When it comes to our summer wardrobe rotation, most of us have a few key favourites that provide us with our breezy linens and flowing dresses—but luckily, the Australian talent pool for design is deep, and there are plenty of brands you’ve probably never heard of creating the quintessential pieces to add to your collection to prepare for the warmer months ahead.
So while sweats and chic loungewear have been our saving grace this year, it’s officially time to up the ante—because, if we need to ring out any year in style, it’s 2020.
Below we look to nine under-the-radar local labels to put on your radar, stat.
S/W/F Boutique
Designer Desiree Deravi’s label S/W/F is the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe. The label is best known for its free-flowing silhouettes and classic shapes, all made from natural fibres, while bold colours and prints have become synonymous with the local label. You can shop consciously at this Australian favourite too, with the brand’s ethos pledging to concentrate on the value of local production and focus on prolonging the life of each garment by increasing its quality, reducing waste and minimising their impact on the environment, with each piece carefully handmade to order.
Our pick this season? The Dynamic Dress.
JOHANSEN
Founded by Jessica Johansen Bell in 2015, each JOHANSEN piece is created using the designer’s love of luxurious, raw natural fabrics, creating designs primed for the Australian summer. From linen playsuits with long-sleeved detailings to sheer dresses designed for beachside living, you’ll be effortlessly and stylishly dressed this season thanks to the local label.
Our pick this season? The Cavani Jumpsuit.
With Jéan
Started in 2017 by best friends Evangeline Titilas and Sami Lorking-Tanner, With Jéan has quickly culminated a cult following—including a long list of celebrity fans, including Elsa Hosk (pictured below), Camila Morrone and Sarah Ellen. The brand expertly mixed Australian summer with classic French chic, with all pieces ethically produced in Bali and made using natural hand-dyed fabrications.
Our pick this season? The Andy Dress.
Art Club
The brainchild of former Sass & Bide founder Heidi Middleton, Art Club is a multidisciplinary platform that mixes the worlds of fashion, art and vintage to produce considered, one-of-a-kind pieces that will live in your wardrobe for seasons to come. The local label also champions a slow approach to fashion, with 90 per cent of its designs cut from deadstock fabrics—each made locally and in limited runs.
Our pick this season? The Franca Two-Piece Dress.
Nice Martin
From balloon-sleeve dresses to breezy pants, Nice Martin has all the makings to create the quintessential Aussie summer wardrobe. The brand also takes a slower approach to fashion, doing small runs of production and minimising their impact on the environment—what more could you ask for from a local favourite?
Our pick this season? The Kayo Wrap Dress.
PARED
No good summer wardrobe is complete without a pair of sunglasses set to make a statement—which is exactly where PARED comes in. Known for their collaborations, including with Bec & Bridge and P.E Nation, the brand also stocks its own selection of signature shades in all sorts of colours and shapes. The local label already has a long list of A-list fans, being worn by everyone from Georgia Fowler to Gigi Hadid.
Our pick this season? The Straight & Narrow.
I Dream For You
A distinct vintage aesthetic and eco-friendly ethos define new sustainable label I Dream For You, founded by Lack Of Color founders Rob Tilbury and Tess Corvaia. The design duo focus on creating pieces inspired anywhere from the ’70s to ’00s, perfectly embodied by its babydoll dresses, cotton jeans and breezy sets.
Our pick this season? The IDFY Blouse, a classic button-down which has already been spotted on the likes of Kourtney Kardashian.
Sarah-Jane Clarke
Natural fibres, luxurious organic linen and sun-washed pastels define Sarah-Jane Clarke’s eponymous label, brought to life in the form of flattering, relaxed silhouettes perfect for the Australian summer. The collections, centred on the principles of slow, considered fashion, are all about bringing well-crafted pieces that are timeless (with “a hint of drama”).
Our pick this season? The Saint Blouse.
Laneway The Label
For linen sets perfectly designed for an effortless beach-to-bar ensemble, look no further than Laneway The Label for your easy summer styling. The label, founded in Dunsborough, Western Australia, crafts each design in natural fibres and timeless silhouettes—creating pieces you’ll be living in all year long (and for years to come).
Our pick this season? The Daily Linen Short.
