Nicole Westmoorland is putting the brakes on fast fashion
A label born in a Berwick bedroom is helping fashionistas look sharp while treading lightly on the planet.
South East
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Designer Nicole Westmoorland is tailoring the lessons she learnt at a global fashion retailer to suit her “less commercial” and environmentally conscious style.
The Berwick entrepreneur has created a range of garments and homewares created from recycled clothes and fabric or handmade using environmentally sustainable practices.
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She launched Westmoorland in December 2018 out of her parents Berwick home.
“My style is not really commercial, it’s bold and vibrant and fun and I hope people love wearing my pieces,” Westmoorland said.
In addition to the pieces she creates for two legged customers, Westmoorland also have a range for dogs.
“I love all animals, especially dogs,” she said.
“Just for fun I started making dog jackets and they were really popular.”
Westmoorland screen prints the fabric herself and then has them quilted by another Berwick local.
Starting her own business was a long held dream for Westmoorland, who knew from an early age that she was destined for a creative career.
“I was always a crafty kid,” she said.
After competing her VCE at Berwick Secondary College she went on to study a Bachelor of Textile Design at RMIT.
A month after graduating she landed a job at Cotton On where she worked for two years.
“I learned so much about the business side of the fashion industry and met some incredibly creative people, but I so badly wanted to do my own thing.”
When she’s not screen printing T-shirts, totes and homewares, Westmoorland is scouring op shops for pieces she can give new life to.
“I’ve always loved op shopping,” she said.
“It’s a bit like finding hidden treasure and it allows me to pursue my passion without leaving an environmental footprint.”
Westmoorland’s work will be showcased at a pop up fashion parade at Bunjil Place.
The Sunday, March 10 event features a clothing swap meet, styling demo and panel discussion on ethical and sustainable practices in fashion.
“I can’t wait. I’m creating a range of T-shirts with slow fashion slogans for the event, Westmoorland said.
“And we’re going to have a dogwalk to show my waterproof doggie jackets.”
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