Our Blog | Love Linen The Label — Ethical Fashion
Thoughtful Books about Conscious Fashion - Gift Ideas
Books about style, ethical fashion and building a better, simpler, more conscious wardrobe
“Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion” by Elizabeth L. Cline (Portfolio, 2013)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want an in-depth analysis of how the fashion industry is impacting workers, the environment and the economy
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR fast fashion addicts in need of a wake up call
“Worn Stories” by Emily Spivack (Princeton Architectural Press, 2014)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF your closet is full of meaningful pieces that remind you of something or someone special
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR anyone who likes personal stories, short essays and autobiographies
“No More Dirty Looks: The Truth about Your Beauty Products and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics” by Siobhan O’Connor and Alexandra Spunt (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2010)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want to transition to a cleaner, safer and environmentally friendly beauty routine
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR health-conscious beauty lovers
”The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organise and Simplify” by Francine Jay (Chronicle Books, 2016)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want a straightforward, motivating guide to decluttering and simplifying
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR anyone that’s curious to find out what this “minimalism” thing is all about
”Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster” by Dana Thomas (Penguin Books, 2008)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you’ve always wondered if luxury brands are worth the money
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR luxury fashion lovers and sceptics alike
“Wear No Evil: How to Change the World with Your Wardrobe” by Greta Eagan (Running Press, 2014)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want practical tips on how to build a more ethical closet
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR eco fashion newbies
“Decoding the New Consumer Mind: How and Why We Shop and Buy” by Kit Yarrow (Jossey-Bass, 2014)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want to improve your shopping habits and stop wasting money on impulse buys
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR people who love research almost as much as shopping
“How To Get Dressed: A Costume Designers Secrets for Making Your Clothes Look, Fit and Feel Amazing” by Alison Freer (Ten Speed Press, 2015)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want your outfits to look as good as they do in magazines
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR literally anyone who cares about their clothes
“The Curated Closet: A Simple System to Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe” by Anuschka Rees (Ten Speed Press, 2016)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want a step-by-step guide to building your dream wardrobe
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR anyone who complains about having a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear
“Women in Clothes” by Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits and Leanne Shapton (Blue Rider Press, 2014)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you consider your style to be a reflection of your life and personality
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR style-conscious deep thinkers
”Spark Joy: An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying” by Marie Kondo (Vermillon, 2016)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you can’t get enough of Marie Kondo’s genius or need some extra tidying motivation
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR people who have never heard of Marie Kondo (the rest probably already owns this book or its predecessor)
”You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You” by Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2012)
YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want to know what your clothes say about you
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR anyone who enjoys books with a psychological slant
*Credit List by Author of The Curated Closet - Anuschka Rees
Easy Steps to Style Confidence
1. Wear What You Love Everyday
Everyday is a special occasion to be alive. Embrace the moment, embrace now and dress your best everyday, embrace your style no matter what future goals or aspirations you may have. Don't wait for that special moment - that special moment is and always will be - NOW
2. Embrace Your Unique Body
Regardless of what body shape or type you are, you are beautiful and you should embrace the uniqueness which is you. Don't let your insecurities or hang-ups get in the way of embracing your personal style.
3. Don't Get Sucked Into A Rule Book
There are so many opinions of what looks good and what body shape and so on. At the end of the day it is good to stay informed but also your opinion and you feeling good is what matters most. Regardless of your age, body type and shape, don't let this get in the way of your personal style and wearing what you love.
4. Detox Your Wardrobe
Do not wear clothes that make you feel bad. Have a clear out if you need, and get rid of any clothes you do not feel amazing in, don't fit you, or, you have never worn. Donate or sell are good ways to sustainably clear out.
5. Quality over Quantity
Studies show most people wear only 35% of their wardrobe. You don't actually need many clothes! Curate a capsule wardrobe of your signature style. This will make your personal style stronger and you will feel more confident only wearing what you love. Quality clothing also stands out in a crowd of fast fashion which makes up most clothing in the world. Stand out and support values which resonate with you. We support local, ethically and sustainably made and of course quality natural fibers.
Visit Us In Broome - Showroom by Appointment Only
The Sewing Room - Showroom by appointment only
We have recently rejuvenated our sewing room where our design process begins to include a showroom space for you to try and buy Love Linen in beautiful Broome. Due to current conditions this is by appointment only and we trust that courtesy and appreciation of our bespoke label is considered.
Please text Helen on 0447 560 812 to arrange your appointment.
Our design process takes much love time and care. When we are happy with our designs they are then sent to our Australian Digital Pattern Maker and then to our Australian Accredited Manufacture. Both of these are other Australian small businesses run by amazing and talented women with many years of industry experience. It can even take a year or so before you get to see our designs. Our process is slow and sustainable and our focus is always on quality over quantity made with love.
