Well known in the Melbourne fashion scene for its dark and moody palette, edgy silhouettes and unisex designs, JUDE is a fashion label that stands out. Founder and Designer Jude Ng has a background in Fine Arts, and it shows; proposing a different point of view in fashion, his asymmetrical and multi-way wear pieces are trend-resistant and forward thinking. Jude’s manipulation of shape, colour, texture, and unexpected combinations of materials create an aesthetic that traverses genders and seasons, whilst maintaining integrity in design and ethical production principles.
As a brand, JUDE’s mission is to revive handmade and artisanal aspects in fashion and to create designs which combine appeal and functionality with social and environmental responsibly. JUDE is the antithesis of fast fashion, promoting a sense of connectedness to clothing and awareness of the story behind each individual piece.
Each JUDE collection is evolving and trans-seasonal, often gender-neutral and always wearable. Recognising the shift in Australian fashion towards unisex designs, JUDE’s easy shapes, soft tailoring and versatile pieces speak to the relaxed Australian lifestyle and Melbourne’s famous ‘four seasons in one day’.
Combining traditional techniques with the highest quality fabrications, material such as fine Italian wool, linen, viscose and vintage textiles are complimented with intricate detailing, hand dyeing, painting, fraying, embroidery and appliqué. JUDE also supports the local garment industry – each piece of clothing is made ethically by the brand’s talented Melbourne based makers in limited editions, ensuring the entire process from start to finish is completed in the JUDE studio shop in Fitzroy.
Now open to the public, the JUDE flagship store boasts a bright and airy retail space, offering a glimpse into the design process with an open plan studio and workshop. With a rare behind-the-scenes look into JUDE and the creative practice, customers can personally connect with the brand, with the designer and with their clothing.
Jude Ng explains, “The location of our store in Fitzroy holds great meaning for us, as this is where our business was born. We’ve grown from a small range of clothing sold at local design markets, to our very own bricks and mortar store in the same suburb, so we hold great affection for the neighbourhood and its diverse locals. We’re excited to be positioned on Johnston Street too, where we’re part of the revival of this up and coming retail strip which is fast becoming a mecca for the design savvy.”
Visit the JUDE flagship store at 252 Johnston Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne, or shop online.
The Fashion Advocate x
