Connected
Whether it be the connection to the ocean and the nature around us that gifts us with its beautiful colour palettes inspiring our collections, the connection we have with our makers – carefully and gently bringing our visions to life, or the connection we have with our friends, family, and community, CONNECTED defines our approach to the way that we conduct every part of our business.
Since the start of UNIKSPACE we've taken steps in producing and operating responsibly, with the use of natural fibres and timeless designs being our main focus, ensuring longevity and promotes a more mindful way of being. Living mindfully and respecting Mother Earth is part of who we are as individuals, therefore naturally it's also at the core of our business.
We understand each responsible business journey is unique and that it entails ongoing learning, and a strive to always do better. In the aim of transparency, we're opening our journey to you, thank you for taking the time to connect with us here.
“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Gary Snyder.
“UNIK is essentially a representation of all of the elements we connect to; nature, cultures, friends, our community. That connection is the catalyst to the products we design. It's a lifestyle, really.”
Elin Marcic, Co-Founder Unik
“Being connected is really about living harmoniously, with those around us, and with nature, this is a really important aspect for me personally. UNIK is a high vibration of the way that ultimately, I choose to nurture my connections and the experience that I impart on others.”
Luci Hassen, Co-Founder, UNIK.
“UNIK was created through a friendship between myself, Elin and Luci. Our curiosity for the Arts, nature and community has been a real inspiration and our design and production processes reflect the time that we take to connect with all of these elements. The approach we take is rooted in our belief of ensuring that we are able to keep positive and grounded, ensuring that we respect the way that we connect with others, and they connect with our brand.”
Camilla La Fleur, Co-Founder, UNIK.
MISSION & VISION
Our UNIK way empowers not only the modern woman to challenge the status quo but adorns her with a range of timeless, functional, and mindful pieces made to honour the connection to people and planet. Our responsible business journey has been built on the foundations of Community & Longevity, and our vision is to create clothing that values the thoughtful and considered art of design, creating an impact that will transcend the wardrobe.
LONGEVITY
We have chosen the word longevity when it comes to our circular and environmental focuses, as we envision a fashion industry that is in harmony with nature, ensuring the longevity of this beautiful planet, as well as the clothing that we develop.
COMMUNITY
Community is the heart of our brand. We create clothing for women to feel empowered and be empowered. Our culture is based on connecting closely with our makers, team, customers and wider community. Open dialogues and open minds help us to ensure that we are in line with our community and that we are able to design and produce with mindful and responsible practices in mind.
MANUFACTURING
Our journey at UNIK has seen us partner with Artisans in Bali, Indonesia, an Island that captured our hearts with its majestic culture.
Our main partners and their team of makers have been bringing our designs to life since launching UNIKSPACE in 2018, and our pieces are carefully handmade by a small team of skilled makers, producing only in very limited numbers.
Our approach is to work with the team collaboratively, growing and learning together. Producing in small numbers gives us the possibility to explore different designs and colourways, offering a broader range and respond to what our customers love. It also reduces unnecessary wastage and avoids overproduction, a big problem in today’s fashion climate.
ANIMAL WELFARE
As individuals we appreciate the role that animals and other species play in our eco-system and community, and connection is one of the core foundations of our brand – this extends to all creatures great and small. It is our pledge that no animals shall be harmed in the operations of our business, and we are focused on working with partners that uphold the same values as ours.
We will never use materials derived from vulnerable or endangered species, fur, angora or any rabbit hair. Leather will not be utilised in any of our collections. To honour our commitment when it comes to transparency, we are currently working with silk.
We also use shell buttons in replacement of plastic, which are a by-product from the food industry.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
At UNIKSPACE we celebrate our differences. We realise that everyone brings a unique perspective through diverse experiences and that we are all one of a kind; UNIK. We want everyone who our business touches to feel respected, accepted, valued, represented, and connected. We strive to generate a culture that is open and inclusive. Being inclusive of all humanity enables us to be diverse, and with diversity comes strength and the power to break down the stereotypical inequalities in our society.
Being inclusive and celebratory of all women is an important part of who we are, and working with a small team of makers who carefully make our products by hand one by one, gives us the opportunity to offer custom size orders outside of the sizes we have in stock. If you wish to place a custom size order, please connect with us, we would love to assist you in finding your perfect fit.
Packaging
Since the beginning of UNIKSPACE, we have stayed true to our commitment to sustainability by never using plastic packaging. Our online orders are sent in compostable satchels made from corn starch, along with FSC-certified 100% recycled paper boxes and packaging tape. These materials are designed to respect the natural world and are fully recyclable and compostable.
In 2021, we furthered our efforts by joining the Canopy Pack for Good initiative and the prAna Responsible Packaging Movement, reinforcing our dedication to mindful, eco-friendly packaging.
Read more about our thoughtful packaging and how to best recycle, reuse, or dispose of it here.
Garment Care
The most significant element for us as a responsible company is ensuring longevity through quality and timeless designs, however providing the right care for your garments is an important part of nurturing and sustaining a long-lasting wardrobe, while simultaneously being better for the planet.
For tips on how to best care for your UNIKSPACE garments click here.
GIVING BACK
i=Change
We have recently partnered with Social Enterprise i=Change to donate $1 of every UNIKSPACE sale to three nominated charities, who are all working on creating a positive impact for people and the planet. Proudly giving our customers the opportunity to shop with purpose, and to choose which cause to support. For more information about i=Change and the projects we support, click here.
Thank you so much for following along on our journey. We are proud of the achievements we have made this far, and understand our sustainability journey has only just begun. We are committed to the continuous learning required to ensure we are making the best decisions for our environment, people and the planet.
If you have any feedback, questions or concerns please reach out to us on hello@unikspace.com.au, we would love to connect with you.