In this episode of Fashion To Farmer, we are delighted to welcome Fiona Schofield, a highly talented milliner known for her timeless, handcrafted hats and headpieces. Fiona began her journey in the early 1990s, training in Fashion Design and Illustration at The Whitehouse Institute in Sydney, where she discovered her true calling in millinery. Since establishing her own label in 2004 from a workroom in Orange, NSW, Fiona has been dedicated to blending practicality and beauty in her designs, creating pieces that are not only stunning but also sustainable.

Fiona's use of natural fibres such as wool and cashmere reflects her commitment to sustainability and quality. Her creations emphasise style over fashion, ensuring that each piece is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Over the years, Fiona's hats have graced some of the most prestigious events, including Queen Elizabeth's funeral, His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation, Ascot, and the Melbourne Cup. Her work is driven by a desire to evoke feelings and create a harmonious balance between the wearer and the hat.

Join us as we delve into Fiona's inspiring journey, explore her creative process, and discover the stories behind her exquisite designs. In this episode, Fiona shares her thoughts on the importance of sustainability in fashion, the personalised experience of creating custom-designed luxury hats, and the future of Fiona Schofield Millinery. 

Takeaways

• Fiona Schofield's journey from fashion to millinery was influenced by her upbringing, love for craftsmanship, and the desire to create timeless and practical pieces.
• She emphasises the importance of sustainability and natural fibres in her work, reflecting her commitment to ethical and responsible fashion.
• The process of creating seasonal ranges involves a material-based approach, capturing emotions in the pieces, and subtle updates to classic collections.
• Balancing practicality and beauty is a key focus in Fiona's designs, ensuring that each piece functions well and exudes confidence and comfort.
• The importance of using quality materials in hat making for better product outcomes.
• The concept of sustainable fashion and the ability to adapt and reinvigorate hats over time.
• The personalised experience of creating custom-designed luxury hats tailored to the customer's needs and preferences.
• Fiona's remarkable experiences of creating hats for significant events such as Queen Elizabeth's funeral and His Majesty King Charles III's coronation.
• Future plans for Fiona Schofield Millinery, focusing on balancing business and creativity.

Connect with Fiona:

Website: https://fionaschofieldmillinery.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiona_schofield_millinery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FionaSchofieldMillinery/

Connect with Vanessa Bell:

Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com

Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock

Email:  [email protected]

Instagram: @fashiontofarmer

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/

X: @FashionToFarmer

Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨

Credits:

Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool

Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK

Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

In this episode of Fashion To Farmer we delve into the world of Alexia Spalding. Alexia is a fashion entrepreneur, creative visionary, and business owner with over three decades of experience. From gracing the cover of Harper's Bazaar in Milan to co-founding the sustainable Made-to-Order fashion brand Good Day Girl, Alexia has always led the way in ethical fashion.

Today, she runs her namesake business, Alexia Spalding, offering expertise in brand strategy, product development, and founder resilience-building. As a strong advocate for B Corp principles and slow fashion, Alexia collaborates with purpose-driven brands and entrepreneurs, prioritisng people, the planet, and prosperity.

Alexia's modelling background and deep connection to Italy profoundly influence her fashion and life approach. Join us as we explore Alexia's fascinating career, her insights on sustainable fashion, and her vision for a more ethical and beautiful future. Alexia embodies the philosophy that "we are not our age, we are our energy," inspiring others to live well at every age.

Takeaways

• The influence of childhood experiences on career choices and values.
• The importance of personal values in guiding business decisions.
• The shift towards a circular economy in the fashion industry.
• The need for a ban on single-use plastic and the adoption of compostable materials.
• The impact of Italian culture on design, aesthetics, and the joy of living.
• The power of collaboration and collective energy in driving positive change in the fashion industry.

Connect with Alexia:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-l-spalding/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexia.spalding/reels/

Connect with Vanessa Bell:

Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com

Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock

Email:  [email protected]

Instagram: @fashiontofarmer

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/

X: @FashionToFarmer

Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨

Credits:

Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool

Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK

Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

Christian Shortland, the visionary and disruptor behind MR-CHRISTIAN has over 20 years of experience in the luxury fashion industry, Christian has worked with an impressive array of prestigious brands before creating his own UK-based company specialising in bespoke, farm-traced leather accessories.

MR-CHRISTIAN is revolutionising the fashion industry with its commitment to guilt-free leather fashion, focusing on ethical practices, slow fashion, and exceptional craftsmanship. Christian's dedication to creating high-quality, sustainable leather goods ensures every piece is a testament to true integrity and consumer trust.

