Ballarat-based company Hope and Harvest is preparing to step into the international spotlight with the plus-size fashion label invited to New York Fashion Week in September.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Head designer Harvest Powell, along with her talented team, are working around the clock from their Ballarat studio in preparation for one of the biggest events in the fashion industry.
Ms Powell, said to be one of only three international fashion labels and the only Australian to be invited to the New York show, was overwhelmed.
“When I found, out we were working really hard on the Curvy Couture Roadshow at the VAMFF (Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival) and it had been a full on couple of days and then to hear this news was just amazing,” she said.
“I had to get everyone to read the email just to make sure it was real, it was so exciting
“That was three months ago, but it didn’t actually really hit home until they released it last week. We are just an indie brand that started with nothing and all these beautiful people that have worked for us over the years and everyone who has shown support and bought our clothes to get us to where we are now, it’s incredible.”
Ms Powell said the ‘half-runway, half-exhibition’ in New York would showcase Hope and Harvest’s new spring/summer collection on 15 models.
The majority of clothing, which caters for sizes 12 to 26, is proudly produced in Ballarat, with a few select pieces manufactured offshore via fair trade agreements.
Ms Powell said in the last year Hope and Harvest had grown by about 300 per cent, which was a credit to the hard working team.
“We are currently working with stockists and that includes some in Ballarat, so in the next couple of months people should be able to buy in stores,” she said. “We also sell directly from our website, we do pop-up stores and we are big supporters of the A+ Market, which will be in Ballarat on August 29.”
While popularity for Hope and Harvest continues to grow, it is still a relatively small brand and Ms Powell and her team are seeking sponsorship from local businesses in order to make their New York dream a reality.
“Any assistance big or small would be greatly appreciated and will help us get over there and represent the community to the world,” Ms Powell said.
