“Simple, elegant and ethical”. This is how we define “RICEPAPER, the label from Australia. The brand propose minimalist products that any women will enjoy
Discover the inspiring interview of the Eve, the designer and founder the brand.
Who is behind the Brand RICEPAPER?
Ricepaper is run in Melbourne’s northern suburbs by Eve Walton-Healey.
Please tell us more about you. What is your Background?
My background is in Fashion, I studied at RMIT in Melbourne at the Brunswick campus. After completion of my Degree I went on to Intern with some great brands and then worked full time in the Industry for three years before starting Ricepaper.
Where does the name RICEPAPER come from?
Ricepaper was picked as the brand name as a symbol of transparency, I wanted to show people a clear message about the brand, having no secrets over the publics eye and especially no mistreated workers. Ricepaper is also simple in complexion and a base ingredient, something that resonated with my designs, they can be considered staples in a wardrobe and are naturally organic in form.
When did you get the idea to create RICEPAPER?
I have always believed in shape, function and celebrating natural beauty so the idea really grew from here, combined with wanting the brand to be based on transparency.
One of the main influences I did have with creating the brand was the collapse of the Rana Plaza in 2013, the disaster killed thousands of underpaid workers. From that I knew whatever I did in this industry I was not going to contribute to any brand or company that was okay with exploitation of basic human rights.
I also wanted to create a brand that all females could feel happy wearing. For some, fashion can be a negative experience when it shouldn’t be. Our garments are classic Silhouettes that you can wear confidently at anytime and still be on trend.
How did you create the Brand?
The brands identity was really created around the Kaniwa Collection, I am lucky enough to have a talented friend who worked on the logo and designed the exclusive Kaniwa print for this collection. Once the logo and brands identity was finished it really just flowed from there- taking one year to design, finalize, get the collection to Melbourne and launch the website.
What is the identity of RICEPAPER?
Our brands ethos is built on three main pillars Simplicity ~Empowering designs that allow a consumer to be noticed in a crowd but not stand out Elegance ~Versatile designs that inspire inner beauty and Ethics~ Mindful consumption and minimising waste through longs lasting garments.
How would you position RICEPAPER?
Ricepaper is a mid to high end brand, with focus on Simplicity, Elegance and Ethics. Each of the pieces in the collection are easily worn and are considered as wardrobe staples.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration has come from many places, I have been lucky enough to travel most of Asia and I would say most of the simplicity and functionality of the brand has been inspired by Japan – I am extremely obsessed with the culture & design. Other inspiration comes from a range of designers, art and culture, sometimes it’s one of these things or all of them combined that forms the collection.
Where do you source your fabrics and where do you make your products?
Our fabrics & manufacturing is sourced in Indonesia. We have a number of standards that are implemented with our manufacturing processes these include making sure all staff are paid the correct wages, do not work overtime and work environments are maintained to protect and provide a happy healthy working environment for all employees.
Today we are talking about ethical and sustainable brands in Fashion. What is your approach?
‘ I feel very strongly about mass production and fast fashion ‘ As consumers and creatives it’s really important we are mindful about our consumption, not only for all the workers involved in the making of hundreds of thousands of garments every day but also in terms of the waste we are leaving behind on the planet.
One of the biggest fears I have with this issue is that the big brands are not educating consumers on how destructive buying an inexpensive garment can be. They are not being transparent with manufacturing, quality or waste but instead are providing a fashionable garment that may last a wearer 1-2 wears.
We want to actively encourage consumers to be more mindful when buying. Yes, the garments will be more expensive but in return for a versatile and fashionable piece that you may wear 50-100 times a year and have for five years.
Less is sometimes more – our approach is exactly this!
What were your biggest challenges as an entrepreneur?
I guess so far the biggest challenge I have faced is being a young business and deciding to follow my creative aspiration and turning it into a full time gig, it’s tough! It is easier sometimes to fall into the path that most other people follow but you just need to go with your gut feeling to make things work even if you feel unsure about the end result.
Any tips or recommendation you would share with new entrepreneurs in “Fashion”?
Support others and network as much as possible if you are planning on starting your own business.
Apart from “RICEPAPER”, are there any brands you would recommend worth checking?
We are loving (Elizabeth Suzann- Made in Nashville) at the moment they have some beautiful shapes and use natural fibres in their designs.