The Single Parent Bible spends some time with a hot new (single parent) designer

Wendy Stanley is the designer of GladRagz and when she sent us through the following statement, we felt it our duty to share her passion and fabulous designs with all of you.

GladRagz is clothing with conscience.
GladRagz offers women clothing that is fashionable as well as ethical.
GladRagz uses reclaimed materials to create a unique garment (with both aesthetics and ethics in mind).
From every garment sold, $1 is donated to the Friends of the Earth society (who support all sorts of sustainable industries all over the planet).
By purchasing GladRagz you are helping to support a sustainable industry.

Meet Wendy and discover her GladRagz

SPB:  What made you decide to launch into creating your own fashion design business?  What was the catalyst and your motivation?

WS:  As a globally conscious consumer, I felt dissatisfied with the limited availability of ethically produced and Australian made clothing.  Instead we have racks upon racks of quickly, cheaply and unethically produced garments from China and India.  After a conversation that I had one day with a lady from Amnesty international about the inhumane working conditions in the alleged sweat shops that produce this stuff, I was horrified.  In some cases workers (mainly women) are being kept awake at their machines by being prodded with electric cattle prods!  Sometimes they die of exhaustion. 
So it was this conversation that was the real motivator for me to start the label.  I have always had a passion for fashion, having worked in the industry on and off for the past fifteen years.  I also have a deep seated passion (or you could say border line obsession) with ‘op shopping’.  I thought I should take the ethics issue one step further by using recycled fabric, so GladRagz was born.  Also, all of GladRagz garments are unique, one off originals.

Wendy and her children Alwin (10) and Belinda (12)

 
SPB:  So how did you go about making the idea a reality?

WS:  I started collecting materials and sewing until my very old sewing machine (that my mum had given to me) literally blew up.  I was devastated and thought it was a sign from the universe that it wasn’t meant to be.  A friend then gave me a brand new sewing machine for my birthday.  Down the track a girlfriend traded an over locker that she had inherited and never used, for a few skirts.  It had been sitting in her shed collecting dust.  So I just went for it and began sewing and stockpiling until I had enough skirts (about 70) to do my first market stall at the Coolum Beach (QLD) night markets.  This was my test market to gauge the response from the public.  I sold out in three weeks and was also discovered by a boutique owner who wanted skirts to place in their shop.  I was inspired to keep sewing and in September 2005 I had an official launch at Eumundi’s Fashion and Food Fiesta (held annually).  I now have a regular stall at the Eumundi markets on a Saturday and I am currently looking for stockists.

SPB: What size and colour range do your skirts come in?

WS: I have two size ranges; 8/10/12 or 10/12/14.  I do however make skirts for larger sizes (on request) though.  The skirts I make are based on a seventies style wrap around design which allows a more generous fit (hence the three size ranges in the one skirt).  Most skirts feature a fifties style apron pocket, which is large enough to carry a mobile phone, a set of car keys and a small purse.

SPB:  How handy is that!  So how much are these fabulous skirts?

WS:  Prices vary, from $50 for a super short mini (to wear over jeans or tights); to a regular mini for $65 and then the full length (below knee) skirt ranges from $85-$120 depending on the vintage of fabrics used.
 
SPB:  If people want to order your skirts, how can they do that (remembering that The Single Parent Bible goes nationwide)?

WS:  Anyone can order a skirt by simply phoning and speaking with me directly (Ph: 0407 163 729), or visiting my stall at Queensland’s Eumundi markets.  I will also be launching a website on Good Friday this year (www.gladragz.com.au).  So watch out for that, as orders may be placed via the web.
 

A model jumping for joy in GladRagz

SPB:  What materials do you make your skirts from?

WS:  I reclaim vintage fabric to create my garments.  I use anything from old bed linen to tablecloths, curtains to unused remnants that someone has just tossed out.  They are fully recycled.

SPB:  Where do you see the business going?

WS:  I can see my business increasing (of course).   I can see my stuff being sold in funky little shops all over the globe.  I am currently working on a men’s range of shirts and some other funky stuff for us yummy mummies for winter and next summer. 

SPB:  Do you work from home?

WS:  Yes most of the time I am at home working (unless I’m out op shopping for materials).

SPB:  Can you tell our readers some of the positives and the negatives (if there are any)?

WS:  I really enjoy being able to work from home.  It means that I don’t have to drive anywhere.  It can have its down side though i.e. sometimes it can be a little difficult to leave your work behind (it’s always there and there is always something to do).   Another downside is if friends drop in and want to chat, however I have now established pretty clear boundaries with friends and family regarding my working hours.

SPB:  How do you manage working around your children? 

WS:  We live across the road from the school, so I walk the kids over, then come home and work until they arrive home.  I usually have a late lunch with them while they are eating their afternoon tea.  Quite often my daughter will help out at the stall on Saturday mornings.  At the moment my son plays cricket on Saturdays, so when the cricket season is over he will either come with me to the markets or I will arrange for him to go to a mate’s house for a play.  Both of my children are very enthusiastic and give me a hand whenever I need it.