A Treasure Chest of Slow Fashion
Slow Fashion ambassador Carlie Wacker explores a fashion treasure chest of coveted clothing labels on consignment at Noosa’s only preloved designer boutique – Ma Petite Boutique.
Slow Fashion is a revolution in the clothing industry that encourages us to make considered choices that are good for people and the planet. Much like the Slow Food movement, conscious consumers are asking where clothes are made, who made them and what they are made from.
Australians throw out approximately 23 kilograms of clothing and textiles each year (per person) and that goes directly to landfill – what a waste!
By changing our fashion buying habits, we can reduce the environmental impact while also supporting local businesses and building our local fashion industry.
We all suffer from the wardrobe-full-of-clothes-but-nothing-to-wear syndrome. I have got the perfect solution. Do a wardrobe edit – create a donate, sell, and keep pile. The keep pile goes back in the wardrobe, the donate pile goes straight to your local op shop and the sell pile goes to an incredible little boutique in Noosa Junction – Ma Petite Boutique.
Owner of this innovative slow fashion mecca is Virginie Taylor. “I opened the shop as I couldn’t find a place to shop where I could find different styles,” she said. “Clothes are sold on consignment and are exceptionally good quality with great labels with some nearly new or with the original tags.”
Virginie wanted to create a space where women would feel welcome and comfortable to try on garments. When you step inside, it’s like being at your girlfriend’s place. It is a fashion treasure chest with some of the world’s most coveted clothing, footwear, and accessory labels plus great local labels.
In true honour of the slow fashion movement, Virginie selects garments to stock based on their fabric quality, craftmanship and care. “It’s not always about the brand or how expensive the garment is, it’s truly about the feeling: ‘would someone fall in love with this piece?’,” Virginie said.
Virginie carefully curates all the pieces in store to ensure the highest quality and range. Call Virginie to arrange to drop in your garments and she will select what adorns the racks. When someone falls in love with your piece you will be paid the agreed fee. It is a great way to refresh and update your wardrobe – I call it ‘the circle of fashion’.
What I love about this boutique is that it’s full of such different styles and the fashion has a story. It’s like buying antiques – they are rich in history and some have epic stories to share like this one Virginie relayed. “I received a John Galliano shirt from a lady that purchased it in New York and while she was wearing it Elton John approached her and commented that he loved it!” she recounted. How cool is that?
She went on to say “It’s not all about the brand, it’s about the garment itself, where it was made, the fabric and the story behind it. I think that’s why Ma Petite Boutique is so magical because you never know what you may find.”
As the curator of such finery I had to find out about Virginie’s signature style and favourite pieces. “I am surrounded by extraordinary clothing, but my favourite is quite simple. A great pair of jeans (I own about 30!!) a silk shirt, beautiful jacket, boots or heels and I am ready! And let us not forget bags, scarves, and lots of accessories,”she said.
Allow plenty of time to scour the racks of delectable preloved designer garments and accessories – it’s like a dress up play date for grown up fashionistas! From casual beach attire to evening gowns, you are guaranteed to find a little piece of fashion gold at Ma Petite Boutique.
Ma Petite Boutique | Phone 0400 210 342