It's More Than Just A Fashion Revolution in 2020
A Fashion Revolution - A Better 2020
Fashion Revolution week 23rd-29th of April marks the 6th anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, which killed 1,138 people and injured many more in 2013, millions of people are now encouraged to ask brands #whomademyclothes and demand greater transparency in the fashion supply chain.
This revolution is a global movement calling for greater sustainability and ethics within the fashion industry.
Part of our passion is this movement which encourages more sustainability to change the way our clothes are sourced, produced and purchased, and ensuring #whomademyclothes are subject to a fair wages and safe working conditions.
This year there are much greater things at hand than just the Fashion Revolution - there is a current revolution of awareness of how we are living and consuming. This all goes hand in hand. We are waking up and it takes times such as these to do so.
The fashion industry is rife with fast fashion following short term fashion trends at super-low prices. It does come to a point that we have to consider the real cost of this out-ways a cheap price tag.
You are deciding which you are supporting every purchase you make. Quality over quantity is key here, having a high quality wardrobe that not only looks amazing, it will not fall apart after a few washes and you will not be contributing to the masses of landfill and subjecting people to unfair working conditions.
Shop YOUR VALUES, Shop local, shop small and ask #whomademyclothes?
Why we NEED to 'Beat' Fast Fashion
We Just Need to Stop - Consider WHO Made My Clothes
This is a great short video expressing some of my own sentiments regarding fast fashion, based in the US yes but on point!
It is just ridiculous that in only the last 10 - 20 years the production of clothing has increase so much to be at the stage of $10 disposable items in the name of 'trends'. We need to be smarter and we need to consider the real cost behind the price tag.
What A Cheap Price Tag Actually Says:
- I was made by someone under slave labour (majority who are woman)
- I was made in poor, unsafe and unfair working conditions
- I was made using poor materials
- I will fall apart within months and add to landfill
- I caused more pollution and negative earth impact
- I was not made out of love or care for the earth or any human on it
The World Must Never Forget...
No More Made in China - No More Mass Produced Crap
These current times are a reminder to the world that it is unsustainable to rely on one power house to essentially control the world.
We know that this is driven purely and simply by price. To give the consumer cheaper options means mass production using lesser materials and slave labour (often illegal) conditions to drive the end price to the consumer down.
This is a wake up call - we can do better and we MUST - for a better future we need to make better choices - this starts NOW - what will you do better?
Hello from Helen - Founder & Designer
Hello 👋 FIRST TIME EVER from the Founder of Love LinenMy FIRST EVER live video 🙈🙈🙈 Well, it was live but I’m posting it now until I wait to long and chicken out 🐥 I will be doing more of these so please reach out, your support means everything to me, much love Helen - Founder & Designer 💜
Posted by Love Linen on Sunday, February 23, 2020
Behind The Seams
The Lifetime of a Design
At Love Linen we do everything with love and much time, energy and care goes into everything we do.
We are only small and we only make a few. We are accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia and we are proudly Australian made, owned and operated.
Each design we hand make in our sewing studio in Broome before is goes to our digital pattern makers. This process alone can take months! Our amazing manufacturer specialises in short runs which means we only produce around 10 - 20 of each design in a carefully chosen linen fabric.
Quality over quantity is what we are passionate about. We also love producing linen clothing of true style and classic design that you wont see everywhere else. Our designs are unique and limited which make them extra special.
Although we have many designs sketched - some on paper - many in the mind - we are only a small business and our aim is to grow sustain-ably with our beautiful linen lovers into the future. We wish we could give you it all at once but where is the fun in that! So much happens in the design stage and we even surprise ourselves sometimes!
If you are reading this, thank you for being part of our journey. Your support and appreciation means the world to us X
Introducing the new Chloe and Belle Dress in Silver Fawn
Meet our Treasured Chloe
Our treasured Chloe shirt dress is a wonderful classic staple that has been created with much care. Carefully tailored around the waist it remains a relaxed fit although styled to keep a flattering shape. Adjustable sleeves, chest pockets and side hand pockets are just some of the added features bringing this dress next level, and who doesn't love a dress with pockets!
Lovingly brought to you from Broome this dress is great for any occasion; corporate dress, evening dress, everyday dress or stylish holiday essential
* Quality linen fabric keeps you cool all day long no matter how hot your day gets
* Linen gets softer, silkier and more beautiful with every wash, look forever stunning in this dress
* Gorgeous quality and tailored design this dress stands out in the crowd
Meet our Stunning Belle
Absolute elegance and comfort is our Belle dress with beautiful tiered styling and a stunning open back. An apron style dress brought to another level, you will never want to part with our Belle. This stunning crinkle linen adds to the beauty of this dress and its layering, it also has the ability to not be ironed, the crinkle becomes a gorgeous feature.
