What is The Social Studio?

The Social Studio (www.thesocialstudio.org) is a fashion label, cafe and social enterprise that celebrates the style and skills of diverse cultures in Australia. We exist to provide education and skills, and to promote the rich creativity of our refugee communities. At all levels of our social enterprise we seek the participation of our stakeholders. For example, currently we have about 20 employees and of these, 85% are representative of the refugee community.

Since its inception in 2009, The Social Studio’s vision is to:• Generate a new market that showcases the styles and skills of the refugee community, thereby building bridges between the wider Australian community and people from refugee backgrounds.

• Assisting in the transitioning process of new migrants, particularly those from refugee backgrounds, into ongoing education and employment. This includes career development and em-ployment with mainstream businesses.

• Encouraging environmentally responsible and socially aware business practices in the fashion in-dustry.

The Social Studio is registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, making all donations over AU$2 tax deductible.

Currently, The Social Studio clothing store, fabric printing studio and The Cutting Table café are located in Collingwood, Melbourne Australia. Our online store is located at www.thesocialstudio.org.

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What are our products?The Social Studio creates unique, high quality products that are manufactured on-site in our studio in Collingwood, creating jobs and educational opportunities for talented members of refugee communities.

The Printing StudioThe Printing Studio uses direct digital textile technology to create vibrant fabric prints on silk and nylon lycra. The Printing Studio offers printing services for the local fashion industry. The benefits of this printing technique include dazzling colour, minimal fabric waste and zero ink waste. Digital print garments are made-to-order in line with our values of sustainable design.

TSS CollectionsWe approach design from an environmentally sustainable perspective. We create garments with minimal fabric waste and source materials as end-of-roll lengths from the local fashion industry. Fabric off-cuts are used to create jewellery and accessories. Collection items are available in two fabric op-tions; limited edition remixed fabrics, and digital print fabrics. The Social Studio is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. Garments produced at The Social Studio are also sold in a number of retail outlets, including partner enterprises across Australia. See our website for details.

What do people say about The Social Studio?Australian artist and icon Ken Done says:“The Social Studio celebrates the best of Australia: a commitment to creativity and an opportunity for all. I wish them every success”

Fashion designer, Mariana Hardwick writes:“It is vital that the business community lend their support and resources to making The Social Studio the success it deserves to be, and in the process to add another layer to the rich cultural mix of our city”

Fashion student Shazia Nazrat says:“I enjoy making clothing at The Social Studio because it’s a friendly and loving place. I’ve learnt so much from being here already but still have more to learn in design. I can’t wait. I will one day open up my own business, like a shop. Until then I will continue learning and meeting people.”

Roslyn Odgers, Director of Westpac’s Private Bank, says:“I have been so impressed with the sophistication of the organisation and their unique approach in ad-dressing issues faced by refugee communities.”

The Social Studio is recognised as an effective and exciting social enterprise. Highlights include:• SustainableDesignAward,FashionGroupInternationalAwards2011• InclusioninthemajorrunwayofMelbourneSpringFashionWeek2011• SmallBusinessoftheYearAward,VictorianTrainingAwards2010• CommendedintheCityofYarraSustainabilityAwards2010• FinalistintheMelbourneAwards2010• FinalistinOprahWinfrey’s“Australia’smosthelpful”competition2010

CafeTheCuttingTableisourcaféwhichservesFairTradecoffeeandourmenufeaturesfoodwithanEast African/Middle Eastern theme. It is open 7 days a week and provides training and employment to people interested in the hospitality sector. We also offer catering and the space can be booked for private functions.

Media ReportsExamples of how The Social Studio has been covered in the press:

1. ABC Newsline Report. To see this media go to: http://vimeo.com/16713063

2. The Age. To see this media go to: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/culture-frock-young-refugees-have-spring-fashion-all-sewn-up-20110907-1jxry.html

3. SBS News. To see this media go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiSzW2CNolo&feature=youtube

The Social Studio as seen in.....

Want to know more?For media enquiries contact: thesocialstudio@gmail.com or call 03 9417 2143

The Social Studio, proudly supported by…City of Melbourne, City of Yarra, Collier Fund, Danks Trust, Eureka Benevolent Foundation, Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, Ian Potter Foundation, Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation, Melbourne Community Foundation (The Eastweb Fund), Neighbourhood Justice Centre, The R.E. Ross Trust, Sidney Myer Foundation, Slingsby Foundation, Streetsmart, Victorian Multicultural Commission and The Westpac Foundation.