As the end of the year approaches, we know you’re cramming in those last-minute shopping sprees and Colour Box Studio is here to help. If you’re looking to say thank you to the special people in your life, we have some epic gift inspo to get you started.
We’ve compiled a list of local and female-owned online stores where you can order the perfect gift. Whether you’re looking for a product made from sustainably sourced materials or you want to support creative businesses that promote ethically conscious practices, we have some beauties to recommend.
From First Nations-owned fashion and accessories, to thoughtfully designed textiles and homewares – read on below and cross a few people off that list…or treat yourself!
Haus of Dizzy
First Nations-Owned Jewellery & Accessories Label
Proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson, creates bold, playful, statement-making jewellery that celebrates and honours First Nations culture – imbuing a sense of empowerment and joy within everybody who wears it.
Often featuring powerful political and social messages, each Haus of Dizzy piece is designed, laser-cut, hand-painted and assembled in the company’s studio, located in Fitzroy, Melbourne/Naarm. Featured throughout Australia, New Zealand and the USA (including The Iconic, Melbourne Museum, Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art and more), Haus of Dizzy has been seen on the likes of Ms Lauryn Hill, Drew Barrymore, Lala Hathaway, Baker Boy, Coda Conduct, Kaiit and others.
“I just want to give pride to my people, But in a cool, shiny way.”
Kristy Dickinson – Haus of Dizzy
Photographer: @nynnobelair
Check out Haus of Dizzy’s dazzling collection of sparkly, bold and fabulous jewellery and accessories here.
SZN
Sustainable Independent Fashion Label
SZN is an independent label designed and made in Australia, that focuses on simplicity and craftsmanship to produce soulful and intelligent garments, which are refined through time, contemplation and work.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, SZN is the work of fashion designer Suzan Dlouhy, recipient of the inaugural Best in Category Fashion Design Award at the Victorian Premier’s Good Design Awards.
With an ethos of ‘Fashion is art’, SZN uses reductive pattern making to produce minimal garments in organic and sustainable fabrics.
“SZN is celebrating 10 years this year and I’m proud to say it’s been 10 years of exploring different approaches to sustainability, connecting to Australia’s vibrant fashion community and taking it slow producing garments that are considered. “
Suzan Dlouhy – SZN
Upgrade your wardrobe with some stylish sustainable fashion from SZN here.
Read the Colour Box Studio interview with SZN founder Suzan Dlouhy here.
Tessa Marie Design
Textiles, Homewares & Accessories Brand
Tessa Marie Design (TMD) is a Melbourne based textile studio specialising in silk screen printed, hand-made accessories and home wares. Proud to be 100% local – Designed in Reservoir, silk screen printed in Fitzroy North and ethically constructed in Melbourne.
Tessa, a recent textile design graduate with a love of screen printing, started the brand in early 2022. Her aim is to provide like-minded and curious humans with one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully designed and handmade goodies that are fun to use while leaving minimal impacts on the environment.
“Thoughtfully designed & responsibly made textiles to me means focusing on slow-made, circular design by embracing natural and recycled materials and being sustainably conscious throughout every step of the process, from initial concept right through to the product end of life.”
Tessa Graham – Tessa Marie Design
Find the perfect gift for the home-body in your life at Tessa Marie Design.
Liliz Lu Studio
Sustainable & Ethical Art & Accessories
Liliz Lu Studio founder, Lizette Vieyra moved to Australia from Mexico in 2017. Her practice began by creating papier-mâché dolls and activity kits where you can employ traditional Mexican techniques to create your own artwork.
Liliz Lu Studio is heavily influenced by recycled materials and strives to create extraordinary collectors’ pieces and jewellery, offering an excellent option in sustainable and ethical fashion. From collectable Mexican doll sculptures to colourful, Frida Kahlo inspired, jewellery and Day of the Dead activity kits, you can find plenty of gift inspiration at Liliz Lu Studio.
“I found a fascination for recycling materials that people no longer found useful and thus turning them into a completely different and extraordinary piece that people could desire again”
Lizette Vieyra – Liliz Lu Studio
Find the perfect Mexican inspired gift here.
J Indigenous Designs
First Nations-Owned Active Wear Label
J Indigenous Designs is a small family business that began as an artwork and painting side hustle in 2016 by founder, Jhana Gray, proud Jirrbal and Kuku-yulanji woman. After noticing a gap in the market for active wear that represented Indigenous Australians, Gray had some sample pieces made and shared them to social media. The feedback was overwhelming – there was clearly a market for thoughtful active wear that incorporated culture, comfort, function and beautiful Aboriginal art. The brand is ally friendly and welcomes all cultures to share and celebrate First Nations Australia.
“At J Indigenous Designs we hope to inspire people, both Indigenous & non-Indigenous to kick start their fitness journey and to help motivate those who are already on their fitness journey. And from the feedback we have been receiving – it sounds like it’s working!”
Jhana Gray – J Indigenous Designs
Start that New Year’s resolution right with some fresh active wear. Shop J Indigenous Designs active wear here.
Want to support more conscious creative businesses? Click here for another Colour Box Studio curated list.
All images supplied by the artists. Showcasing and supporting local creatives and businesses is of top priority to the Colour Box Studio team. Any organisations or businesses mentioned above are curated to provide information and resources for our creative community. This post is not sponsored and not part of affiliated marketing in any way.