SOPHIA mcmahon
Autark is an Australian label that offers ethical design-minded pieces.
Founder and head designer, Sophia McMahon, created Autark in 2016 in response to the needs of the modern woman and the wide-ranging impact of the fashion industry on the world.
Garments are handcrafted locally from the most luxurious of silks, cottons, linens and an array of natural fibres, that are carefully considered in their construction for maximum wearability and versatility.
Sophia’s passion and belief in the slow fashion movement ensures that her bold yet feminine designs are crafted ethically, fairly and sustainably.
We spoke to Sophia about her work and her experience in shaping Autark.
Shop Autark online.
Recently, we spoke to Adelaide-based designer and founder of Autark, Sophia McMahon. Sophia gave insight into her experience in shaping Autark in he growing slow fashion movement. Here's what Sophia had to say to us.
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN FOR AUTARK?
The more I learned about the fashion industry I loved so much, the more concerned I was about its impact on the world and people. I wanted to start a brand that was built on the ideals of slow fashion and building a classic wardrobe of investment pieces, but that was also strongly design-driven and considered in its approach to manufacturing ethically and locally.
I take a lot of my underlying design inspiration from the ideas of contrast; minimal contrasted with maximum shapes, contrast in colours and fabric and I also love sourcing finishing details to add to each collection.
WHAT DOES AUTARK REPRESENT AND MEAN TO YOU?
For me, Autark represents an approach to fashion that is as far removed from fast fashion as possible. I love working with people local to me whether it is machinists or artists, I love the idea that the conception of the pieces through to their creation happens in the same place.
My concept for the brand is for customers to be able to purchase pieces that they can get as much wear as possible, for the longest possible amount of time. I love the idea of Autark pieces being work by women for hears to come.
WHERE CAN WE ACCESS AUTARK PIECES?
At the moment we are stocked predominantly online and we have a small selection of pieces stocked in Before March Store in Northcote, Melbourne, as well as on Alice is Back, Lustr and soon to be stocked on Wander.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON EMERGING ARTISTS AND HOW TO ENTER THE INDUSTRY?
As an emerging designer myself, I see an incredible amount of possibility in the industry. I fell like customers are now demanding more information about where their clothes are made and how they are made.
There is a real shift towards ethical and responsible practice in the fashion industry which is not a moment too soon, considering the impact it has on the world. For people just beginning their journey, I would say one of the hardest things is to trust yourself.
It is incredibly important to get help and guidance from others who have been there already, but it's also really important to listen to yourself and do what is important to you and your beliefs - finding the balance between the two is, I believe, where you can find success and longevity.
SOPHIA MCMAHON
FOUNDER AND DESIGNER, AUTARK
SHOP AUTARK ONLINE
