Perth fashion designers say WA garment makers are thriving, despite experiencing the same industry-wide challenges that led to the closure of three major Australian companies.

The Mosaic Group, Ally Fashion and Jeanswest have all collapsed in recent months, with falling sales due to cost of living pressures and the rise of online shopping among the factors being blamed.

North Metropolitan TAFE fashion and design coordinator Anna Kotai says Perth’s small fashion community remains strong.

She says people are more willing to wear local designers, thanks in part to an unexpected event; the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think the public after Covid are much more likely to buy from small designers and they like Australian-made,” she says.

“There has definitely been a shift back towards valuing things that aren’t mass produced.”

Siri Pintawihuk says young designers still face challenges in the west.

Ms Pintawihuk launched her fashion label Notchi two years ago, but its popularity only exploded after she showed her work at Cairns Fashion Week.

“I went to Cairns because Perth is a different market [and] I found their culture a lot more open than ours,” she says.

Ms Pintawihuk feels more judged in Perth.

“In Perth I feel like I will be looked at in a weird way, [but] over east, this is my personality and no one cares.”

She says having more small designers in Perth would help to encourage individuality and local pride.

Fashion design graduates Will Murdoch and Leah Clarke are moving overseas to begin their fashion careers.

“Overseas there is higher competition but here is harder as there are not as many opportunities, so it depends on what you’re willing to try,” Ms Clarke says.

Mr Murdoch sees himself returning one day.

“It’s definitely an uphill battle trying to make a name for ourselves,” he says.

Perth man Joor Pathak started his brand Joortoon three years ago after seeing “bland” clothing on men in the city.

He’s hoping brands like his can challenge the typical Perth aesthetic, which tends to favour the city’s weather conditions over fashion.

“It is really hot, so [you] might as well go for comfort rather than style, but I think this can change over time if there’s more of a community,” he says.

Independent WA designers also face financial strain.

Mr Pathak says he experienced significant burnout trying to juggle full time work, designing for his brand and finding time to relax.

He says increasing government funding to the fashion industry would ease the pressure.

“I think [the industry has] got a lot of potential [so] hopefully there is more crowdfunding and support for creatives to pursue their passions,” he says.

North Metropolitan TAFE fashion and design coordinator Anna Kotai agrees.

“Financially, it’s really difficult to start a brand [so] if there were more government incentives or programs that incentivise creatives to start their brand, that would be great,” she says.

The Perth designers who spoke to Western Independent are hopeful the city’s fashion scene will continue to flourish and grow into an industry known as a place to launch careers.