News
Give a Little With Our Gift Guides.
We've put together the perfect little gift guide for you this festive season, with loads of our favourite products catering to all budgets and styles!
1. Gift card ten-pack, $30 http://
5. Notebook three-pack, $27 http://
1. Women’s raglan tee, $69 http://
1. Ken Done rectangular silk scarf, $99 http://
1. Coral A-line dress, $189 http://thesocialoutfit.org/collections/clothing/products/coral-a-line-dress 2. Ken Done camisole, $149 http://thesocialoutfit.org/collections/clothing/products/ken-done-camisole 3. Gold A-line mini skirt, $129 http://thesocialoutfit.org/collections/clothing/products/gold-flared-mini-skirt 4. Gift voucher http://thesocialoutfit.org/collections/stationery/products/gift-card 5. PCF recycled ring pull handbag, $149 (in store only) 6. Fairfield shell top, $149 http://thesocialoutfit.org/collections/clothing/products/fairfield-shell-top
Got any questions, or want us to help you put the perfect supporter gift package together? Send us an email, info@thesocialoutfit.org
Happy shopping!
The Social Outfit x
We're hiring! Retail Manager.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to use their retail skills to help creatively build our fashion label and community programs!
The Social Outfit
Part-time Retail Manager
3 days/week: Sunday, Monday and one other weekday roster
Deadline for application, 8am Thursday 28 July.
About The Social Outfit
The Social Outfit is a fashion label with a difference. We are a registered charity and social enterprise whose purpose is to employ and train people from refugee and new migrant communities. We celebrate creativity and our diverse community, and believe fashion and creativity can lead to learning and empowerment. We provide training and employment in clothing production, retail, design and marketing. By working from the traditional and cultural strengths of our diverse community, we aim to build-up lasting skills.
The Social Outfit has been open to our community and the public for 2 years. We have a retail store at 353 King Street Newtown and an online store at http://thesocialoutfit.org/collections/.
Process for this application:
- Applications due by 8am, Thursday 28 July 2016
- You must demonstrate you meet all of the ‘selection criteria’ below
- Your application must be emailed to jackie@thesocialoutfit.org and be no more than 6 pages in total, including a 2-page resume
- Candidates who proceed to interview will need to provide the contact details of two independent referees
- Any questions? Contact Jackie Ruddock on jackie@thesocialoutfit.org
Selection Criteria:
- Applications need to answer each of these criteria directly as a part of your application
- Please do not exceed 4 pages to answer all selection criteria
- Applicants that provide specific examples from your work history when addressing the selection criteria below will be considered positively:
- Solid history of delivering strong retail sales and meeting sales targets
- Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to introduce new products and outfit customers
- Excellent presentation and visual merchandising skills, including sound stock management procedures
- Experience in building brand awareness and repeat customers both in store and across social media
- Proven ability to coordinate effective team communication
- Experience in managing junior team members and developing the skills of other people in your team
- High level of workplace flexibility and willingness to learn
- High level of interest in the purpose and values of The Social Outfit and our community
- Ability to work Sundays, Mondays and one other week day from our Newtown store
- Ability to attend an interview Saturday 30 July in Newtown
Remuneration
- The suitable candidate will be offered a 6-month fixed term contract of employment
- Pay rate calculated at Retail Employee Level 4, General Retail Industry Award 2010. Gross earnings equates to $31685 per annum, with take home pay each fortnight of approximately $1000.00.
Process for Recruitment
- Applications Open: Mid July 2016
- Applications Close: 8am, Thursday 28 July 2016
- Short listing: Late July 2016
- Interviews: Saturday 30 July 2016
Please note: as we are a small organisation, we do not have the ability to provide specific feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
The Social Outfit World: Second Birthday Event!
To celebrate our second birthday, we’re opening the doors to our workroom and studio for a whole week...!
Be the first to see our new fashion collections, including exclusive designs by the young people of Fairfield High School IEC and Australian artist, Andrea Shaw.
We'll also be running creative workshops and screening our new fashion film!