Our stunning Belle is a Broome favorite and we live in it all year long, only to be complimented everywhere. Take a loving piece of Broome with you always and make sure you take her for a spin x
* Quality linen fabric keeps you cool all day long no matter how hot your day gets
* Linen gets softer, silkier and more beautiful with every wash, look forever stunning in this dress
* Stunning tiered styling makes this dress flattering to every body shape
Why Have A Capsule Wardrobe?
Benefits of a capsule wardrobe
I think before getting into what a capsule wardrobe is and the methods of achieving one it is important to first be inspired by the benefits so your enjoy the journey.
Less stress
A well curated wardrobe has staple styles, colours and combinations so it wont be a headache to pick your outfit.
Clothes you love
A smaller wardrobe of clothing means you are much more careful with your purchases. Each and every piece should be one of quality and that you LOVE to wear. Your whole wardrobe becomes something you feel good in no matter what you choose for your day.
Your signature look
Having a smaller wardrobe also means you put more effort and consideration on every piece of clothing and how they go together. Carefully picking only clothing of quality that will last and that you truly love sets you apart. You become more confident and well put together.
Saves you money
Quality over quantity. In the long run this saves you money and is better for the planet. You are also usually supporting more ethically made clothing and not sweat shop pieces made to last a short season. Feel good and do good in good fashion.
Take time - can be years!
It is ok that a capsule wardrobe takes time to curate and establish. Enjoy the journey and enjoy the fact that it is a process to feel good about.
A Slow and Conscious process
Each addition or subtraction of clothing becomes a more conscious process. In order to have a smaller wardrobe of truly loved and well curated clothing takes more presence than mindlessly adding and adding.
Greener
A capsule wardrobe means you are not contributing to the fast fashion model. This is a worldwide problem which has escalated over the last 20 years. You value clothes made well, of quality and designed to last. Shopping local is key here, it can be fun finding those niche local brands who align with your values and you can feel good about supporting.
Saves you space
As a nice bonus you minimize your home buy having a smaller wardrobe. Just wait till you get spaces between the hangers and you can see everything clearly, I promise you you'll love it.
Creating Real Change - The Fashion Advocate
The Fashion Advocate
We are so proud to be a part of what this amazing woman has created, spreading the word about supporting locally made sustainable and ethical fashion. Please see Claire's story below, we are so lucky to be involved in this shared vision.
"I am a fashion blogger, an avid clothes lover and an advocate for the Australian fashion industry, but first and foremost, I am a conscious consumer."
It was from my front row seat at A.F. Vandevorst during Paris Fashion Week in 2014 that I decided I would wake up every day in the name of fashion. As Sherry Qiu bound down the runway through a sea of smoke, everyone else was looking left – and I was looking right. I found myself completely absorbed in the menagerie of photographers before me, stacked on top, around and underneath each other, elbow to elbow and cheek to cheek in a silently understood mess. They were still, with only the movement of fingers on cameras and only the sound of fluttering lenses, synced in a frenzying harmony with every step each model took. Pose, snap snap, pose.
These were mere outfits on the runway to some, but moments in time to me. Each different angle became infinitely worthy to be captured, lusted over, longed for and needed. As crushed khaki linen layers and scarlet silks marched down the barrel of the runway, I was mesmerised, I was captivated, I was inspired. I decided then and there, that fashion would be the one thing I would always pursue, on a constant hunt for moments that move me. It is one thing to know trends, it is another to understand the feeling of fashion, and I felt it running through every vein in my body.
I now devote The Fashion Advocate to sharing meaningful content, focussing on Australian fashion, beauty and lifestyle labels that share my ethical and sustainable values. What started as a digital diary of my fashion musings has now grown into a community of likeminded individuals who are designing for positive social and environmental change.
If I can encourage just one reader to support the Australian industry and choose ethics over trends, my job here is done.
Now is the time to look deep down into the bottom drawer, into the darkest corners of our wardrobes, and think seriously about the impacts of our consuming habits. Your wardrobe and your home should reflect who you are and what you stand for, and mine reflect my ethics and values. I could reference Chanel, Anna Wintour or Alexander McQueen, who have all coined some of the most memorable quotes in fashion history, but I agree most with Alber Elbaz, who said, “Fashion is pure, intense emotions. It’s not about design. It’s about feelings." Feelings are what make us human, but somewhere along the way, we've lost our values and fast fashion has become a monster.
I want to slow things down. I want to remind people of the true value of their clothes and teach shoppers to respect the people who make them. I work every day on my quest to inspire people to think consciously about their wardrobes, because every garment counts.
– Claire Goldsworthy - founder of The Fashion Advocate
Lets Chat with the Designer
The Interview
Recently I was interviewed by the Fashion Advocate who advocates specially for Australian ethical and sustainable fashion. Weekend reads of what is so close to our hearts.
