Panel discussion: Presented as part of Brisbane Fashion Month and Ethical Clothing Australia Week

Both globally and locally, supply chains in the fashion industry are often designed to do one thing: minimise costs and maximise production – often at the cost of the dignity and safety of the people who make our clothes.

But in Brisbane, three Ethical Clothing Australia accredited businesses are looking at their supply chains differently – seeing them as an opportunity to protect the workers who are part of them, create transparency, share resources… and thrive.

Presented as part of Brisbane Fashion Month and Ethical Clothing Australia Week join the three wonderful founders of Birds on Bikes and Ethical Edge Collective, MCC Manufacturing and CHAMANI the Label to hear insights on how their interconnected supply chains and collaborative efforts drive positive ethical change in the Brisbane fashion industry.

Panellists:

Barbara Spooner
Founder Birds on Bikes and Ethical Edge Collective

Barbara is the innovative force behind Birds on Bikes and the Ethical Edge Collective, two brands that are setting new standards in ethical fashion and sustainable manufacturing.

With a deep commitment to inclusivity, Barbara has built Birds on Bikes to cater to curvy, plus-sized women who seek stylish, functional cycling apparel. Her brand is a testament to how fashion can empower women of all sizes to pursue their passions.

Ethical Edge Collective, the manufacturing arm of her business, reflects Barbara’s dedication to ethical production practices. Operating out of Brisbane, the Collective not only produces for Birds on Bikes but also opens its doors to other brands that value sustainability and quality in their manufacturing processes. Achieving accreditation for both brands in 2024, Barbara demonstrates the power of collaboration in the fashion industry and a successful supply chain that prioritises ethics.

Michelle McClure
Founder & Garment Technician MCC Manufacturing

Michelle McClure is the founder and driving force behind MCC Manufacturing, bringing over a decade of experience in the garment production industry. Gaining Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation in 2024, Michelle is dedicated to quality craftsmanship, ethical practices, and supporting Australian fashion labels.

With a background in both design and production, her expertise spans from patternmaking and fabric sourcing to overseeing the entire production process, ensuring that every piece meets the highest standards of excellence. Passionate about innovation and collaboration, Michelle is committed to building strong relationships with clients and partners, creating garments that truly stand out.

Chamani Weerasekara –
Designer and Social-Entrepreneur CHAMANI the Label

CHAMANI is a conscious luxury brand that fights for freedom, equality and opportunity for marginalised women, girls and communities through wearable art.

Founder Chamani Weerasekara’s parents left their home country of Sri Lanka in hopes of a better life in Australia, and she grew up seeing the unique and immense struggles that migrant and refugee Australians faced while trying to establish a life there. With a unique background working as a hospital pharmacist then working in Southeast Asia as a tour manager, she also saw the lack of opportunities especially for women and girls in these countries.

Accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia since 2021, the brand aims to create impact, using fashion as a force for good and a vehicle for change through a unique value-chain that endeavours to give back at every stage of production. Using hand-dyed and hand-woven textiles made by a social enterprise in India, each garment is then made ethically right here in Brisbane.