Behind The Brand
Our Story
Welcome to VOUS (pronounced V-oo), where contemporary design meets ethical fashion; designed exclusively for women who appreciate quality and a simplified style.
VOUS was established in 2013 in NSW, Australia by Renee Verdon, who after studying at The Fashion Design Studio, Sydney Institute; began her journey towards creating a non-trend driven ethical fashion brand. The brand holds a strong commitment to crafting timeless pieces from natural fabrics that seamlessly integrate into your wardrobe. Our collections, produced in limited quantities in Australia, ensure that each garment is unique, meticulously designed and handmade with care.
At VOUS, we understand that your wardrobe is an extension of your confidence. That's why we not only create garments that make you feel empowered but also prioritise kindness to our planet and its people. Read more about our ethical production processes here. Dressing well should feel good in more ways than one.
In a world where time is a precious commodity, VOUS makes getting dressed a stress-free experience. No complications, just effortless style tailored for the modern woman. We value moments of peace and encourage women to pursue their passions and prioritise self-care over mindless shopping. VOUS is not just about fashion; it's a lifestyle that reflects your values.
The VOUS collection is a harmonious blend of thoughtfully crafted garments, offering versatile options that effortlessly transition across seasons—each piece destined to be a treasured addition to your wardrobe for years to come.
Our Ethics
What is slow fashion and why is VOUS a slow fashion label?
Slow fashion isn't just a term; it's a commitment to thoughtful design, smaller production runs, and crafting garments built to withstand the test of time. Unlike its fleeting counterpart, fast fashion, which thrives on trends and sacrifices quality.
VOUS is an Australian brand which follows the slow fashion approach. At every stage of our garments' creation, we weave consideration for the environment and fair work conditions into the fabric of our ethos. Our mission is clear—to offer you contemporary designs that not only elevate your style but also stand as treasured pieces in your wardrobe, defying the disposable culture of fast fashion.
With VOUS, you're not just making a fashion statement; you're making a choice for ethical, enduring style.
Where are VOUS garments designed and made?
All VOUS garments are meticulously designed in-house in Newcastle, NSW, and manufactured by 100% Australian-owned small family businesses in Sydney, NSW. Our commitment to local production ensures hands-on oversight at every stage, guaranteeing quality and ethical craftsmanship. By maintaining our production processes within a 200km radius, this also allows us to reduce our CO2 emissions- caring for our planet in the process.
What is the process of making a VOUS garment?
VOUS produces two thoughtfully curated collections each year—Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer, a deliberate departure from the excessive turnover of fast fashion.
The journey towards a finished garment starts with a design concept inspired by nature. We gather pertinent information on colour and imagery, and then transform this inspiration into unique garment designs. From fabric sourcing to pattern making, toiling, grading, sampling, and finally production—each step occurs within the Australian manufacturing industry.
Unlike fast fashion labels that flood the market with hundreds of styles, VOUS remains intentional, producing less than 20 garments per style per season. This ensures that your purchase is more than just a piece of 'clothing'; it is a purchase of a truely unique and limited edition garment that you wont find in any department store.
Where do you source VOUS fabrics?
VOUS takes pride in sourcing each season's fabrics from reputable Australian wholesalers, emphasizing the use of natural fibers, some of which are organically sourced. While our woven fabrics originate from offshore (due to the limited fabric manufacturing industry in Australia), we prioritise sustainability by incorporating dead-stock fabrics into our designs. Deadstock fabrics are remnants from wholesalers or mills that have historically been sent to landfill. As a slow fashion brand VOUS can utilize these fabrics due to our small production runs. This also means that we are not contributing to the over production of fabric.
Why does VOUS only use natural fabrics?
Ever VOUS garment is made from 100% natural fabrics. These fabrics are a combination of; linen, cotton & wool. Where possible we use organic cotton or Better Cotton due to its lesser impact on our earth and greater traceability.
VOUS chooses to use natural fabrics as they DO NOT contain plastic, can break back down into our earth without harm, are kinder on our bodies to wear and do not release harmful chemicals into our environment with their production.
How does VOUS attempt to minimize waste?
The VOUS brand is on a mission to minimize waste in two impactful ways. Firstly, by crafting durable garments designed to be cherished in your wardrobe for years to come, ensuring your purchase stands the test of time. Secondly, we're proud to include a Zero Waste Accessories Range, which are skilfully crafted from leftover materials that would otherwise find their way to landfill.
How are VOUS employees or contactors cared for?
As all VOUS garments are manufactured in Australia we have direct 1:1 relationships with our employees and contractors. Our garment workers are paid a fair wage- one that is set by them. Every contractor sets their own work hours and timeframes for production. We DO NOT place pressure on their systems to produce in fast turn around times, instead we honour their work flow.
Ready to Explore our collection?
Release yourself from trend driven purchases and dive into a value driven contemporary style that will leave you feeling amazing for years come.