Love Linen Takes Responsibility For Its Environmental and Social Fashion Impact
Helen Atcheson isn't concerned with trends or fads, contrary to the popular fashion model. Helen is an art lover, an environmentalist, and the passionate mind behind Love Linen, an ethical fashion label.
Helen is inspired by all things natural, and her designs reflect the balmy days and sticky nights of her Western Australia lifestyle where some winter days are a beautiful 29 degrees. In that kind of environment, linen is a must, and it's the only fabric Helen chooses to use in her range.
She's a passionate supporter of local craft herself, and she lovingly pours her passion for sustainable fashion into her range.
Love Linen's Belle Dress may have been designed for the warm and sticky weather of Helen's hometown in Broome, but I live in it, even when it’s winter in Melbourne. That’s the secret of a sustainable wardrobe; buying pieces you can layer and mix and match season after season, all throughout the year. I’ve teamed it with an old white skivvy, and it would look great with a pair of boots and tights too, but it’s perfect with swimwear in summer, or flats on a sunny Sunday.
It's my favourite pick in the Love Linen range, and a sustainable wardrobe staple too. I recently picked Helen's creative brain on her love for linen, and what it means to be a conscious fashion label...
Why are you passionate about ethical fashion?
Well, we could be here for some time! The fashion industry is well known for its exploitation of human and natural resources. It is something that is not thought enough about when purchasing, but if most people did, they would realise they are largely supporting slave labour (the majority of which are women and children), and it's not a pretty thought. We all have an obligation, to take responsibility for every purchase we make and who or what we are supporting with our dollar vote. Ethical fashion is not just about supporting fair wages and working conditions, and it is very hard to imagine this is even an issue in this day in age. Rather, it is supporting the bigger impact of these conditions. If something is not made ethically, to a large extent it will not live a long life. Then the circle continues of unsustainable waste and pollution, of which the fashion industry is number two in the world. This has to change. We feel education is the key and we are very proud to be part of this movement in Australia. Thankfully we have advocates such as The Fashion Advocate, in addition to an Australian accreditation body representing this and we are proudly new members of Ethical Clothing Australia too.
Why do you think sustainability is important in the fashion industry?
We all need to realise that sustainability has been a gross afterthought. With the explosion of technology, synthetic textiles and fast fashion particularly over the last 20 years, it is only just recently that we are turning things around and realising that the way we're operating - can't continue. The fashion industry does not currently support sustainability. Consumers are encouraged to follow trends and seasons and to keep up with whatever is new. But sustainability in the fashion industry is no longer a choice; it is an obligation. We cannot continue on our current wasteful path. Among many disturbing facts and figures, more than three-quarters of clothing ends up in landfill or incinerated within its first year – and this has to change. So, we've turned towards natural fibres and quality made clothing designed to last. Sustainability within the fashion industry, must go hand in hand with an awakening of what you may say is trending – minimalism, a slower, considered and more conscious way of life. It's a better way of consuming. As consumers, we must take this responsibility in everything we do.
Who or what inspires you?
In addition to the above, I love what I do. I love being part of the slow fashion movement in Australia. I love supporting our beautiful country and keeping it small, keeping it real, keeping it Australian made and operated. I love natural fibres; linen just may be my favourite! I have always been a little arty so putting my creativity out there in the world through fashion, although a little scary, is very fulfilling. Most of all, my inspiration comes from my beautiful home town of Broome. Broome is pretty much summer all year round and natural fibres are all you want to wear in tropical, hot climates. The natural qualities that only linen possesses are how Love Linen came about.
How do you spread the word on the slow fashion movement?
Our focus is on classic styles and functional designs which are made to last a lifetime. We do not follow fashion trends or seasons and we aim to produce timeless essentials through our love of linen. Those familiar with linen, know that part of its beauty is that it gets better with time. We also focus on short-run production which means we only make a few of each style in carefully chosen quality linen fabric. We are always looking towards supporting more earth-friendly and sustainable ways of everything we do and communicating it too. Around 91% of all clothing sold in Australia is imported, but if consumers made a commitment to shop local and Australian made, slow fashion would naturally become prominent. With making more local, conscious purchases also comes added variety, quality, uniqueness and authenticity from supporting local Australian businesses. We are very proud to be a part of this by sharing our story, and while we may be one of few, I believe if we stand together, we can make a world of difference.
Where does your love of linen come from and why do you champion this fabric in your collections?
What’s not to love about a fabric that gets better with time?! There are so many reasons why we are so passionate about linen; it is sustainable from harvest to production, and we value the time, care and skill (almost ancient) required to produce quality linen. It is also extremely durable and it possesses intrinsic qualities as the world's oldest fabric. We believe it is the most loved, natural fibre available, and we believe there is so much more we can do with linen that has not been explored yet. This is just the beginning for us and we are so excited about our journey. Love, through linen, goes into absolutely everything we do.
Support a sustainable fashion future and shop the full Love Linen range here.