Thursday 4 August to Wednesday 10 August, 2016.
The Social Outfit
353 King Street Newtown
www.thesocialoutfit.org
Introducing Our Newest Board Members!
Aminata Conteh-Biger and Amy Low
We're thrilled to announce the recent appointment of Aminata and Amy to our board. These incredibly talented women are coming to us with a wealth and diversity of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for change within their fields.
--
Aminata Conteh-Biger, is a UNHCR Ambassador and the driving force behind The Aminata Maternal Foundation, working with mothers in Sierra Leone. She is passionate about sharing her experience as a refugee woman, and is an advocate for the rights of women and global action to combat violence against women. She regularly addresses community groups, schools and the media.
Aminata is also extremely passionate about fashion, having worked for David Lawrence for almost 10 years as store manager and then for the former fashion label of The Social Outfit's Vice Chair, Nina Maya.
Over the past four years, Aminata’s story has been an intrinsic part of Ros Horin’s critically acclaimed theatre production, The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe. The play sold out in Sydney and London, and shared the real life experiences of refugee women and their stories of survival and humanity, human rights, laughter, and resilience.
--
Amy Low is a marketing specialist with over ten years in the fashion industry, working with retailers and wholesalers from brand concept through to product development, retail management and marketing. Amy currently holds the position of Marketing Manager to the global brand Saban, which oversees over 5 international fashion labels in their portfolio.
Formerly a litigation lawyer, Amy left law to focus on growing and nurturing brands, helping them translate their creative vision into memorable customer experiences. She has worked in a marketing capacity with well-known Australian brands Myer, VB, R.M. Williams and Penfolds, and more recently with digital agency Capture, a platform for understanding all the ins and outs of building brands and winning with customers in the digital era.
--
We're honoured to have Aminata & Amy as part of our invaluable advisory team as we grow and plan for the future!
The Social Outfit.
A Yen Mag Feature & News From Our Makers!
Thank you, Yen Mag!
Have you picked up the latest issue of Yen Magazine? It's all about fashion, and we're so lucky to have an incredible six page feature on The Social Outfit! The interview includes a beautiful portrait series by Byron Spencer of our talented team members Naw Esther, Jabael, Atauollah and Oboya. Special thanks to Byron and Peter Simon Phillips for their unending support and wisdom.
Yen is available from all great news sources nation-wide.
Checking in with our busy makers
Our staff and students have been up to quite a lot lately, with new projects, new faces and creativity aplenty!
Here are a few snaps of the action, clockwise from top left: Shu Ting and her beautiful new baby Scott, Tashi receiving her contribution for designing the 'Tashi Jacket', one of our in-store favourites, sewing student Gelten and his daughter Tenzin showing off the new jerseys he made, and one of our gorgeous new dresses made by Atauollah & Naw Esther, in store now.
Introducing the Adee Dress
Designed by friend of The Social Outfit and former sewing student Diana, 'Adee' (pronounced "a-day") means 'beautiful' in her Ugandan local language. Diana wanted to create a dress that was "flattering for every body shape - something anyone can wear", and this gorgeous, easy-wear dress nails it.
Made from unique and high-quality African printed wax cloth, Diana explains that "there are only a few bolts of each design on the market, and you might never get that pattern again. You might find something similar, but never the same. That’s the uniqueness of African fabric".
The Adee dress is available now.
Time Out Feature
Time Out Sydney came to visit us recently, taking some lovely snaps around the shop and workroom for a feature in their March issue. Check out the full review here, or you can grab a copy of the mag all around town. Photo credit to Anna Kucera, © Time Out Sydney.
End Of Year Celebration & Drinks!
Yes, we can't believe it's that time of year again either!
It's been a huge year for The Social Outfit and our community, and we've many reasons to celebrate - so we'd love you to join us at our shop in Newtown to share the festive cheer next Thursday, 10 December from 5 - 8pm at 353 King Street, Newtown.
On the evening we'll also be releasing a limited-edition capsule collection of beautiful new garments to see in the new year, so come along and raise a glass to yourselves - our wonderful friends, customers and supporters who have given us such amazing endorsement and feedback over the last twelve months.
