YellowBird was established in 2010 by director, designer and maker Lynley Slater, producing handmade clutch purses and bags in true slow fashion style.
Starting from her home studio in the beautiful McLaren Vale region of South Australia and now shipping around the world, she spent about six months doing research before she launched the unique clutches.
“I wanted to make sure I was the only one using these wooden frames and when I was satisfied that I was, I then started developing them to suit what I wanted and the integrity that I wanted,” she explains.
While she sources her fabric from all over the world, Slater uses local and overseas artists to create their own design, making each and every clutch unique.
“Some bags are printed locally and some are printed overseas. The reproduction is really important to me and I have tried both local and overseas suppliers but the intensity of the colour I want didn’t quite come out as good when done locally as when it is printed overseas.”
Exhibiting at The Big Design Trade last week, the recently introduced Petites collection was very popular at the show with buyers.
“We introduced this range because of high demand, so it’s really important to listen to your customers when looking to launch new products.”
While the name YellowBird was inspired by Slater’s eldest daughter, as they thought she would never leave the nest, she runs her business from home so she can spend time with her younger daughter.
“I work with three other women (with kids) and they all work from home. It’s important to me to support women so they can create an income and support their family. Our Indigenous prints come from sustainable enterprises in the Northern Territory, allowing women to be self-sufficient and have their artwork shown outside the NT,” she explains.
YellowBird also makes handbags including totes and crossbody bags and is currently in 60 stockists around Australia.
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