Getting glammed up for a night on the town isn’t all swanky labels and fast-fashion. With the handmade clothing movement sweeping Australia from Steep Point to Byron Bay, the options for stepping out in one-of-a-kind threads are getting more exciting by the slipstitch.

Next time you’re planning a night out with friends, ditch the high-churn commercial retailers for more sustainable choices guaranteed to turn heads on the D-floor… Here we go from head to toe!

Mollini Handmade Shoes

Melbourne-based shoe brand Mollini has a team of globe-trotting creative designers who travel the world in search of unique designs to inspire their range of handmade heels, boots, flats, sandals, wedges and platforms. Comprised of wardrobe staples and statement-making designs, they remain true to their core aesthetic without compromising on quality, comfort or style.

All orders within Australia receive free standard post, with delivery taking 2-3 business days for metro areas. If you desperately need them for tonight, checkout their list of stockists for a store near you.

TimiAlaere Handmade Dresses

Melbourne-based womenswear label TimiAlaere was founded and designed by Nigerian born Timi Onduku-Pedley, who migrated to Australia in the mid 90s. Timi studied Fashion Apparel in Darwin before moving to Melbourne to complete a BA in Legal Studies from Latrobe University.

Her passion for fashion continued to grow and in 2012 she launched TimiAlaere. The ‘Alaere’ refers to a ‘woman of substance’ – the universal muse for the label. With her handmade clothing, Timi aims to help women put forth the best version of themselves… confident, eclectic, embracing of trends, but not confined by them.

Honey Ginger Toast Handmade Necklaces

Melbourne-based handmade brand Honey Ginger Toast creates colourful and playful eco-friendly wooden accessories for women and men. Designer Kris Li is inspired by her connection with nature, colour and photography, and through her work hopes that customers experience the same connection, joy and passion with the natural world.

For the discerning eco-friendly gents, Kris’ range of Hexagon Cufflinks, Chevron Patterned Tie Clips and Striped Layered Tie Clips add a contemporary twist to formal evening attire.

Next Romance Jewels Handmade Earrings

Straight outta Melbourne, Contemporary jewellery designer Vicki Leigh combines a love of art and design to create striking statement earrings. In her latest collection ‘Limitless Luxe’, Vicki combines handmade Moroccan-styled moon tiles with gold hand painted edging, hammered textures and soft luxurious silk tassels. Checkout more Next Romance Jewels to find the perfect tassels for your next night out.

Meena Song Jewellery Handmade Rings

An Industrial Designer by trade, Meena has worked as a designer for 10+ years creating ready-to-wear collections ranging from simple and understated to larger feature pieces. Her collections include Rose Gold, Sparkler, Lustre, Golden, Back to Basics and a Mens Collection. These one-off handmade rings are simple but versatile accessories to tastefully accent any evening ensemble.

One Stitch at a Time Handmade Bracelets

When most people think knitting, they think woolly, warm, winter jumpers – think again. This contemporary, limited edition, knitted and crocheted wire jewellery uses new and vintage beads to create elegant pieces that sparkle long after midnight.

One Stitch at a Time takes custom orders using a variety of non-tarnish wire, including copper wire, uncoated copper wire, 14k gold wire or argentium (silver) wire for those extra special occasions.

Studio Liebling Handmade Mini-Pouches

Coins, earphones, tampons, bobby pins, chewy, lippy, licence and bank cards… just some of the essentials required for a night out that can easily be lost if let loose in a bag. Studio Liebling have the perfect solution for compartmentalising the little bits to make sure they stay safe, no matter how many times your clutch flies open.

These handmade leather accessories are dreamed up, sketched and realised from the Liebling studio in North Fitzroy using 100% Australian, locally sourced, vegetable tanned, full grain leather selected for its strength and individual character (scars and brands are not disguised or buffed), which over time develops a rich patina that tells its own story.

Handmade Evening Bags

Selecting the right handmade clutch for a night out can make or break your evening. Forgetful types should opt for an over the shoulder number that won’t get left behind after a couple of martinis. For a more glamourous accessory however, a metallic gold leather Karmme clutch will add some shine to your old faithful LBD.

For those that like to carry their bag and clutch it too, a detachable shoulder strap clutch is a versatile day/night bag for all occasions, and for serious party gals that don’t tolerate spills, a sassy slimline PVC-covered long clutch with hand painted canvas from Tiff Manuell will fit multiple mini-pouches and look just as fresh this time next year.

Hanami Handmade Cosmetics

HANAMI cosmetics are certified cruelty free and vegan (PETA and CCF certification), palm oil free and made with organic plant and mineral ingredients, so you can look good on the outside and feel great on the inside.

Coconut, shea, jojoba, castor oil, grapeseed and mineral colours are just some of the prominently used natural ingredients, but the list of nasties you won’t find include Nano Particles, SLS or SLES and Parabens.

Independently owned and run in Melbourne, HANAMI proudly donates $1 from every website purchase to Humane Research Australia: a non-profit organisation challenging the use of animals in experiments and promoting more humane and scientifically valid non-animal methods of research.

Kester Black Handmade Nail Polish

Kester Black products were the first in the world to obtain a suite of accreditations including Choose Cruelty Free, International Cruelty Free, Vegan Society, Australian Made and B Corporation.

Established in 1994, Kester Black is on a mission to redefine the industry standard for ethical cosmetics by making beautiful, quality products that have a positive social and environmental footprint.

So while you’re splashing around some polish before a night out, you’re also helping Kester Black donate 2% of revenue including in-kind donations to registered charities.

One Seed Handmade Perfume 

One Seed has been creating natural fragrances since 2009 using wholly natural ingredients with at least 80% organic content. Their perfumes are vegan, cruelty free and designed, formulated and crafted in their South Australian studio.

One Seed believe in creating products that not only smell amazing, but also offer a depth and complexity of aroma hard to find in commercial fragrances, with each scent as unique as your handmade outfit. What you may lack in the dance moves department on a night out, you’ll be sure to make up for in the fragrance stakes!

Get Handsy With Handmade Clothing Instore

Online shopping isn’t for everyone, nor are repeat trips to the post office on your pushy to return online purchases. If you’re a touchy feely kinda person who likes to try before you buy, head into our Northcote shop and get handsy with some handmade dresses, skirts, hats, shirts, belts, bags, beauty products and other artisanal handmade accessories to plan your next night out dressed head to toe in feel-good fashion.