For years, model and artist Rachel Rutt grappled with the idea of launching her own knitwear label. Her work in the Australian fashion industry, which she entered at the age of 17, made her acutely aware of hyper-consumption and the impact fashion has on the environment.<\/p>\n
According to the UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned every second<\/a>, while an estimated $US500 billion value is lost every year due to clothing being barely worn and rarely recycled.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought, how can I put more into the world without their being extreme consequences?\u201d Rachel reflects.<\/p>\n After years of experimenting and receiving requests for made-to-order items<\/a>, Rachel decided to start RUTT Australia, a knitwear label with a focus on creating a low-impact product. Each item is handmade to order using locally sourced, minimally processed and organic materials.<\/p>\n Rachel says while made to order may have previously been more reserved for tailors, incorporating it into her brand has allowed for a more transparent experience where the consumer can learn the finer details of the product, such as where it was produced and what fibres are used.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce I embraced the idea of made to order, it opened me up to take a step forward because you are not driven by sales, the demand to get your product or empty your stock,\u201d says Rachel. \u201cIt is much more about a relationship with your consumer that is more personal and direct.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A post shared by RUTT (@rutt_au)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n