Lois Hazel is a womenswear and accessories designer based in Melbourne. Her designs are detailed, precise and mindful of the need to be unique without sacrificing simple elegance. She works with a range of mediums to produce garments that evolve around a precise conceptual point to reflect her unique interpretations of form and structure.
Lois Hazel’s multilateral approach to design and innovation has garnered a strong cult following for her label, and until August 9, her exclusive pieces are available at 445 Swanston Street in Melbourne.
Lois is currently sharing the RMIT pop-up shop space with another local designer, Luke Arenholdt, and when I visited earlier in the week, she was neck deep crafting the next drop of her hand-made jewellery. “It’s convenient for me because I can make my jewellery while I watch the store, but it’s very tiring! It’s been so busy and I’ve had a fantastic response, but testing the market for the first time has been a learning curve.”
Lois is one of the many emerging designers in Melbourne who struggle with consumer support for their brands, as often the cost of local manufacturing means a higher price point. “I’ve loved meeting new clients and getting my brand out there, but it is hard explaining to people why some garments are a few hundred dollars. Fast-fashion competition is fierce, and when the entire garment is made locally from start to finish in ethical conditions and with sustainable practices, it’s obviously going to cost more, but a lot of people don’t understand that.”
Not one to be stifled, Lois is already working towards her next collection and is considering other stocking options locally to continue exposing her brand to the public. The Lois Hazel and Luke Arenholdt Pop-Up Shop is open until August 9 at RMIT Building 80, 445 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Support local fashion and pop in before it closes.
For more details: www.facebook.com/events/1606029666343489/
To shop the Lois Hazel collection: www.thedresscollective.com
