There are some labels in the fashion industry that go to extreme lengths to ensure that the products they are offering consumers are as ethical as possible. My most recent discovery of a brand of this kind is Wild Tussah, a grass roots label creating high quality products with great care and respect for all involved in the production process, from artisan to customer. As stated proudly on their website, “Wild Tussah was started with one idea in mind; to preserve traditional weave cultures through art and design for our modern day world.” On receiving my gorgeous Day to Night bag in the post and removing it from it’s protective canvas bag, it was clear that this product has a story to tell. So I asked Danica, Wild Tussah’s Sustainable Fashion Designer and Founder, to answer a few questions. What is the story of the Day to Night bag, from how you selected the artisans to how it is made? The Day to Night bag was designed to incorporate a Lu weave I found in Saigon. When I first came across the weave, I didn’t know who made it. All I knew was that I had never seen such […] Read More
I’ve had a fantastic time shooting these two campaigns for Australian bohemian fashion brand Tree of Life. The campaign above is titled Gyspy Wanderer. I’m in love with the styling, which in a way, bridges my fashion images with my travel photos from around the world, through the inclusion of vintage Afghani accessories, and the “Gypsy Wanderer” theme that somewhat represents my life pre-Sydney. Below is a photo of one of my posters in the shop window of Tree of Life at Bondi Junction, followed by photos from the shoot. This campaign was “Midnight Garden”. While planning and shooting the images I took inspiration from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which I have loved ever since I studied it in high school. You can see additional images from these shoots on my Facebook and Instagram, over the coming week. Read More
As Sustainably As Possibly (ASAP) invited me for an interview to share my story behind running an eco photography business. I was the second to be interviewed for the Pledgecast series, following NSW Greens MP, John Kaye. I felt quite honoured. Through this short interview you can hear how travelling made me realise, in an unforgettable way, that how I live in Australia affects people all around the world. As part of the interview, ASAP asked me to make an environmental pledge. Fast fashion is a serious problem in today’s world, and working as a fashion photographer, this is something I am very conscious of. Sustainable fashion expert, Lucy Siegle estimates that each year, 80 billion garments are produced throughout the world. The conditions under which most of these are made are dangerous, both for garment factory workers and for our environment (during production and at the end of fast fashion’s short life when the clothing is sent to landfill). I pledged to stop buying new clothing and consumables. Since I made the pledge, I have had a fantastic time discovering beautiful and unique clothes in second hand stores (from the Salvos to fancy vintage stores). There are even websites dedicated to helping Australian’s buy and swap pre-loved fashion. Buying second hand clothing […] Read More
Photo Shoot for Sustainable Fashion Label Carlie Ballard Carlie Ballard is an inspiring, big-hearted lady who I have now had the pleasure of working with twice. Her self titled fashion label harnesses the creative talents of artisans in developing countries, and fuses these with beautiful designs to create contemporary garments for the modern day wardrobe. With a strong philosophy of mixing sustainable fabrics (including hand woven fabrics and organic cotton), fair labour practices and traditional techniques, Carlie Ballard creates garments with longevity and a touch of culture for the adventurer and dreamer in all of us. The clothing is made in a small workshop in India, offering the dignity of employment, fair pay and excellent working conditions to a talented group of artisans. All of the profits from the workshop are dedicated to growing its capacity to employ, train and support the families of the women it has been established to assist. Carlie is also a founding member of Clean Cut Fashion, a collective of sustainable fashion advocates, and is the curator of online store Indigo Bazaar, a carefully curated selection of cutting edge brands from around the world which are at the forefront of the sustainability movement. Below are images from my […] Read More
Surbala is a resort wear label founded by Neha, a charming fashion designer from India. Neha sources artisans from her home country, who handmake Surbala’s collections, employing traditional Indian techniques. When I first met Neha to plan our fashion shoot, I could instantly see the great passion she has for her work, and through talking with her, it was obvious that she goes to great lengths to ensure that each Surbala piece is made with love and care. I appreciate the way she works so much that I asked Neha to share a bit about Surbala, with my blog readers. Me: What does “Surbala” mean? Neha: I came across the word Surbala when as a student, I first read acclaimed Indian poet Shri Makhan Lal Chaturvedi’s famous Hindi poem “Pushp ki Abhilasha“ (means the aspirations of a flower). He mentions the word Surbala that refers to a beautiful woman. In Hindi, technically SUR means a musical note & BALA means a young woman. The word Surbala stuck by me for a long time. And when I was thinking of naming my clothing label, I couldn’t think of more suitable name as I see my clients as beautiful and perfect ladies. […] Read More
