5 Australian brands to shop this spring

Aussie style promotes a whimsical, colourful way of dressing that reflects the laid-back ethos of its locals, sitting somewhere between streetwear and smart wear with a keen emphasis on sustainability and bold print.

As they experience the seasons in reverse, Australian brands are ideal for those who travel often and find it difficult to find out of season pieces in the UK. With many brands offering free overseas delivery, there’s no reason not to widen your shopping search.

Gorman is the Australian go-to for stunning prints with a kitschy sensibility. For every banana print trapeze top and nautical jumpsuit, there are block-coloured skirts and quirky shoes, not to mention the wealth of collaboration collections that give fellow designers a platform.

If Gorman appeals to you, it might also be worth looking up the work of Emma Mulholland and Poppy Lissiman, two fellow Aussies whose technicolour jewellery and accessories tap into the same trashy-chic aesthetic.

Founded in Melbourne in 1987, Aesop’s presence in the UK has been growing steadily over the past five years.

Supplying beauty and skincare that looks as good on your bathroom counter as it feels on your skin, their sets have become quite de rigueur for those who wish to create a Pinterest-perfect setting in their homes.

Housed in that now-classic minimalist design, the formulas are natural and based on wild ingredients—primrose, parsley seed and violet leaf. Boasting everything from flight therapy spritzers and deodorants to skin cleansers and "calming" shampoo, their gift sets make a sumptuous present.

Although now operating out of New York, FEIT Direct footwear was initially founded by brothers Tull and Josh Price in Australia.

Coining the term ‘neoluxury’, their design process is quite something to behold. The outer leathers are treated with lime juice, sea salt and codfish oil and stabilised by layers of natural cork, bamboo shank and vegetable leather to create the perfect fit.

With prices around the $500 mark for a pair of shoes and a little less for accessories, they’re quite an investment, but it’s safe to say that the materials used only get better with age.

Unusual beauty trends may come and go, but Frank Body seem to have serious staying power.

Their world famous coffee scrub first hit headlines a few years back and became a favourite of bloggers worldwide for it’s anti-oxidant, exfoliating qualities.

Now in three different coffee formulas to accommodate for sensitive, dry skin and combination skin, their new body balms are also proving a big hit, infused with coconut to help achieve a smoother and more even complexion.

Purveyors of highly limited collections, the western Australian team behind Bhalo are passionate about ethical fashion.

Made from naturally dyed, chemical free, hand-loomed cotton, profits from each garment go towards covering the costs of village schooling and daycare for 250 children at their fair-trade production facility in Bangladesh.

The items themselves are a thing of unique beauty—each piece is individually made and slightly different, boasting simple designs that work for wearers of all generations.

 

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