LOIS HAZEL
Lois Hazel was launched March 2015, a beautiful label committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Offering 100% transparency on sourcing and production for each element of their garments with all craftsmanship completed either in house or by a network of local seamstresses.
Lois Hazel has been featured on VAMFF’s Off site Runway series, Discovery Runway presented by I-d Magazine and their Premium runway series presented by Who What Wear. They were also Announced as a 2017 Finalist for the National Designer Award presented by David Jones supported by Harpers BAZAAR.
Each collection incorporates dead stock, organic and traceable fabrics to ensure they are doing what they can to minimise waste as well as continue their commitment to a more sustainable industry. Considered design details offer multifunctional wardrobe pieces that feel luxurious and comfortable, taking the Lois Hazel women through seasons, climates and style pursuits.
Describe yourself and your designs to us?
Honest, hard working, ever evolving and committed to change.
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN FOR LOIS HAZEL DESIGNS?
It was during my time abroad interning for some bigger brands, that I truly starting thinking about starting my own brand. So when I moved back to Melbourne mid 2014, I put the wheels in motion and by March 2015, I launched my first collection.
When launching Lois Hazel, I knew I wanted to do things differently. I knew I wanted to commit to being more ethical and sustainable. It was through my studies that I became aware of all the negative issues within the fashion industry, so one thing I did know is that whatever I did within this industry it was going to be for the better.
WHAT DOES LOIS HAZEL REPRESENT?
Lois Hazel is a journal as much as it is a business. I’m always learning new and betters ways to create clothes with minimal impact on the world around us. I know it isn’t perfect, I don’t know if it ever will be, but being able to strive towards a fully circular fashion model is truly exciting and I am really looking forward to what the next couple of years bring for the brand.
What is one of your proudest moments in your career?
I don’t know if I have one moment that I could call my proudest to be honest, I feel there are many moments when I have sat back in disbelief that I have achieved something. For example, in my newest range, RISE, that has just launched, I was able to use a beautiful GOTS organic cotton Plaid / Hemp blend. When I started, and even a year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to meet the higher MOQ. So being able to see the brand using fabrics that not only look and feel great, they are doing great things for the planet.
There are so many other things that I am so excited to see implemented in the business and I know there will be 100 more proud moments. Even being able to work full time is such a wonderful gift and I am just so amazed that I get to do what I do everyday.
What creative work has you excited right now?
The Circular Economy. Being able to create pieces that don’t just do positive in their creation but also at their end of life too. Considering the entire lifecycle of the garment right down to it’s disposal is such an important concept now, and being able to start designing in this new way is really exciting.
I just returned from the Legacy Summit in Sydney, a responsible fashion summit, and it was probably one of the most inspiring summits I have been to. There are so many incredible people who are committed to seeing change in this industry, and who are responding to the negative impacts that this industry has on the world around us.
What designs are you working on right now?
I have actually just finished designing my SS collection which will be released later this year and am also in the process on finishing up production for my newest range RISE. Drop 1 has just launched online, and Drop 2 will be online end of next month.
What do you see ahead for the industry changing landscape?
I believe that brands and companies need to really start thinking in a more circular economy rather than linear. Considering all elements used in the garments we create and being way more responsible for their disposal and end of life. With the amount of textiles that are ending up in landfill these changes really need to start getting implement now so that we can ensure a bright and exciting future for the generations to come.
What advice do you have for emerging designers?
Make sustainability and ethical practices the foundation of what you do. We can no longer just create for the sake of creating but need to be responsible for everything we bring into this world.
Photography credit: Anthony Tosello