Slow Fashion Part Two — Meet AARLI, Rachael Cassar & Bhalo
Welcome to the second part of our introduction to our ‘Slow Fashion’ feature. Meet TJ Cowlishaw, Rachael Cassar and Jessica Priemus, three talented fashion designers who are exploring three different ideas of what Slow Fashion can be. TJ Cowlishaw is the creative force behind AARLI, a fashion company that she has dedicated to celebrating the traditional designs, techniques and story-telling of her Aboriginal heritage. She is inspired by the strength of the older women of her family, and is passionate about AARLI’s involvement in, and support of, the local community. Rachael Cassar designs high-end, experimental garments that are red-carpet worthy.
In the nine years since her graduation from UTS she has focused on transforming unconventional, recycled materials into unique garments that are destined to become heirlooms. Jessica Priemus works with her partner, Shimul, and Bangladeshi craftspeople to make the distinctive, graphically patterned Bhalo fashion range. She speaks of the rewards to be found in slow production, of using traditional crafts and methods to create timeless pieces of clothing that are made and can be worn with pleasure.