With a brand new studio-factory set up located behind her retail store, Melbourne-based Livia Arena is making waves. ?Contemporary elegance with an exceptional quality in fabric and construction, all designed and made locally? is perhaps the best way to describe Livia Arena’s dedication to quality in garment design and textiles for each of her womenswear collections. Who else is both designing, producing and selling their own garments in-house in a self-owned studio-factory and retail store in the heart of Melbourne" There?s an emphasis on reviving and supporting Melbourne?s skilled garment workers here too – a pivotal and unique business structure that few could lead.
Livia Arena?s garments are for the modern and confident woman, a reflection of classic elegance with a contemporary relevance of quality fabrics and impeccable construction. Each piece, from silk dresses, to strong contour-lined dresses and wide leg trousers, is sustainable in itself as it defies trends, and champions longevity that retains relevance for years to come. With everything made in-house, find Japanese fabrics and her self-sourced fabrics in Hong Kong from suppliers that work with European, Japanese, Korean and Chinese textile mills. Through her ambitious vision, she has now set up her own factory-studio in early 2016, due to a notable decline in the number of craftsmen and factories locally. She explains, ?It had also been difficult to reconcile poor production standards from ext...