Launched in 2007, Metta Melbourne is one of the city’s longest operating fashion brands. Established by founder Lynn Clay, who was then running a patchwork fabric boutique, the brand grew out of Lynn’s access to fabulous linens and Liberty of London fabrics.
The founder Lynn Clay named the brand after her mother, Metta May Krogdahl, whose understated style was greatly admired. Lynn’s daughter Emma Clay is co-owner of the brand and also manages the brand’s daily operations.
What is now a substantial brand, Metta Melbourne started out small, says Emma: “Metta began in a very organic way starting with one wrap dress inspired by a 1950’s house dress made out of Liberty of London cotton and a simple t-shirt dress made in linen that became the ‘Charlie Dress’, which we still make to this day.”
The overall vibe of Metta Melbourne is one of soft, casual elegance spiked with retro references. There is a touch of the recent #cottagecore trend – think light layers of soft linen, ruffles, loose cuts and layered petticoats – mixed in with classic mid-80s Japanese boxy cuts. Metta has an almost ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ aesthetic; long skirts, lots of white and neutral shades and gausey fabrics.
The brand is strongly focused on sustainable and ethical production, creating timeless garments that are repeated seasonally in different fabrications or colours; the signature look has an unfussy, crumpled vibe with the clothes designed in quality natural fabrics.
Metta items are made from STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® approved linen, 100% cotton thread, eco buttons and small batch production, with organic cotton and lace pieces from small scale producers and specialists in their field.
Website: www.mettamelbourne.com | Instagram:@mettamelbourne.
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