Firbank Grammar under fire for ‘hideous’ Kit Willow designer uniforms
A prestigious Brighton girls’ school is in damage control after a change to the uniforms was met with fierce backlash on social media. The new outfits, created by top Australian fashion designer Kit Willow, have been slammed as something “reminiscent of wartime Europe”.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Firbank Grammar School is in damage control after the launch of the school’s new-look ‘eco’ uniform failed to impress.
The prestigious Brighton school unveiled its new uniform via Facebook and Instagram on Saturday but the posts were taken down within hours after the “hideous and unflattering” uniforms sparked fierce backlash from students and parents.
A petition calling for some changes to be scrapped — including the box pleats on the summer dress and the pale khaki blazer — reached more than 800 signatures by Sunday.
The new uniform was created by top Australian fashion designer Kit Willow and is believed to be the first fully sustainable school uniform in the country.
Items are made out of organic cotton, hemp and wool with buttons made from corozo nuts in lieu of plastic.
But while the sustainability initiative has been lauded, the petition said the “school which prides itself with raising future leaders has made a uniform reminiscent of wartime Europe”.
Mia B wrote: “How can we be great and confident leaders when our uniforms look back on a time before (we) could even vote, when women were not looked at as anything but mothers and housewives”.
“This year has already been tough enough and now you roll out something as horrible as this?,” Ava Coleman said.
“The Firbank uniform was already known as one of the ugliest uniforms due to its colour and design … somehow they’ve manage to make it even worse!,” Mark Thomas wrote.
In an email to parents, and seen by the Leader, Firbank principal Jenny Williams said the school executive and board would meet Monday to “review your feedback”.
“Changing a uniform is one of the most controversial things a school can do,” she said.
“I understand everyone will have an opinion and some won’t like it … all I ask is that you remember our values and respond in a manner expected from members of our community.”
Ms Williams said the school was working to make sample uniforms available for students to trial and review.
The school has been contacted for comment.
MORE:
RATED: EVERY CHILDCARE CENTRE IN VICTORIA