Quality Australian brands?

[Alexander Scriabin]

MCM Studio has an excellent range of shirts. I really like their ties too.

 

[Pantisocrat]

so there aren't many Oz brands...?

 

[Journeyman]

Originally Posted by Pantisocrat

so there aren't many Oz brands...?


Not really, no, as Australia is quite a small country, at least in population/market terms.

It also depends upon what you term "Australian".

As someone noted higher up in the thread, whilst there are quite a few Australian companies that make good products - such as Herringbone for suits - the suits are actually made overseas and Herringbone is now owned by a German company, Van Laack. So, although Herrigbone originated in Australia and although it is still run by Australians, it's not owned by them anymore and its clothing is made overseas. Does that mean that it is Australian?

RM Williams still makes its boots here in Australia, but apparently quite a bit of its clothing is now made overseas, and the same goes for quite a few other, iconic (or formerly iconic) Australian clothiers, such as Fletcher Jones. The lure of cheap labour costs and the need to remain competitive with other brands who do manufacture in China and other such places has driven most Australian clothing companies offshore, sadly.

 

[Star]

Charlse Nahkle shirts. He may be a MTM shirt maker but the labels on his shirts read made in Australia and the quality of workmanship and the quality of the cotton he insists on leaves shirts from Herringbone, Politix, Calibre for dead. Those junky cheaper brands are not even in the same galaxy as Charles Nahkle when it comes to quality.

 

[Journeyman]

Originally Posted by Star

Charlse Nahkle shirts. He may be a MTM shirt maker but the labels on his shirts read made in Australia and the quality of workmanship and the quality of the cotton he insists on leaves shirts from Herringbone, Politix, Calibre for dead. Those junky cheaper brands are not even in the same galaxy as Charles Nahkle when it comes to quality.

Whilst I think that Herringbone's shirts are too expensive at full price, I do wish that you had not included Herringbone in with Politix and Calibre - that is really quite unkind! Herringbone's shirts are reasonable, whereas the other two are utter rubbish.

 

[TheWraith]

Originally Posted by Journeyman

Not really, no, as Australia is quite a small country, at least in population/market terms.

It also depends upon what you term "Australian".

As someone noted higher up in the thread, whilst there are quite a few Australian companies that make good products - such as Herringbone for suits - the suits are actually made overseas and Herringbone is now owned by a German company, Van Laack. So, although Herrigbone originated in Australia and although it is still run by Australians, it's not owned by them anymore and its clothing is made overseas. Does that mean that it is Australian?

RM Williams still makes its boots here in Australia, but apparently quite a bit of its clothing is now made overseas, and the same goes for quite a few other, iconic (or formerly iconic) Australian clothiers, such as Fletcher Jones. The lure of cheap labour costs and the need to remain competitive with other brands who do manufacture in China and other such places has driven most Australian clothing companies offshore, sadly.

That's right. RMW boots are made in Australia and portions of their clothing range. Other portions of their clothing is made in China. The same goes for Drizabone, some made here, some made in China. Again, the same goes for Baxter Boots. Their top of the range boots are made here, the others are made in Asia. Blundstone is the same, though the only thing of theirs still made here are their gum boots. Everything else of theirs is made in Asia. But that's not unique to Australia, as you'll find many of the world's leading brands are exactly the same.

 

[Alexander Scriabin]

The guy at MCM studio told me that all their Premium Label shirts are actually made in Australia with Italian cloths.

 

[Prince of Paisley]

Are Kangol caps an Aussie brand?

 

[hidepenny]

what about the shoes selling by luisa under it's founder's name, although they are made in italy but still an australian brand?

 

[Prince of Paisley]

Australia and shoes - don't go there mate.

 

[LTM]

Some Rossi (Rossiters) boots are still made in SA, if not all. The walking boots are great and they still make their ripples.

 

[blahman]

Originally Posted by hidepenny

what about the shoes selling by luisa under it's founder's name, although they are made in italy but still an australian brand?

Oooo just did a quick google. Warehousey wholesale/ direct to public? How are the prices compared to them in DJs or the brand stores?

 

[AE7]

Have basic white cotton shorts from Rivers for 7 years now, nicely worn out, but no rips, holes, loose buttons, frayed cloth.

Why does everything from Rivers feels so good?

 

[hidepenny]

Originally Posted by blahman

Oooo just did a quick google. Warehousey wholesale/ direct to public? How are the prices compared to them in DJs or the brand stores?

i've been to both city and murrumbeena stores, i although sizing is very limited, but products are generally good quality, goodyear welting most of the shoes, and plus men's shoes aren't that seasonal, so you always pick up a bargain if you like classic looks, they have a good range of tods shoes too

40% off is generally the going rate there...

Australia and shoes - don't go there mate.

don't think they are made in oz...

 

[aggoo]

Luisa generally have 2 big sales, at least in the Murrumbeena store where the majority of clearance for both men's and women's shoes go up to 70% off. They are at the very tail end now but i picked up a pair of Fratelli Rosetti Goodyear welted with channeled soles black Oxfords for just $120 and they are very nice indeed!

Across the business park is a company called Italian Imports and they sell a variety of casual wear and suits from the likes of Versace, Pal Zileri and Cerutti etc. Their suits retail at about $1500 (compare with $3000 for same suits at Harrolds) but in the sale can be picked up at 50-60% off ($650) which is excellent value for a fully canvassed suit in a high quality fabric.

As regards Oxford, their luxury line of shirts at sale prices are great value. Available in outlets at the moment for $40-$50 you get a shirt with fabric from Monti, Thomas Mason or Canclini with reasonable pattern matching an 4 piece split yokes. The collars are fused though. I have about 7 or 8 and am very happy indeed for the price.