I have been making clothes since I was a child. Never with the intention of building a massive brand, but because I love fashion and have always thought “I could make that!”. The first piece I was desperate to make was a corset, after screenshotting and printing scenes from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antionette. I learnt that op shops sell paper patterns for practically nothing, then nothing could stop me. The second piece I made was a pair of jeans designed with hidden floral pocket bags. I was 11 years old.
I remember begging my mum to let me have a day off of school to sew, and if she could give me a lift ‘somewhere’ on the weekend. I failed to explain that this was because I signed up for a market stall at Spokey Dokes’ Magic Markets in Northbridge, Perth. I packed my bedroom clothing rack and every coat hanger in the house into mums car, and I made a couple hundred dollars that day. I remember thinking it was pretty punk of me to skip school and sell some clothes I'd made. I was 12 years old.
I've remembered why I started this brand and how it felt, and it's lead me here. It feels good to be back on the tools with the confidence to move at my own pace with my own 'why'.
I’m proud to give the high street brands a run for their money through my heart-led practices that are kinder to the planet and people. I feel confident to evolve this brand as I live by my values and learn more every day.
My design process continues to be driven by limitations
- Design decisions are made based on the machinery sewists have available, rather than outsourcing with large factories with people I’ll never meet
- Turnaround time is determined by their work/life schedules
- Pricing is based on a living Australian wage and rising transport costs
- Finishes are chosen based on their circularity
- The volume we make depends on fabric available by the supplier
- Fabrics are chosen based on sustainability - Can it breakdown and return to the earth? Will it last a long time and could it be handed down? Can it be easily repaired? Will it be something not only worn, but cherished?
What’s next?
- More exciting and exclusive fabrics will appear in our range supplied by my New Zealand deadstock fabric wholesaler
- I’m looking at developing useful products that utilise 100% leftover material scrap to prevent further fashion contribution to landfill
- I am passionate about offering repairs on all Shannon Malone clothing from over the years. I have the equipment and ability, so why not offer this? Watch this space
- I’m continuing to work directly with professional sewists who decide their rate based on an Australian living wage
- From my newsletter sent out Friday 18th July