Earn & Learn: Step Into Paradise

Many will remember the wonderful Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson 'Step into Paradise' exhibition held at the MAAS - Museum of Applied Arts (Powerhouse) in 2019. This amazing exhibition was set against huge nylon backdrops printed with the two artists' designs.

Through a partnership with the Powerhouse Museum, we were able to secure these incredible fabric backdrops that would otherwise have gone to landfill.

This set the stage for our latest Earn & Learn - over two months, The Social Outfit engaged 6 women from refugee backgrounds to manufacture maxi tote bags adorned with the same wonderful and awe-inspiring art that the exhibition was cast against.



Not only were the participants of the Earn & Learn program taught how to prepare, cut and sew the maxi tote bags, they also were taught how to handle nylon fabric, which is more difficult to sew than ordinary textiles.

The best part is that participants were paid to learn these skills and got the opportunity to apply their newly learned skills directly to the production of these beautiful tote bags!

We were honoured to have the incredible Linda Jackson come visit our Newtown workroom to see the bags and pick one for herself. There she had the opportunity to meet some of the women we work with to inspire and guide them as they imagine their future in fashion!

Each bag measures 49cm x 81.5cm and the shoulder straps are approximately 23cm long. The tote bag is BIG, perfect for carrying groceries, going to the beach or to the gym. Each features one of our woven tags marking the beautiful collaboration with Jenny Kee & Linda Jackson.

You can shop your own piece of wearable art by clicking here - please note that due to the nature of the fabric used, each bag has a unique print and as such the bags are sold as a lucky dip in terms of print design. However, you can be assured that each one is just as unique and fabulous as the next!