In this episode, we discuss Christian's journey from luxury fashion to creating MR-CHRISTIAN, the ethics of farm-traced leather, and how to address critics of leather production. We also explore the balance of costs and benefits in offering comprehensive aftercare, the move towards ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry, and the impact of values and compassion. Additionally, we touch on the importance of consumer education and being on the journey with the consumer.

Takeaways:

• The journey from luxury fashion to creating MR-CHRISTIAN
• Addressing critics of leather production
• The importance of consumer education in sustainable fashion
• The impact of values and compassion in the fashion industry
• Being on the journey with the consumer

Connect wth MR-CHRISTIAN:

Website: https://www.mr-christian.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_christian2022

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-shortland-8a08b823/

Connect with Vanessa Bell:

Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com

Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock

Email:  [email protected]

Instagram: @fashiontofarmer

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/

X: @FashionToFarmer

Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨

Credits:

Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool

Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK

Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

Summary

Michael Taylor, a sixth-generation farmer, manages his family farm 'Taylors Run' to produce superfine merino wool. Inspired by its unique qualities and significant role in fashion, he navigates challenges in sustainability and animal welfare, emphasising the importance of mentors and industry connections.

Michael's involvement in the Australian Ethical Merino Growers Cooperative connects farmers with global fashion brands. He integrates agroforestry on his farm, enhancing both the environment and livestock welfare. Michael stresses the need to educate consumers on merino wool's sustainability.

Efforts to restore natural capital on his farm follow mid-20th century ecosystem declines due to synthetic fertilizers. Michael believes in the potential for growth in Australia's wool industry and the importance of sharing sustainable farming stories.

Key Takeaways:

• Merino wool is a unique, sustainable fibre.
• Mentors and connections are crucial in farming and fashion.
• The Australian Ethical Merino Growers Cooperative promotes sustainable practices.
• Agroforestry benefits livestock and the environment.
• Educating consumers about merino wool is essential.

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://taylorsrun.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_pixture/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-taylor-a04840a/

Connect with Vanessa Bell:

Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com

Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock

Email:  [email protected]

Instagram: @fashiontofarmer

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/

X: @FashionToFarmer

Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨

Credits:

Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool

Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK

Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

Summary

Abbie James is a sustainable clothing designer based in Melbourne, Australia. Abbie creates her own designs and educates people about the fashion industry. She is launching a new collection made from remnant fabric, emphasising slow fashion. According to Abbie, grit is the key to success in fashion, highlighting perseverance during tough times. She started her brand during lockdown to make a difference by creating ethical and sustainable fashion. Abbie's brand takes a holistic approach, considering the environment, ethics, and people.

Abbie offers practical tips for building a sustainable wardrobe, stressing the importance of traceability in fashion. She discusses the significance of mindset in making sustainable fashion choices, advising people to shop mindfully and question how clothing makes them feel.

Abbie warns against greenwashing and suggests ways to avoid it, such as researching brands for transparency. She advocates for vintage shopping and highlights the five "Rs" of sustainable fashion: reduce, reuse, rewear, repair, and resell. Abbie also shares her efforts to minimise environmental impact and discusses the role of luxury fashion in promoting sustainability.

Takeaways

• Grit is essential for success in fashion.
• Starting a brand during lockdown can be transformative.
• A holistic approach is needed for ethical and sustainable fashion.
• Build a sustainable wardrobe by shopping your own closet and focusing on styling.
• Traceability ensures transparency and accountability in fashion.
• Shop with intention to reduce excessive consumption.
• Avoid greenwashing by researching brands and looking for transparency.
• Vintage shopping offers unique, high-quality pieces and is a sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
• The five "Rs" of sustainable fashion are reduce, reuse, rewear, repair, and resell.
• Luxury fashion plays a role in driving sustainability initiatives.

More from Abbie

Website:   www.abbie-james.com  

Regular Newsletter:   https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=RM6W6L&g=UvD9vh

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/abbiejames.official/

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/abbiejames.official/

LinkedIn:   https://au.linkedin.com/in/abbiejames

Book Recommendation:  https://www.booktopia.com.au/consumed-aja-barber/book/9781914240089.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwir2xBhC_ARIsAMTXk84kPWr-iZvSR0HzBy-glym_PD7bwVziDqMv2kFZZ3splCBzWoKO6mgaAuXxEALw_wcB

Connect with Vanessa Bell:

Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com

Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock

Email:  [email protected]

Instagram: @fashiontofarmer

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/

X: @FashionToFarmer

Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨

Credits:

Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool

Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK

Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

Connect with Vanessa Bell:

Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com

Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock

Email:  [email protected]

Instagram: @fashiontofarmer

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/

X: @FashionToFarmer

Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨

Credits:

Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool

Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK

Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.