Designer Net Chantarawaree is bubbly, elegant and warm, with a cheeky sense of humour; just like the clothes of her brand, The Only, that she launched in September of 2015.
She was inspired to start her label after she graduated from Bachelor of Design (fashion) at RMIT university and tried working with upcycling vintage fashion; this eventually inspired her to start The Only label.
“I believe sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be plain and boring. I want to create unique statement maker pieces that will always spark joy season after season,” explains Net.
“The Only aesthetic is fun with a hint of retro elements. Well-tailored pieces in fun prints and bold colours are our signature looks. Versatility is the key focus of our design, with most pieces being perfect for day to night occasion and pieces with multiple ways to wear.”
Net’s tailoring chops are strong, with lovely lines, well-cut and well-fitting trousers and jumpsuits, with the ‘fun’ coming from candy-toned colours and classic checks. The overall vibe is a mix of “60s geometric mod, 70s laid back bohemian through to edgy 90s grunge”.
“The Only label is created with the modern woman in mind, with comfort and versatility at the forefront of the label’s designs shown through transformable easy-to-style pieces and relaxed carefree silhouettes,” says Net.
According to Net: “The Only girl is quirky yet effortlessly feminine with a unique blend of the cool and cute persona. She wears girly dresses with oxfords and oversize tops with heels. Her unpredictable style is unique and different because she is ‘the one & only’.”
When it comes to being ethical and sustainable, Net feels strongly about keeping an eye on the production of the brand’s garments, quite literally.
“The Only products are made in Bangkok, Thailand. The production team which consists of two sisters and three of their friends work just across the road from my family home, this ensures I can monitor their work condition,” explains Net who is originally from Thailand.
“I also take sustainability and garment longevity into account when developing The Only designs. Using easy care and durable fabric as well as timeless prints and versatile shapes to ensure my pieces can last season after season.”
Another part of the sustainability ethics of Net’s brand is that all the garment patterns are cut by hand in order to “minimal material waste and overproduced products end up in landfill,” says Net.
Website: theonlylabel.com | Instagram: @the.onlylabel
Shop in person at Design A Space stores at Fitzroy, Windsor and Melbourne City, go to designaspace.com for details.
Discover more interesting independent Australian fashion brands in Our Fashion Stories section.
