Brisbane-based accessories brand "article:" unites with leading labels in #WeWearAustralian campaign

The creative energy previously behind eeni meeni miini moh® joins her Australian fashion peers with her artsy luxe handbag & accessories brand, article: in a WIN / WIN / WIN for consumers, brands and charities.

The message is clear from Brisbane-based artist and fashion creative Elizabeth O'Connor-Cowley of "article:" and from the rest of Australian fashion designers: Buy local. "Show your support to Australian brands so together we can all ensure a future for the fashion industry and in turn, help charities provide for other vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19."

O'Connor-Cowley has joined with a long list of coveted Australian fashion designers in a new initiative #WeWearAustralian - a collective effort to raise awareness for Aussie brands who have been greatly impacted by the global pandemic, by encouraging people to visit the designer's e-commerce websites.

Led by Richard Poulson, Co-Founder of Morrison and CEO of Showroom-X, and supported by the Australian Fashion Council, the initiative is to rebuild the fashion community by offering great incentives to the public, with an added goal of designers supporting other vulnerable communities impacted by the coronavirus crisis with each sale made via their websites. "The Australian fashion industry has never experienced tougher times," Poulson, said. "But we are a creative and resilient industry, by uniting and putting a spotlight on the industry impact and response we are able to support each other and contribute to the rebuild of Australia," 

Article: joins many other leading Australian brands including Carla Zampatti, Bassike, SIR the Label, Matteau, Ellery and Morrison to name a few in this great effort. The impact the COVID-19 pandemic truly has been calamitous on Australian businesses and the Australian fashion industry has not been spared. It's a particularly challenging time for so many creatives with store closures and diminishing sales having devastating effects on Australian fashion labels. As a result of the retail industry closing simultaneously and without any foresight, many stores abandoned their orders resulting in designers being faced with numerous wholesale cancellations and therefore left stranded with excess stock. By coming together and supporting these fellow Australians who work so hard, it will help them get through this most horrendous and fearful time.

Elizabeth O'Connor-Cowley is no newcomer to small business. For 17 years she was the founder and creative director behind the very successful children's lifestyle brands eeni meeni miini moh + e3-M, recognised as leading Australian children's brands unmatched for their inherent design language. Her brands were stocked in 200+ selected boutiques and regularly photographed on the children of Naomi Watts, Cate Blanchett, Miranda Kerr, Megan Gale, Chris Hemsworth + Hugh Jackman.  

O'Connor-Cowley says, "In times of crisis Australians always seem to band together and it's no surprise that we're seeing some amazing random acts of kindness as we navigate our way through this surreal experience. WeWearAustralian is just another great example of the cohesive Aussie spirit where Australian designers are uniting with charities and the public in a win/win/win to preserve our fashion industry and assist those in need."

Whilst O'Connor-Cowley acknowledges that it is challenging for her emerging accessories brand 'article:' due to the current global events, she is using the time wisely to build her community and remains optimistic for the future. She is also busy stretching/priming canvases and moving paint, as she prepares for her solo exhibition towards the end of the year.

There really is no better time to support Aussie brands and our local fashion industry. Until 30 April, participating designers have pulled together special offers for their customers and in return, those participating brands make a donation to support two Australian charities Dress for Success and Thread Together.

Because we are #BetterTogether.

#WEWEARAUSTRALIAN
#BETTERTOGETHER
#AUSTRALIANFASHIONUNITES

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