MISSION
The Social Outfit is a fashion label with a difference!
We’re an independently-accredited, ethical trading social enterprise that provides employment and training in the fashion industry to people from refugee and new migrant communities in clothing production, retail, design and marketing.
Photos by Harold David.
We believe that tapping into the creativity of refugee communities leads to empowerment and social inclusion.
The Social Outfit is a registered Incorporated Association, and recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution Charity. As we hold Deductible Gift Recipient Status, any donation made to us over AU$2.00 is tax deductible. Further, as a trading social enterprise, any income generated from product sales is directed back into the organisation in order to deliver on our social mission. We are registered with, and report regularly to, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). We are also rated in the top most ethical category on the Good On You app, and are a Social Traders certified social enterprise.
Our goal is to manufacture and sell ethical and sustainable quality products that help to financially empower people from refugee and new migrant backgrounds, with a particular focus on female humanitarian migrants. While doing that, we also aim to provide customers with unique pieces that tell amazing human stories.
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Photo by Levon Baird.
More about our Social Enterprise Model:
Research shows that there continues to be a critical need to provide alternate methods of training and employment pathways to ensure that people from refugee and new migrant communities have the greatest chance of success as they settle in Sydney. People from our refugee community often face complex barriers to social inclusion and skills development. Our model effectively deals with these issues by:
We focus on supporting refugee and new migrant women and young people to be work ready or develop goals for their future so they can feel a sense of belonging and purpose.
By working from the traditional and cultural strengths of our diverse community, we aim to build-up lasting skills.
We run a clothing retail store, onsite manufacturing and sewing school from 188 King Street, Newtown.
By working with fashion and community partners to create our clothing collections, we support refugees and new migrants to gain vital skills and work experience, develop social connections and feel confident and empowered to transform their lives.
70% of our activities go into running our store and workroom, where we provide employment opportunities for refugees and new migrants in ethical clothing manufacturing and retailing. 30% of our work goes towards running free training and education programs that expand social connections and provide positive experiences for refugees and new migrants.
We work in partnership with the following specialist organisations:
