We had the joy of working with Amanda from Minimoochoos, a new kids label start up made 100% in Australia using Australian made fabrics, and created by one mum who wants to inspire other mums that you can do it whatever your dream may be.
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Instagram @minimoochoos
Website Coming soon -- www.minimoochoos.com.au 
1. What made you decide to create a kidswear label?
When I had my son, who is now 1 year old I decided to make a couple of "one of a kind" pieces for him and that was the beginning of Minimoochoos. I had many problems finding the type of clothing that I wanted him to wear, and what was even more troubling was finding where they were made, and what type of conditions they were made in.  I found that everything was very gender orientated, trucks for boys, barbies for girls - I wanted to create pieces that could be worn for either boys or girls.

2. What struggles have you faced as a new label?
The main struggle is the sourcing of materials and trims, followed by the large MOQs required from factories here in Australia to produce the items I wanted. Unfortunately I just can't work with 50 pcs per colour!!
Being a stay at home mum while supporting my family is super important to me, and that is why I chose to work with Melbourne Fashion Lab - the owner there is a mum too and she gets it! What better way to support mums, then work with other mums. When I told her I just wanted afew pieces here and there, she said no problems!
As for fabrics, Melbourne Fashion lab had connections with factories that knew her personally so she could often get sampling fabrics for me without a problem. I tried contacting my own factories just to be turned down, as I'm just so new to everything. 

3. What are your aspirations for Minimoochoos?
I would love to grow the brand further, and offer a great ranges of classic pieces that are interchangable and matching pieces for adults. Why do the kids get to have all the fun, when Mum or Dad can join in. 
I also want to continue to support our Australian Made community, use aussie made fabrics, and work with other mums to support their families too. 

Melbourne Fashion Lab was invited to the Bachelor of Textiles Exhibit early in December to see the showcases of over 40 recent graduates. We had picked our favorites & asked them if they could be interviewed, and Jade @ Crenatives said Yes!

1. Introduce yourself 
 
I am Jade Mercedes. Rather than the title of designer or maker, I define myself as a “crenative”, representing my brand CRENATIVES definition of those “native to creativity”. I graduated from RMIT University where I completed an Associate Degree in Fashion Design & Technology, and more recently a Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design). What has been rewarding throughout the duration of my studies is developing my own definition of what textile and fashion design is and responding through a cross-disciplinary approach to my practice.
 
2. Tell me about your collection
My graduating collection URBAN_IS-ME explores the relationship between cloth and the human body. Developing a collection of wearable concepts, the range approaches how we dress and the use for materials by applying zero waste cutting to reconstruct and modify basic squares of cloth.  Dimension restraints challenged an exploration of play where fabric was draped, sliced and sewn to form contemporary outcomes from traditional coverings. In response to a shift in adaptive lifestyles, our physical use of textiles is impacted our surroundings, and extends from a layer, to a platform for self-expression, identity and connection. 
 
I focused on digital print for this collection, developing abstract patterns inspired by the Melbourne’s urban landscape. Sublimation print was explored where designs were transferred to fabric using an industrial heat press. I incorporated unconventional materials into my collection; using factory offcuts such as heavy-duty shock cord to develop a range of “hardwear” accessories.
 
3. How did you go about Fabric Sourcing, & Patternmaking? 
 
All material used for this collection were sourced locally, using fabric overruns from fashion houses, and factory off cuts found at recycle suppliers. I have gathered a list of places I regularly visit through online research, word of mouth and exploring local areas. I also approached the development of my collection with resourceful methods to pattern making. I developed wearable concepts through draping and zero waste techniques, exploring versatility and multi-function with fabric lengths.  
 
4. If you had to design your collection again, what would you have done differently?
 
The development of URBAN_IS-ME was the focus to provide a platform to trial concepts rather than creating resolved outcomes. There are concepts I will revisit and continue to extend from this collection, exploring wearability and function in particular. I do not feel however, I would have approached the collection differently as it is a work in progress.  
 
5. What advice do you have for someone wanting to study textiles?
 
Immerse yourself in textiles to expand your understanding of what textile design is and most importantly, what it means to you. Participating in textile-related workshops, attending an exhibition or event, watching a documentary or having a conversation could be what powers your creativity. Be resourceful in your approach to support your growth by getting the most out of your connections, facilities and resources accessible to you.

This collaboration was one of my favorites working with Amanda from Cake Sport, (www.cakesport.com.au).
Amanda was completing her Bachelor of Fashion in Mid 2018 and asked us to assist with her sample making, and we did!
She was inspired by mixing casual fabrics with luxury fabrics, a mish mash of athleisure meets casual glamour if there is such a thing.
Some of the fabrics included - Cotton Jerseys, Lycras, Silk Dupion, and Eveningwear Sequins.
Other elements included laser cutting accessories, appliques, and machine knitting panels on an old school 80s knitting machine.
​instagram @cakesport
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