So as we can provide delicious snacks and drinks for all, please be sure to RSVP for the event either via email or through our Facebook event page.
THANK YOU!
Our fabric drive was a roaring success, and we were amazed by the incredible variety and quality of donations we received from the following ultra-generous supporters:
Tessuti Fabrics, Signature Prints, Seafolly, Caroline Pidcock, The Button Shop, Brenda & all the Freecycle gang, Pip, Mary, Amy Low, Eloise Rapp, Shelagh Kemm, Laura Walker, Andrea Shaw, Aussie Kona Club, Red Cross Newtown, Sam Marshall, Liane Rossler, Winnie Cheng, Tia Merck, Tina & Sue, Stieve DeLance, Pru & many more!
Thanks to your generosity, we can now continue repurposing unused textiles into brand new, beautiful and practical products. This in turn helps to reduce the amount of fabric waste that goes into landfill every year - it's win-win, really!
ONLINE STORE
Have you snuck a look at our online store yet? We're adding new items every week, the latest of which are these fabulous double-zip clutches! In luminous gold and a chic deco floral, they are the perfect gift to make a statement with. We've also got a great range of Tabitha silk necklaces, stationery and our made-to-order silk range, so you'll find something for everyone!
We can't wait to celebrate with you soon!
x The Social Outfit
Say hello to our new online store!
You may have noticed that a few things have changed recently on our website, the first of which is the addition of our brand-spanking-new online store! We've heard your wishes to be able to support us from afar, so we're delighted to bring you some favourites from our range, including our signature print silk dresses and tops, Tabitha Cambodia silk beads, and a little something new in the form of A5 notebooks!
We've also included a digital gift voucher - which can be redeemed both in-store or online - so you can give someone the 'gift of choosing' from our great range for themselves!
We'd love you to let us know what you think of the website update, as we're constantly seeking to improve and broaden our online presence for the benefit of our supporters, new and current.
A fashion campaign with a difference...
The Social Outfit is always seeking to learn from experts in the fields of fashion, design and beyond, as we develop our creative community work. We're very grateful that since our humble beginnings, we've had so many wonderful opportunities for these kind of highly-rewarding collaborations. As such, we are thrilled to share with you our latest campaign, produced by photographer Byron Spencer and stylist Peter Simon Phillips.
Byron's imagery has been featured in publications like Vogue Italia, Dazed and Confused, Nylon, Oyster, Yen, Grazia and Vogue Australia and also a recent solo exhibition. His work has a spark of playfulness that is often contrasted with undertones of emotive storytelling.
Peter is a freelance stylist and creative director working across print and motion campaigns, editorial, portrait, celebrity, runway and costume. His diverse list of clients ranges from Hermes to Westfield to the Sydney Dance Company. Peter has previously worked as the senior fashion editor at InStyle Magazine, and the fashion editor at Grazia Australia.
The Social Outfit worked closely with Peter, Byron, the talented members of our team, and some of Australia's brightest modelling talent to bring you a truly comprehensive photographic series of our fashion label and team. As always, we're about celebrating the skills and creative vision of talented people from our refugee and new migrant communities.
We are thrilled with how these images capture the spirit of The Social Outfit - one of diversity, unending creative energy and social connection - and we hope you love them just as much as we do!
Attending and working alongside Peter and Byron at the photoshoot was an amazing opportunity for our team to be involved in. The makers watched as the clothes they had designed and made in the previous weeks were styled and photographed in innovative ways and on professional models.
Sewing technician Naw Esther said about her experience:
"At first I was nervous as I didn't know how to pose for the photos, and that's why I kept laughing! As the day went on I relaxed more and really enjoyed it."
All the people giving their time on the day loved hearing more about our work, too. Since then, we've all been excitedly discussing new inspiration and design ideas, which is why these collaborations are so beneficial for all involved.
