It’s safe to say that 2020 was a rollercoaster of a year, with many small businesses impacted. So, as retailers begin to reopen here in Melbourne and Christmas fast approaches, we’re throwing our support behind our favourite local brands and businesses by shopping local this Christmas.
Here’s what’s on our team’s Christmas wish list in 2020.
#SUPPORTLOCAL
Lauren Di Bartolo- ASI Founder
Kuwaii got many of us through extended lockdowns with some of the most beautiful face masks around, but it’s their organic fibre Sullivan pant that has me most excited. I’m always on the hunt for a great, multipurpose pant for clients in summer and this culotte style, with high waist is a winner.
Penny Votzourakis- National Course Advisor
I think it’s important to support our local markets and grocers during this time who work hard to stock a range of artisan goods from around Australia. Morning Market here in Fitzroy is one of my favourites and this year I’ll be shopping there.
Right now with our picnic culture, everyone needs a picnic blanket and I’ve had my eye on the Seljak Brand one which is stocked at Morning Market on Gertrude St. Seljak Brand is based in Tasmania but their products are divine and for every ten blankets sold, Seljak Brand donates one to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne. It is perfect and I’ll know that not only do I have a beautiful sustainable product but I am also giving back in multiple ways.
Rebecca Factor- Marketing & Communications Manager
Claire Jensen- Training & Development Coordinator
The number one item on my Christmas wish list this year is the Noir Croco Reader Satchel bag by Sans Beast. They do amazing vegan leather goods designed here in Melbourne and I’ve had my eye on this one for months! It would go with so much and there’s options to purchase different straps for dressing up or down.
Alex Fagan- Digital Marketing Executive
During Melbourne lockdown, I used some of my time to take a break from social media and get creative the more traditional way, by painting! I came across a local Melbourne based artist Mafalda and immediately fell in love with her work. Growing up in Mozambique and now living in Melbourne, her work usually depicts females in beautiful colours and shapes through an African style lens. While her art is also on my Christmas wish list, it’s this amazing kimono she produced that caught my eye. Items of clothing mean so much more to me when they are one of a kind with stories attached to them. And I mean, if you’re going to make a statement, it’s gotta be in a kimono right?
Ellen Daly- Student Development
I would love someone to gift me (hint hint Hubby!) the Bloom Pants and Wrap Back Top (Bloom Print) from Leonard St. I absolutely adore all the styles and prints that Leonard St offer every season, but this particular Bloom print reminds me of a Wattle tree which invokes memories of my amazing, inspiring Grandma. Co-Ords are definitely on trend and I love how versatile the pieces will be in my wardrobe. These pieces would make me smile every time I wear them!
Cassandra Votzourakis – Events and Admin
Finer Rings is a Melbourne based brand with a physical shopfront located in South Yarra. Their jewellery is handmade and of amazing quality. They have really simple designs which goes with the minimalistic/layering trend that we are seeing when it comes to accessorising. The Gem Linked Necklace in particular is on my Christmas wish list in 2020.
