Slow and Stylish Fashion at The Original Eumundi Markets

The heart and the start of slow fashion can be found at The Original Eumundi Markets. Carlie Wacker shares the experience of shopping small to make a big fashion impact.

In a world of fast food, fashion and living, there is a slow and soulful escape in our very own backyard that is, quite simply, the key to unlocking your unique style in a responsible way.

The Original Eumundi Markets is where the art of slow fashion lives and where the region’s most creative artisans, designers and makers share their wares. This place should always be your first port of call for clothing, jewellery and accessories.

These are pieces that you will not find in major shopping precincts and plazas – these are the standout from the crowd wardrobe items that celebrate individuality, sustainable and ethical fashion and the creative core of the Sunshine Coast.

Kita Lawrence is the marketing coordinator of The Original Eumundi Markets and says they are leading the way with high end handmade fashion.

“We are re-writing the experience of shopping high end fashion with personalised fittings and styling advice from the designers themselves,” she shares.

Where else can you go where you will meet and be personally styled by the designer and/or maker of the clothing, jewellery and accessories you wear?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to find out firsthand where your clothing comes from and what went into making it and to be styled by someone that wants you to look and feel amazing in their creations. The Original Eumundi Markets is exactly how we should be shopping – mindfully.

Every piece of fashion (clothing, jewellery, accessories) should tell a story.

Sadly, fast fashion tells a story that no one should wish to wear. As we move away from over consumption and step into the stylish light of sustainable fashion there is simply no better place than The Original Eumundi Markets to explore the art of fashion and meet the people behind the brands.

Supporting your local fashion artists boosts the local economy by funnelling money directly back into the community rather than large national chains and corporations that often mass produce, poor quality unethical fashion that contributes to the worldwide textile waste disaster we are experiencing.

The flipside of fast fashion is far more exciting – slow fashion is where the true fashionista shines. When we thoughtfully curate our clothing, we stand out and become a storyteller.

One story I love to share is that of Butterscotch Castle. I first found this label at Eumundi Markets and was drawn to Deb Cheyne’s individual one-off designs where no two dresses or garments will ever be the same.

Butterscotch Castle has a zero-carbon footprint, the workshop is run completely on solar and these shirts are being saved from landfill. Deb also recently took her label to New York Sustainable Fashion Week – what a superstar!

Hoozhoo is another label offering one of kind creations with a romantic old-world charm – all garments are upcycled from vintage treasures. Bianca Butler started making scrunchies from vintage tablecloths, curtains and more. She now also designs and makes really cute wrap tops from her fabric finds which feels like you’re wearing a piece of Aussie history – its nostalgic (I even saw a Holly Hobbie fabric top).

Jacqui Bianchi is a self-taught no wastage fashion designer who draws and handmakes her effortlessly stylish resort wear using predominantly double gauze cotton. Make sure you check out her label Castaway Fashion.

For a global vibe the heart of Noosa Heads seek out the clothing created by Denise Powell (under the label Global Vibe) She works with First Nations’ artists paintings to create fabric that is transformed into beautiful cotton dresses.

For the little fashionistas Lips and Lollipops offers the sweetest playful get-up created by designer Heidi Boyle. She has been designing, cutting and sewing for over 40 years – a 3rd generation sewing superstar.

Edith Street is another cool kids label with modern style and sustainability and owner Emily Fellows is super passionate about keeping our little people on trend and has her garments lovingly handcrafted on the Sunny Coast.

The most colourful and lovingly handcrafted jewellery is also found at the markets.

Sue Granger of Maggie and Me makes statement resin jewellery that is addictive – you will not stop at one bangle and Noosa artisan Lorenzo is a talented craftsman turning vintage spoons and forks into intricate and swoon worthy bracelets, necklaces and rings.

These are just some of the amazing makers I met one Wednesday in Eumundi – imagine the adventures you will have on your fashion journey through The Original Eumundi Markets.

Meet the makers, support unique and local, consume creativity and step into your most stylish self every Wednesday and Saturday. Shop local this summer.

Image source: Photographer Megan Gill

Written by Carlie Wacker

Slow and Stylish Fashion at The Original Eumundi Markets