These pictures are just a taste of what's to come, and we can't wait to bring you more of the unique, colourful imagery this fabulous creative partnership resulted in. A heartfelt thanks to all involved for lending your expertise as we develop and grow. A special THANK YOU to the following people who helped make it all happen:
Byron Spencer
Peter Simon Phillips
Amy Low
The Social Outfit team
Studio 501
Claire Thomson using M.A.C. Cosmetics
Pete Lennon using R + Co products
Taylor James
Yaya @ Chic
Yifan and Marcus @ Priscilla's
Charlee and Casey @ IMG
Jonno Revanche & Swinny
Dresden Optics
Senso
Thanks for your support, and we can't wait to see you soon!
x The Social Outfit
Fabric Drive!
OUR FABRIC DRIVE IS HERE!
Are you planning a bit of a spring clean? Have an old stash of fabric that you've never quite got around to making into something? Why not donate it?! We're running a two week long FABRIC DRIVE from October 8 - 23, and we would LOVE to put your old, unused fabrics to good use! Check out all the details below, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us. You can send or drop your fabric off to us in store - it's as easy at that!
How to support as individuals and crafters…
Donations should be quality fabrics that are suitable for clothing production and over 1 metre (on rolls are ideal). If you have upholstery fabrics or questions about what you can or can’t donate, please get in touch with us on 02 9550 3691 or at info@thesocialoutfit.org. Sorry, but we are unable to take any fabrics stored with mothballs.
How to support as designers and fabric stores…
We’re seeking both printed and plain fabrics, ideally in manufacturing rolls. We can also discuss donations of manufacturing equipment and clothing production sundries. All clothing brands who support our work are recognised on our website and promotion, and current industry supporters include Seafolly, Carla Zampatti and Ginger & Smart.
DONATION TIMES
In Store: Mon - Sat from 10am-5pm, Sun from 11am-5pm
Fabrics can be delivered or sent to:
The Social Outfit
353 King Street
Newtown NSW 2042
Thank you, and we can't wait to create with your donations!
x The Social Outfit
Launching #MakingMoreForGood
We're launching a crowdfunding campaign to grow our creative work, and we'd love your support!
By supporting our #MakingMoreForGood campaign, you will allow us to develop our creative projects and there's some AMAZING rewards, like:
- A limited-edition fashion print by Australian designer Eloise Rapp, digitally-printed onto silk, and available as a scarf, tunic or dress
- A limited-edition fashion print created with talented women from the Karen (Burmese) community, digitally-printed onto silk, and available as a scarf, tunic or dress
- A ticket of entry to our first birthday party, to be held on Wednesday 22 July 2015, 6-8pm at a Sydney central location
- A ticket to attend a site visit of The Social Outfit, and then hear from Australian designer Eloise Rapp about her own creative work. Held on Wednesday 8 July 2015, 6-8pm at The Social Outfit, 353 King Street Newtown.
- Plus, if you like our work, and you want to donate money, then that's possible too! All donations will be used for developing our creative digital print programs with people from new migrant and refugee communities.
Note: the two prints available at our #MakingMoreForGood campaign are only available online, and will not be sold in-store. This is your chance to support our work, and also own a limited piece of The Social Outfit's growing fashion label.
Support The Social Outfit and get your reward here...
Tell me more about the designers involved?
THE SOCIAL OUTFIT LOVES RAPP. Eloise Rapp is an art director, textile & graphic designer and product developer based in Sydney.
After graduating with honours from the University of Technology, Sydney’s renowned fashion design course, Eloise went on to work for three studios as a fashion and textile designer before relocating to Shimokitazawa, Tokyo in 2010. In Japan she began working as a trend forecaster for WGSN, writer for Tokyo Fashion Week and art director on fashion shoots and club events.
In 2011 Eloise launched her eponymous scarf label, featured on The Design Files and now stocked in select boutiques across Australia and the US. She currently works part-time as designer and creative coordinator for the Ken Done studio.
