Our Story
History,
It all started out in 1997 when I was deconstructing bras to better understand the technical side of making lingerie. Before long I was selling lingerie to a handful of stores down east coast Australia from an ever increasing machine collection. After completing a bachelors degree in fashion design and specializing in lingerie I was lured into the commercial world of major Australian brands and retailers.
The following years saw progression from designer, pattern-maker and technician to senior designer, then design manager and before long even business manager. Over the years I was fortunate enough to work with many major lingerie brands in Australia and supply all major department stores and mass retailers.
Between jobs I continued in lingerie to consult and supply some of the same businesses and retailers, growing to add International customers from New Zealand, Europe and the United States. Along the way also spending several consecutive years based in Asia working to supply some of the biggest volume lingerie into Australia, United Kingdom and United States, concluding my last contract as the head of operations for a major lingerie retailer.
Today,
After some 25 years of big business, mass market and high volume lingerie and other fashion products, I have returned to Melbourne and indeed full circle to my creative roots to realize iole lingerie, luxury and bespoke intimates pieces handmade here exclusively in our very own workshop for the discerning women wherever you are in the world.
Iole lingerie is about slow fashion, timeless style and truly beautiful lingerie that does not date.
We are all about the creative process, where new and limited edition pieces are created on an ongoing basis. We will sell out of some pieces, because we want to move forward, but usually because we source limited availability materials. The theme and essence of iole will remain distinctive throughout what we produce, but you can rest assured you will always be buying into something quite limited and exclusive.
We love lingerie and every bit of the detail it involves, which is why we like to show you our workmanship up-close and in high quality. We think this is what sets us apart from the crowd and makes iole lingerie a truly boutique and luxury lingerie brand.
As we relaunch into a new studio late 2024, we are expanding our offering into more basic, everyday underwear and innerwear items, with a strong focus on these being made form locally made Melbourne fabrics and dead-stock materials.
Iole would like to be a leading voice and supporter of independent Melbourne fashion.
iole lingerie is accredited and licensed to display the Ethical Clothing Australia trademark on its Australian–made garments. |
iole lingerie is a member of the Council of Textile & Fashion, collaboratively working to support and promote the growth of the Australian Fashion & Textile Industry. A not-for-profit membership organisation with over 65 years of service of the industry, members are drawn from across the TCF value chain, ranging from micro to large companies, state and national industry associations, through to education & students. |