The Social Studio – all photos by Raphael Kilpatrick
Social Studio designers hard at work
The Social Studio Label launch at Federation Square last year (more shots here).Been meaning to post about The Social Studio for sooo long. I am sure you’ve heard about this wonderful local Melbourne initiative… such a brilliant, thoughtfully executed idea.
The Social Studio formed in March 2009 and opened its doors in September last year. It’s essentially an inner city social and creative hub, where the local refugee community are encouraged to be involved in a unique retail / training / community concept. The Social Studio is a supportive and nurturing creative space for these budding young designers from varied backgrounds to meet, learn and feel part of the local community. In addition to offering TAFE certificate training in clothing production and design, the centre also offers legal advice, counselling, tutoring, driving lessons and training in retail and hospitality. All under one tiny roof at 128 Smith st Collingwood!
Whilst the Social Studio offers valuable training and links to employment and further education, it’s most important immediate offering to participants is a safe place of belonging, where newly arrived refugees can meet others and begin to form networks in the established local community.
The Social Studio is a retail store as well as a buzzing workshop… pop in anytime between 8.30am – 6.00pm 7 days a week to browse the latest creations! They also run public sewing workshops and evening lectures featuring local designers… keep your eye on their website for more details!
AND PS you can also visit the Social Studio Cafe for coffee, breakfast or lunch, 7 days! Geez, is there anything these guys don’t do!?
The Social Studio CafeThe Social Studio
128 Smith st
Collingwood
Open 7 days
8.30am – 6.00pm
6 Comments
thanks lucy, i had been reading about penduka in nambia, which is in support of women of nambia supporting themselves this lead me to start thinking of the social studio here in melbs but i couldnt remember the name and here it is on your wonderful blog xx
very cool Luce,
love, Caro xx
I've been wanting to visit Social Studio for a while. It's good to support a social enterprise right in my neighbourhood.
Jetsetting Joyce
What a great concept – good to see they have an etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thesocialstudio
saer
A great concept, friendly smiles and fab to have them up the street from my home… my fave dress is on their etsy store right now!
Oh my gosh, what an amazing blog! So glad to have found you :)