Have you ever felt that you have two wardrobes? One for work, and one for play? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. Melbourne designer Shaina Munro found herself in the same position, and decided to do something about it by launching Arlo & Olive in September, 2021.
“Living in Melbourne I found I had two sets of a capsule wardrobe; one for everyday wear, and one for holiday wear,” explains Shaina who is the founder, designer and creative director of Arlo & Olive.
“I love clothes with a coastal vibe but always found it wasn’t quite wearable when I was in the city of Melbourne. This is what inspired me to create Arlo & Olive, a brand that uses gorgeous linens, and boho shapes, but in fun and quirky prints that look at home walking around by the beach in Byron, or at a bar in Melbourne.
“I have always been fascinated by learning more and more about the fashion industry, and what I can do as an individual to lessen my impact. I wanted to create a brand that was beautiful, yet didn’t add to the devastation that the fashion industry causes across the globe.”
Shaina describes the Arlo & Olive aesthetic as having a 70’s feel: “I love creating retro prints that take you back to the days of film cameras, but in more refined and wearable silhouettes. Arlo & Olive’s aesthetic can best be described as Coastal style meets the 1970’s.”
The latest Arlo & Olive collection spins around a groovy graphic print in a series of fun, summer silhouettes with modern cuts – think wide-legged pants, crop tops, mini skirts and cut-out dresses. The vibe is summery, and the sizes are very inclusive.
“Arlo & Olive was born out of my love for fashion, and the planet. It has been my dream since I was a little girl to have my own fashion label. I was given my first sewing machine at 10 years old, and have been addicted ever since!” says Shaina.
“Sustainability is super important to me, and you can see this shining through every aspect of the brand, even down to the stickers we use to pack our orders. Our pieces are handcrafted in Indonesia by the most beautiful Aussie-run factory. I focus on releasing small drops to reduce waste by over-purchasing and to create an exclusive range for you to wear.”
According to Shaina, “ethical and sustainable garment production is one of the most important aspects of the brand.”
“We use 99% natural fibres, such as linen and organic cotton and we reserve our ideas to release a limited capsule collection, resisting the urge to roll-out en masse blasts of excessive clothing,” explains Shaina. “We use NO plastic throughout our entire production process. Our mailers, shipping labels, stickers and garment bags are 100% home compostable. Our thank you cards are made from 100% post-consumer recycled card, and our printers use a closed loop system, translating to a recycling of wastewater that can be reused again and again.
“Any printing by-products generated (think fabric fibres) are pressed down and then remarkably made into bricks to build buildings in Indonesia. Our tint and dye bases are Japanese and use an extra-special seaweed-based gel, made cleverly to be non-toxic to our beloved environment.
“Our offcuts are repurposed and used to create beautiful tapestries for another local brand. We also choose not to work with ANY animal products such as leather, feathers, silk, fur, wool or cashmere. We are committed to ensure all our products are cruelty free.
“Our factory in Bali has a very high standard of operation, ensuring that employees are safe in their working environment. The employees are paid above award wages, and voluntary overtime; working days are Monday to Friday, with a voluntary working day on Saturdays. The staff receive a bonus around their religious holiday and are entitled to 27 paid days of leave a year. All of the female staff are entitled to paid maternity leave and all staff receive health insurance and workplace insurance,” Shaina explains.
“We are also donating $1 from every order to the Bali Childrens Project’s COVID-19 appeal to donate food packages to families in need in Bali. I think it’s important to give back to the wonderful people who make our clothes.”
Website: www.arloandolive.com | Instagram: @arloandolive
Discover more interesting independent Australian fashion brands in Our Fashion Stories section.