Eloise has worked with Ken Done, WGSN, Vantan Design Institute, IKEA, House of Fraser, Mayamiko, Art & About Sydney, Husk, Aaryn West Design Studio, Japanese Streets, Teto Records, Tokyo Indie, The Social Outfit, The Social Studio, Mink Pink, Seduce, Bluejuice, Suboo, Thread Textiles, Mambo, Cooper St, Country Road, Milk by Lindy Klim, Flinders Lane, Milk&Honey, Coast Clothing, Specialty Fashion Group, Mattel, Target and Tessuti Fabrics.
THE SOCIAL OUTFIT LOVES OUR COMMUNITY. Be involved and watch as we co-create and design a print with talented women from the Karen (Burmese) community. This work will be taking place live throughout the campaign, so it's a chance for you watch the work developing.
Plus, you'll get to choose if you want the community print or RAPP print at the close the campaign. Or, perhaps you'd like both!
Can I see images of the rewards?
We'll keep updating you throughout the campaign about all the rewards on offer. On our Facebook page we'll share images, designs and updates as we progress...
You can see more about the sizing and clothing rewards here too.
Here's an early look at the design image of 'The Social Outfit Loves RAPP' limited edition abstract print:
ING Dreamstarter and the StartSomeGood crowdfunding platform
In order to support us, you'll need to register with StartSomeGood. This will allow us to stay in touch with you over the campaign. It doesn't takes less than 2minutes, and then you can support us by PayPal or securely with your credit card. If you're having any issues, please let us know.
Making More for Good. The Social Outfit for ING Dreamstarter from The Social Outfit on Vimeo.
Our campaign in more detail...
Very soon, on 26 June 2015 The Social Outfit will celebrate one full year of retail operations and community space. We have learnt a lot about how to nurture meaningful participation from refugee communities and what it takes to run a fashion retail store.
After a year of proving our social enterprise model, The Social Outfit is ready to grow. We have seen for ourselves the impact of employment and skill development, and are hungry to do more. This campaign will allow us to involve the community in the creative process and therefore generate more employment for refugees and new migrants.
The Project: Digital Design Training
People involved with us this year have told us how much they love our creative and strengths-based programs. Digital design training will allow community members to develop new skills and knowledge. In addition to being personally rewarding, the design process encourages creative expression, story telling and the exploration of cultural backgrounds.
By teaching participants how to create a digital print design, we can invite community members to contribute a design to be featured by The Social Outfit. This is a positive and fun way to celebrate the skills and talents of the diverse cultures in Australia and create belonging through fashion and design.
8 Good Reasons For You To Support Our Campaign
- We’re celebrating creativity. Fostering creative expression is a positive and fun way to learn from and nurture the skills and talents of our incredibly diverse community. By working from traditional and cultural strengths people build up lasting skills.
- We can do more. Facilitating community print designs will allow us to grow our impact, encouraging participation from different community groups. This program is focused on developing design skills and cross-cultural communication.
- Let’s change the conversation. Refugee and new migrant issues are frequently featured in the media in divisive terms. Our inclusive philosophy focuses on the benefits of a multicultural Australia.
- Shop local. Located in Sydney, all our garments are made on site in Newtown. (Side note: You're welcome to visit us during the week to see where our garments are made and the care that is taken with each piece.)
- Create employment. Creating community prints will fund garment production and subsequently more employment.
- We’ll reward you! We’ve got two incredible limited edition print designs to thank supporters for investing in our future. We want you to wear The Social Outfit with pride!
- Endorse ethical fashion. Employment. All our technicians and retail staff are paid in line with relevant award wages and we offer secure employment contracts. Fabric. We use digitally-printed silk, produced by our sister organisation in Melbourne, The Social Studio. Our clothing is also made from excess fabric donated from the fashion industry. This saves quality fabric from landfill, and allows us to use remnants and 'end of rolls' in our work.
- Good to wear. Made for good. Do good, feel good, look good.
Find More Good...
We're sharing our journey on facebook.com/thesocialoutfit
Tag and follow us on Instagram @thesocialoutfit
Keep in touch via Twitter @thesocialoutfit
Show your support #makingmoreforgood
Any other questions? Then be in touch with jackie@thesocialoutfit.org