Wacker clothing Company: A Label of Love
A wacky little dream, a man in need and a heartbreaking family loss – this is the story of Carlie Wacker’s emerging Noosa fashion label .
There is clear evidence from my childhood that I was destined for a life that involved fashion and entertainment – from styling Barbie Dolls to dressing and choreographing shows with the neighbourhood kids.
But it was really a series of events and experiences that sealed the deal on a midlife career pivot that saw this former radio and television presenter turned fashion editor and emcee become a fashion designer.
The growing frustration of my husband Mark who found it difficult to buy garments off-the-rack allowed me to understand how important the fit and feel of fabric was to men, as well as how different their shopping habits were – they like to shop seasonally and have items to mix and match to take the stress out of dressing. So, in 2022 the idea for Wacker Clothing Company was born to build a menswear label to cater to the needs of a market of mature men seeking classic, effortless styles.
It was essential for me to be sustainable and ethical, so I partnered with TTK Collective – a Noosa-based manufacturing house that helped with everything from design concept and product development to product to sell.
Our small team of six women and two men in Vietnam source our remnant fabric which ensures our garments are limited edition. They handcraft our designs in a respectful work environment, are paid above sustainable living wage, never work overtime or on public holidays and I communicate directly with them, meaning I can guarantee a transparent and ethical supply chain.
As the business evolved, women began wearing the shirts and the label became a go-to for unisex luxe linen shirts.
In 2023, the Wacker family sadly lost our Matriarch Joan. I was very close to my mother-in-law and gathered such strength from her. She was a trailblazer for women in the male-dominated motorcycle industry in Australia and was a huge part of the family business that began in Brisbane in 1917 when Morgan and Wacker were the first Harley Davidson dealership outside of the USA.
We would often talk about fashion and the outfits she would design and make when she was first dating her late husband, Bruce. When sifting through family photos for her memorial, we were so inspired by her iconic fashion that my step-daughter Kimberley and I decided we would recreate some of her designs and launch Wacker Woman in her memory.
The next chapter for Wacker Clothing Company brings together nostalgic glamour, the need of my man and the memory of my mother-in-law and my own darling mum. I believe every piece of clothing should have heartfelt stories woven into every fibre of its creation – from design to manufacturing and wear.
