Six to Try: Australian Bohemian Labels Creating Light, Dreamy Pieces for Summer

Luxe bohemian fashion is having a moment in Australia, which makes sense – with our climate getting hotter by the decade (2019 was the hottest year on record), the breezier our summer fashion can be, the better.

Labels inspired by the free-flowing energy of ’60s and ’70s style are continuing to crop up, many choosing small-run collections and sustainable practices in an effort to minimise their carbon footprint (very in line with ’60s/’70s philosophies, really). Here are a few of our favourites.

Boteh

Created by fashion designer Amelia Mather (who previously worked on Tigerlily and The Upside), Boteh’s first resort collection is filled with vibrant prints and soft cotton-linen blends – a mix of swimwear and pieces to throw on post-beach, before heading out for end-of-day cocktails. Mather only releases two collections a year. “We are committed to not overproducing. We do this by making to order for our wholesale customers, and then we produce a small amount extra to run online,” she tells Broadsheet. Mather also favours digital, engineered printing, where digital software and large-scale panels are used to print patterns and colours onto the fabric with specialty ink, significantly lowering the use of water and chemicals. “There’s quite a trick to it and it can get technical, especially with grading and swimwear. I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to this sort of thing, I love it.”

Our favourite pieces? The lacy Maret top and Arch Stelia bralette bikini.

Spell

Spell has come a long way since starting out in 2008 as a humble Byron Bay market stall. Now, it’s one of the biggest bohemian labels in Australia, stocked all over the country (and overseas). Rather than following trends, the label continues to focus on limited collections and timeless designs. It independently audits suppliers against its own code of conduct, and each year shares an impact report outlining the brand’s environmental and human impact. Interestingly, Spell has a large, passionate resell community (one group on Facebook has around 50,000 members) – a practice the label encourages, considering on-selling a part of its sustainability ethos. “We absolutely love the circularity of our pieces being bought, swapped and sold all over the globe,” Elizabeth Abegg and Isabella Pennefather, founders of Spell, tell Broadsheet. “It makes our hearts fill with joy to learn that the pieces have a lifespan of more than just one owner.”

Spell’s current collection, Star Crossed Lovers, features easy, throw-on dresses like the Love Story gown and pretty maxis like this light, flowing skirt.

Fleetwood Collection

Based in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, Fleetwood Collection sells a mix of vintage and vintage-inspired pieces, from hand-tooled leather purses to embroidered blouses. “I want Fleetwood Collection to stay true to our beliefs and keep providing people with handmade, small-batch products,” Fleetwood Collection founder Dan Devalence tells Broadsheet. Fleetwood Collection’s own label is a newer addition to the offering, and Devalence says the retailer works with family-run businesses and small communities, as opposed to factories, as part of its commitment to fair trade. “It’s important for me to continue to utilise people’s ancient crafts rather than pump out mass-produced fast fashion.”

The Embroidered Folk collection, created in collaboration with hill tribe communities in Northern Thailand, features detailed embroidery on breezy, soft cottons.

Chasing Unicorns

Byron-based label Chasing Unicorns aims to make fashion pieces you’ll cherish long-term, dropping new items almost daily, but with limited stock or a pre-sale strategy to ensure wastage is kept to a minimum. The designs are heavily inspired by the 1970s, so expect lots of crochet, fringing and flares. The label will also alter pieces to help you find the perfect length and fit.

We’re particularly enamoured by the Dream On maxi dress and its romantic ruffles.

Auguste

Auguste is another Byron Bay label committed to timeless designs that are meant to live on in your wardrobe. Known for its feminine cuts and soft fabrics, the brand’s collections are based around prints and colourways. This usually means you can find a piece in your favourite colour or print that suits your style or needs – the label will often highlight breastfeeding-friendly and bra-friendly items on the site. In 2016, Auguste also joined 1% for the Planet, a global collective of businesses pledged to donate one per cent of annual sales to grassroots charities working for environmental preservation and restoration.

The Marella Piper midi dress is practically made for summer picnics. We also love the Colette mini for throwing on before you hit the beach.

Kinga Csilla

Another label with a focus on timeless design to encourage the longevity of garments in customer wardrobes, Kinga Csilla creates just a few items per drop, with a particular focus on loose fits and feminine details. Creative director Laura Liles takes inspiration from her family history, which stems from Hungary, Italy and Hong Kong.

The Patience dress, which has been made in several colourways this year, is a favourite.