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It’s still early days for Amazon in Australia, but the presence of the e-commerce power-house is already being felt, especially in the fashion industry.
Now, the international retailer has created a platform to help support talented Australian designers and brands of substance, offering a one-stop market-place for local labels. Over 150 rising and established brands have been added to a specially curated directory located on the Aussie site.
The platform’s support for local talent doesn’t just stop there. Amazon has this week announced its inaugural Amazon Fashion 2018 Local Brand Awards, short-listing 15 emerging Australian labels for a grand prize that includes$75,000 worth of marketing support. Better still, you can help decide the winner.
The public has been invited to vote on their top picks for award glory, so to prepare you, we’ve created a crib guide to the 15 brands selected, many of which you might not have heard of, but should definitely get acquainted with pronto.
Scroll down to get familiar with the 15 finalists and vote for your favourite HERE.
1. The Critical slide society
Jim Mitchell and Sam Coombes are the designers behind The Critical Slide Society, taking inspiration from their love of surf-culture and the lifestyle. With collaborations between photographers, artists, surfers, film-makers and other creatives who share their vision, they have created a unique range of men’s apparel and award-winning board shorts that embody their laid-back vibe.
2. Third Form
Already a cult favourite label amongst Aussie fashion girls, Third Form is a contemporary brand with a focus on minimalistic chic. Shape and structure are signatures of the label, as is the refined edge seen with every piece.
3. Local supply
This Bondi-born sunglass brand was founded with affordability in mind. Local Supply has developed a collection of high-tech polarised sunnies minus the hefty price tag, and also directs a Repair and Recycle program where old sunnies can be returned to the business for a $30 discount towards your next pair. They will then repair the frames and donate them to a local charity or recycle the materials and reuse them for manufacturing.
4. Will & Bear
Founders Alex Bear and Loz Will promote sustainability with every chic beanie, baker-boy cap and wide brim hat they sell. The philosophy behind this brand is just as beautiful as the range, with Will & Bear planting 10 trees for each head topper sold, in collaboration with trees.org. Everything to love.
Credit: @willandbear
5. Sol sana
You’d be forgiven for thinking this brand was home to high-end shoes but it is, in fact, the brainchild of an Australian creative crafting editorial-like designs at affordable prices. Each footwear look is unique and lively, with the latest trends brought to life without threatening to breaking the bank.
6. FROM St Xavier
Designed in Australia and sustainably made in North India, these bags are gorgeous as well as socially conscious. The philosophy behind the brand is to give back to developing world communities by using a manufacturing process that helps provide for and empower underprivileged women in those regions. From St Xavier has already been recognised for its growing success, including partnerships with the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka home of the MET Gala) and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. These bags are truly unlike anything else.
7. Jaggar
Jaggar is another ethical accessory brand creating unique pieces that are sustainable and chic. As part of its mission, the label has co-signed an agreement that regulates its production process to be environmentally sustainable, supports labour and human rights, as well as protect animal welfare. With its pieces remaining affordable, Jaggar proves being ethical doesn’t have to be expensive.
8. Three of Something
Created by three friends (hence the adorably fitting name), this boutique label designs each of its pieces with a bohemian flair, featuring feminine, flowy silhouettes with a gentle mix of vintage. Its wares have a coastal feel with a luxe twist.
9. Skin Footwear
As the name implies, this brand is all about footwear. The luxury shoes made by Skin are crafted from high-quality leather and feature designs that look straight off a European runway. Its sleek, trendy pieces are available in a range of styles including slides, mules and espadrilles.
10. Antoine & Stanley
It appears footwear and accessories are a popular pick for the Amazon Fashion 2018 Local Brand Awards and this brand providing everything a stylish man could need. With high-quality shoes, ties, cufflinks, bags, wallets and more, Antoine & Stanely’s mission is to be a one-stop destination for any man’s wardrobe.
11. Silent Theory
The urban brand has an anti-trend ethos and is focused on remaining simplistic when creating its wearable basics. It’s tailored to street wear lovers who are looking for grungy, no-fuss staples.
12. Novo
Handbags, shoes, accessories, oh my – Novo might be home to affordable, outfit-finishing pieces, but it is probably best recognised for the on-trend shoes it sells every season.
13. Wild Rhino
This lifestyle shoe brand was born in Melbourne and strives to make its craft both functional and stylish. While it caters to both men and women, its extensive range of men’s lifestyle footwear is best associated with the name.
14. Winona
Alyssa Lani Winona Mobbs is the creative mind behind the brand with a mission to craft on-trend pieces from luxe fabrics. Since the launch of Winona, she has built a cult-like following not only in Australia but also overseas, with celebrities like Kelly Osbourne and Jennifer Hawkins wearing outfits from the brand.
15. Croft
A shoe brand with a coastal aesthetic would best describe this finalist. With a focus on styles such as loafers, lifestyle sneakers and sleek boots, the label sticks to warm neutrals in keeping with the seaside theme.
cast your VOTE for THE Amazon Fashion 2018 Local Brand AwardS now HERE.
