Melbourne’s Ethically Made in Australia Week kicks off on Wednesday, spotlighting local makers, and accredited brands all behind the push to augment Australia’s ethical clothing industry.
Greek-Australian fashion educator and designer Vicki Nicola will employ her deep industry insight to guide a conversation on ethical clothes’ manufacture at the Ethical Manufacturing Matters panel on Friday June 28, in Fitzroy.
The four-day event is presented by Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) – the national accreditation body for the rights of garment workers.
“Only about 3 per cent of clothing is still made in Australia,” Nicola tells Neos Kosmos.
“That number is low but the interest is growing as more brands want to do the right thing – they need education, resources, and accessible pathways. That’s what we’ll be talking about.”
Nicola says that there is a lot of “greenwashing” in fashion and draws the line between accountability and “performative” sustainability.
“Simply because something is made from recycled polyester doesn’t make it sustainable. If it’s toxic to the skin and doesn’t biodegrade, what are we really solving, even if we upcycle it?”
“Sustainability isn’t just about the environment, it’s also about people.
“It’s about respecting all sentient beings.. from the person sewing the garment, to the consumer wearing it, to the animals, the plants, the earth that absorbs it once it’s discarded.”
Vicki’s career in fashion spans over 30 years. From launching her own label, to working as a patternmaker and technician, to designing programs and mentoring students at Melbourne’s top fashion institutions.
“My role is to keep the conversation flowing between the panellists, ask thoughtful questions, and help draw out insights that are relevant for everyone in the room whether they’re students, makers or industry professionals,” says Nicola.
“With my background in both locally made fashion and education, I was asked to host the panel and also guide the audience through the bigger picture, what ethical manufacturing really means in Australia today, and why it matters.”
For over a decade, she taught at Kangan Institute, where her focus on sustainability and circular design made her a pioneer in the education space.
“Since leaving Kangan, I’ve had the chance to work more closely with makers one-on-one,” she says. “A lot of people want to do better by the planet, but they don’t always know where to start. I try to make it approachable and beautiful.”
Her commitment to ethical fashion however, isn’t only theoretical, it’s rather practical, creative, and deeply personal.
She is also the volunteer General Manager of FashLab, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit supporting the local fashion industry through education and networking while her Creative Sustainability Series teaches zero-waste design, reconstruction techniques, and upcycling in intimate, hands-on sessions.
“There’s a real hunger to learn,” she says.
“I’ve had teenagers through to 75-year-olds walk through my studio doors. Some want to make for themselves, some want to build brands but they all want to create in a way that feels good, inside and out.”
Nicola takes her words into real-world practice as her studio pieces are made locally using repurposed or low-impact materials, and her teaching draws directly from decades of industry experience.
“We have to think further than using fashion to look good, a medium to assert and convey an identity or its utilitarian purpose. That’s the kind of awareness that’s growing and it’s what will drive change.”
Ethically Made in Australia Week launches with a free pop-up networking night on Wednesday June 26, bringing together ECA-accredited businesses, union representatives, government, and media. Friday’s panel, moderated by Vicki, will dig into the challenges and opportunities in reshoring local manufacturing, especially for smaller brands.
“Following that introduction across two days, we’re bringing together accredited fashion brands and manufacturers for a special pop-up event. You’ll have the chance to meet the makers, hear their stories, learn more about Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation, and explore beautifully made pieces.”
Ethically Made in Australia Week runs from Wednesday 26 (invite only) to Sunday 29 June across multiple Melbourne venues. This is a free event.
To attend Friday’s panel or the full program, open to the public from Thursday till Sunday visit: events.humanitix.com/ethical-manufacturing-matters/tickets
The ‘Meet The Makers’ on Saturday and Sunday (additional Makers TBA) features Danielle Abery, Sanct, Silika Baselala, Ebony Bolts, Tamara Leacock, REMUSE Designs, Meg Smith, Jo Carney, by Audrey & Grace, Kate Pitman, Magenta Threads.
