Manufacture
At the beginning of the SISTER Studios, we would create every garment and sew on every tag by hand. Since then, it has been imperative to keep the manufacturing of SISTER close to home. Coming from a background in fashion and textiles, we understand the cultural significance and importance the textile, clothing and footwear industry (TCF) has here in Melbourne. It is not only important to support this local industry, but to also show other brands that operating a locally made business is a viable and celebrated option. It’s also super important for us to be hands on throughout the entire manufacturing process and build relationships with our supply-chain and community. Every producer we work alongside is part of the wider SISTER community and we’re proud to call them family.
Relying on a handful of local manufacturing businesses from around Melbourne’s northern suburbs and beyond, SISTER proudly collaborates with makers who are treated fairly and properly supported by their employers. We partner with manufacturers who are accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia, which demonstrates a commitment to a transparent and ethical supply chain. Many of our partnered businesses are family-run and are rich in history and knowledge. This passing down of expertise and skill means SISTER pieces have been created to the highest quality and will be with you for years to come.
We also support a selection of local artisans and creatives by stocking their inspirational goods in our SISTER Store, community is so very important to us.
To tread as lightly as possible on our local environment has and will always front of mind here at SISTER. From a collection’s conception right through to you wearing your garments, we have carefully considered ways in which SISTER can be gentler on mother earth.
Often, even before properly identifying the cohesion of our collections, our fabric choices are made based upon a selection of dead stock options we source from around the world. Designing our collections around fabrics that would be otherwise wasted is not only a fun challenge but works perfectly with our conservative and considered production approach. We operate on a lean manufacturing system which translates to limited edition garments to minimise the occurrence of waste throughout our supply chain.
Through optimising our resources from designing patterns with minimal offcuts to creating small goods with fabrics left over, we can get the most out of what we have. For anything left over, we will always donate scraps to local kindergartens, schools or studios who will breathe new life into them.
Operating locally in Melbourne, also allows us to reduce the amount of carbon emissions emitted throughout the manufacturing and courier processes. We often transport goods to and from our manufacturers ourselves, opting not to use plastic packaging and instead bring wooden hangers that are reused within our store.
Our store in Fitzroy North is paperless and operates at reduced opening times to support only the necessary trade. Environmentally mindful considerations have also been made when it comes to delivering your online orders and the directions to care for your SISTER.
SISTER parcels are not only packed with love but are encased within a compostable satchel that will decompose within your household composting system. Throughout your wearing relationship, we encourage our sisterhood to care for their goodies with a gentle and conscious approach - Only wash, when necessary, with cold water when possible and let them dry naturally out of the rays of the sun.
As a brand and business owners we want to be constantly evolving and educated in best practices, if you’d like to suggest something or chat to us about our sustainable practice, we are all ears. You can reach us at hello@sisterstudios.com.au