and inland, there’s just too much to see in WA.
Most loved current season piece?
Ilona: Our Matteau Cropped Summer Trouser! I haven’t taken them off since we got them in. Wearing them with tank tops and our Matteau Short and Long Sleeve Shirts. IDEAL!
Peta: Our Matteau Long Sleeve Tiered Dress in Black - I wear mine all the time. I love just throwing on a dress and heading into work and feeling light and swishy and effortless.
What made you decide to have the majority (or all) of your designs made in Australia?
Ilona: It gives us much greater control over the quality of the product, and we also love being able to visit our factory and meet the people making each piece.
Peta: I read recently that doubling the useful life of clothing from one year to two years reduces emissions over the year by 24%. That’s massive and so important to us to be able to manage quality and ensure lasting garments. Wherever possible, we will always try to source a local production option. Also, it’s so great to know the machinists in our factories are well looked after and we have a direct relationship with them.
Vegemite on toast or avocado on toast?
Ilona: Vegemite and avocado on toast
Peta: Avocado on toast (with a squeeze of lemon and chilli flakes)
Caramello Koala or Tim Tam?
Ilona: Caramello
Peta: Caramello Koala
Weiss Bar or Golden Gaytime?
Ilona: Weiss Bar
Peta: Golden Gaytime
Your favourite place to spend an Aussie summer?
Right here in Sydney.
Right here in Sydney.
Favourite beach?
Nelson Park, I spent most of my summer days there with my son Oliver.
Nelson Park, I spent most of my summer days there with my son Oliver.
Where in Australia have you yet to travel to that is on your bucket list?
I would love to go Noosa for summer and Tasmania but this is more of a winter destination.
Most loved current season piece?
Esber knitted pieces.
What made you decide to have the majority (or all) of your designs made in Australia?
It never crossed my mind to do it anywhere else to be honest - one of the main reasons is having a production here is to control the quality and support the industry that way.
Vegemite on toast or avocado on toast?
Avo on toast with a sprinkle of chilly flakes.
Caramello Koala or Tim Tam?
Neither, I would rather more toast and avo :)
Weiss Bar or Golden Gaytime?
Weiss Bar
I would love to go Noosa for summer and Tasmania but this is more of a winter destination.
Most loved current season piece?
Esber knitted pieces.
What made you decide to have the majority (or all) of your designs made in Australia?
It never crossed my mind to do it anywhere else to be honest - one of the main reasons is having a production here is to control the quality and support the industry that way.
Vegemite on toast or avocado on toast?
Avo on toast with a sprinkle of chilly flakes.
Caramello Koala or Tim Tam?
Neither, I would rather more toast and avo :)
Weiss Bar or Golden Gaytime?
Weiss Bar
Kacey Devlin
Your favourite place to spend an Aussie summer?
Anywhere by the water
Favourite beach?
Coogee Beach. It's our local, close to home and is walking distance from the office.
Where in Australia have you yet to travel to that is on your bucket list?
Tasmania and The Barossa Valley
Most loved current season piece (that’s stocked at the undone)
Our Catalyst Midi Skirt in both colour options! It's my new everyday essential.
What made you decide to have the majority (or all) of your designs made in Australia?
There was no choice in the matter for me. I love being highly involved with our production and in return, I learn so much from those who make our clothes. For us as a brand, manufacturing locally means that we don't have to produce big volumes - instead, we create a specialised and curated offering with a meaningful intention.
Vegemite on toast or avocado on toast?
Vegemite - but it has to be with butter!
Caramello Koala or Tim Tam?
Caramello Koala
Weiss Bar or Golden Gaytime?
Weiss Bar
