Melbourne designer Ema Hewitt launched her independent brand Hew after graduating from RMIT University and working in fashion from Paris to Los Angeles, with a glitzy placement with the Mad Men costume team.
When she returned to Australia and started working in costuming for television shows, Ema realised there was a gap in the market – menswear pieces that could make a statement. When she couldn’t find what she was looking for Ema founded her own brand, Hew.
Growing up in a family of brothers, Ema knew her pieces needed to be comfortable and wearable as well as look good. She wanted to focus on unique prints and sharp, tailored details. To get her hands on unique prints and patterns, Ema works with local artists to create a uniquely Australian vibe.
Although begun as a menswear brand, Hew is now producing great, classic but colourful womenswear too. Prices for shirts and shorts are around AU$130, pants go up to AU$265, and dresses cost up to AU$385 depending on the fabric and details.
Like a lot of Australian brands, Hew has a strong sustainable and ethical standpoint. The brand uses GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) fabric and works with factories that include one in Australia that is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA), a third-party accreditation body that maps the Australian supply chain throughout the entire cut, make and trim process.
Because prints are a core part of the brand’s aesthetic, Ema ensures that the brand uses the best technology with quality eco-standards to create her fabrics including being accredited with an ISO Oeko-Tex Certificate, which is a global, independent textile certification system. Ema is even working on accessing and using entirely eco-friendly buttons made of coconut shells.
Website: hewclothing.com Instagram: @hew_clothing
Discover more interesting independent Australian fashion brands in Our Fashion Stories section.
