Australian Made Week is one of our favourite weeks of the year!
Not because we suddenly become Australian made for seven days. We are that every single day of the year. But this week gives us an opportunity to shine a little light on something we care deeply about, and perhaps don't talk about enough.
At Philosophy Australia, we like to walk our walk and talk our talk. And one thing many people may not realise is that our business is built on a completely local ecosystem.
In fact, 100% of our economy is local
Every dollar I spend in the creation, production and marketing of our garments goes back into another Australian small business. Every dollar we receive comes back in Australian dollars too because whilst our garments now reach customers in both Australia and New Zealand, the entire world around Philosophy Australia is built from local relationships and local support.
And that ecosystem stretches much further than people may realise.
When you purchase Australian made from Philosophy Australia, you are not simply supporting our business. You are supporting our cutters, makers, fusers, pressers, dye houses, logistics providers, packaging partners, trim and fabric suppliers. You are supporting the many businesses that help move an idea from sketchbook to wardrobe.
Many of these relationships have existed for years. Some for decades. They know our products, understand our standards and have become much more than suppliers. They've become part of our extended Philosophy Family.
Our fabric partners alone tell a story of long-standing relationships and shared growth. Businesses like Martin and Savage, who we even shared a space with at one point, alongside Stylesight, Mtex, SE8 and StudioView, just to name a few. Businesses that have helped shape collections and supported us season after season.
And then there are the creatives who help bring my little vision into the world.
The photographers, videographers, models and marketeers. The people who take that garment and help transform it into something you see online, in your inbox, on social media or in print.
People like Dean Hammer, Kate Luke and Stephen Blake, our photographers. Our hair and makeup artists who somehow make us all look a little more polished than we felt at a 7am call time. The many creative minds helping shape the way Philosophy Australia is seen.
The familiar faces. Kelly, Brooke, Bel, Stace, Monique, Bianca and Anna. Women many of you will recognise from our website, campaigns and collections over the years.
Every one of them is their own business. Every one of them contributes to our ecosystem.
Then there are the publications and media businesses helping us tell our story. Australian Life, Curve Rapport, Ramona Magazine, and local ones like Willoughby Living.
Because supporting local does not always need a logo attached
Of course, we proudly carry the Australian Made kangaroo. But this year I’ve been thinking about that symbol a little differently. I think our kangaroo extends much further than the label on our garments.
It stretches to every supplier, contractor, creative, collaborator and supporter sitting within our orbit. Particularly considering recent budget conversations and the ongoing challenges facing small business, our long-standing Philosophy mantra of Shop Small, Support Local & Buy Australian Made feels more important than ever.
So throughout Australian Made Week, I’d love to sprinkle kindness and shine a spotlight on some of those satellite businesses who play such an important role in our world. Because none of us build something alone. And I think it's time we shared a little more Australian small business love.
That, for me, is what Australian Made Week is all about.
Ali x
