[envelope] is a versatile garment and space, conceptualised by Anthea van Kopplen. As part of the Melbourne International Design Festival, [envelope] will “Pop-Up” at Melbournes’ smallest café, Switchboard. The collaborative space will host designer run workshops to make your own [Envelope], sell inspiring garments and accessories by MüCKE and stage a laneway runway show.

An ethical fashion parade showcasing a handful of local and ethical clothing designers.

A hand bound journal illustrating the journey of Ellie Mücke’s 3 month mentorship at Craft Victoria. Graphic design by Studio Organic and hand bound by Kitty Ward.

Ellie Mücke was awarded the Emerging Designer Award at Flinders Quarter 2006. This exhibition and competition was a part of the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

My mother is an art teacher and my father is a fine wood-turner. I grew up nourished by art and craft. Over time, I realised my need to create alongside my passion for people and the environment, inspired the desire to change the way we consume things. These creative passions, in the hope for a healthier planet, led me on a journey to discover sustainability and design. Sustainable design is a way of making things that focuses on quality and the processes involved in creating a life’s work. I believe that when this focus is on monetary profit you loose sight of what it means to be designing things that are sustainable.

“Inspire creativity and positive action in people, have a beneficial ecological impact and keep the integrity of design by engaging holistically in the process.” This is MüCKE’s Mission.

Quality production, ideas and positive action are integral to the Mücke label. With a highly ethical approach to business since its’ conception, sustainability for now and for the future are key drivers in this business. In striving to provide products of the highest quality from design through to manufacture, Mücke ensures it’s products have minimal impact on the earth. Sweatshop-free manufacturing is pertinent and the re-use of old materials to make new items, illustrates the desire for a cyclical rather than a linear system. The cyclical system represents a holistic approach to business and imitates the biological systems of the natural world. At Mücke we re-use or re-cycle all material waste, minimise water usage and supply the garden with grey water where possible. As we grow our goal is to continue making positive change by respecting the processes of production, the planet and its people. This means being responsible for our products throughout their entire life cycle, from conception to end-life and back again.