Epson and The Social Outfit held an event in Sydney this week to mark the launch of the fashion label’s latest Resort collection, featuring designs printed on an Epson Monna Lisa ML-8000 direct-to-fabric printer.
The collaboration centres on local, on-demand textile printing and the production of garments using remnant and deadstock fabrics.
Craig Heckenberg, Epson A/NZ managing director, said the partnership reflects the company’s view that “technology can enrich communities and drive a more sustainable future”, adding that supporting local fabric printing helps enable “ethical production and creative expression”.
The Social Outfit, a social enterprise and charity, provides jobs, skills and training for refugee and new migrant women. Since 2014 it has offered paid employment, mentoring and first Australian work experience within its ethical garment manufacturing workroom in Marrickville.
The label produces limited-edition collections using fabrics that would otherwise go to landfill. Its CEO, Amy Low, said Epson’s direct-to-fabric technology expands the organisation’s creative possibilities. “Accessing technology that enhances our ability to share stories of refugee and migrant women in Sydney is very exciting,” she said.
A key example showcased at the event was ‘Sama’, a community print story created by 12 women from the Chester Hill Community Hub. The design was digitally printed on the Monna Lisa ML-8000 in Sydney before being made into garments by The Social Outfit’s staff.
Low said exposure to the printer at the Epson Experience Centre prompted new training opportunities for employees. She said Epson supported the project from fabric selection through to printing elements used in campaign imagery. The organisation will sell the Sama garments online and at its Newtown store, where customer interactions form part of its paid work experience program for young refugee women.
Epson is The Social Outfit’s official print partner, providing financial and in-kind support including large-format printing for photoshoots, window displays, projection and events. Its technology also helped produce works showcased during Refugee Week earlier this year.
Heckenberg said The Social Outfit’s work aligns with Epson’s focus on the sustainable fashion sector and emphasised the company’s commitment to the partnership.