Witchery’s new collaboration pushes a shy designer into the spotlight

Cancer is an unfashionable starting point for a clothing collection. Glamorous old movies, edgy street style and pioneering architecture frequently inspire designers, but Margie Woods turned to darker influences for Witchery’s White Shirt Campaign, which raises money for ovarian cancer research.

“I had a spontaneous call from Witchery about taking part in the campaign,” says Woods, founder and creative director of Viktoria & Woods. “They had no idea what was happening in my life at that time. They had no idea what would compel me to say yes.”

When the call came last year, happy memories of Viktoria & Woods’ successful Australian Fashion Week debut in May were replaced by the emotional loss of a family member to cancer, the beginning of a close friend’s ongoing cancer treatment, and the ovarian cancer diagnosis of Woods’ mother.

Margie Woods, creative director and co-founder of Viktoria and Woods, with her mother Mona Rizk, who recently received treatment for ovarian cancer. Credit: Janie Barrett

“This call came to me for a reason,” Woods says. “I could use something I love, fashion, to do something meaningful against something like this.”

Ovarian cancer has a five-year survival rate of 49 per cent, compared to 92 per cent for breast cancer and 74 per cent for cervical cancer in Australia. Close to 1800 women and girls will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.

Since 2008 Witchery, part of the troubled Country Road Group, has raised more than $17 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation through the White Shirt Campaign, partnering with designers such as Toni Maticevski, Michael Lo Sordo and Pip Edwards along the way.

Before adding her name to the list, the intensely private Woods consulted her mother, Mona Rizk, who remains on inhibitors following treatment for ovarian cancer.

“Mum is not shy like I am,” Woods says. “She’s a fighter. Mum thought that this was an important thing for me to do. My sister, who was able to be with my mother more throughout major treatment, has also been a big supporter. This was something that I could do, using my platform to help my mum and more women.”

Drawing inspiration from a blazer from Viktoria & Woods’ collection of sleek and elevated wardrobe essentials, Woods’ 100 per cent cotton white shirt for Witchery features a forward-facing sleeve and removable ties.

Jesinta Franklin and model Samantha Harris wearing the Viktoria & Woods x Witchery white shirt, which raises money for ovarian cancer research.

“We tried to weave in some of our signature details with covered buttons and the removable ties, building versatility into the garments. The whole idea is that you can tie it up, tie it to the back or wear it loose.”

For the first time, the fundraising collection will include denim, with Woods pushing white jeans into stores.

“They’re a straight leg that’s easy to wear. This collection is very me. My personal and professional lives have come together.”

The Viktoria & Woods x Witchery white shirt ($129) and white jeans ($179) go on sale at Witchery stores and online from April 8, with all proceeds going to the OCRF.

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