Supporting the community

Fashion Forward

Rounding out the year of our homegrown conversation series, our next instalment is all about community and a project that is very close to our founder Natalie’s heart.

MOS welcomed the opportunity to support Fashion Forward, a social enterprise that donates 100% of its proceeds to support the Jewish House crisis centre by making a donation of end of line, new clothing to their store.

We talk to one of the co-founders Nicole to find out more about this community led initiative and how you can get involved.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you became involved in fashion forward?

Sharon and I are both mothers and fitness enthusiasts who share a passion for fashion and making a positive impact.

About three years ago, Sharon came up with the concept of Fashion Forward and invited me to join her in creating something unique. We recognised our complementary skills and strengths and formed a dynamic team.

What began as a modest project collecting preloved clothes from friends and family has evolved into a nationwide social enterprise.

Fashion Forward is more than just a project; it's a personally rewarding experience, entirely volunteer-run, relying on community support to create a positive space for everyone involved. From our studio in Bondi Beach to our branded stickers and, of course, the clothing, everything has been generously donated.

What is fashion forward?

Fashion Forward is a socially conscious enterprise, offering a second life to pre-loved designer wear.

All proceeds, a full 100%, go to the Jewish House Crisis Centre, a non-denominational shelter for those experiencing homelessness that also offers a wide range of other support services to those experiencing personal crises.

Since 2020, Fashion Forward has saved tones of clothing items from ending up in landfills, raising funds to provide crisis care to women and children through Jewish House.

Fashion Forward is a labor of love, providing a guilt-free shopping experience in our Bondi Boutique, and online through Instagram. Customers not only get incredible clothing at affordable prices but also actively contribute to supporting women in crisis.

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HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Fashion Forward stands out by collecting high-end designer clothes and selling them at remarkably low prices, with most items priced at $35-$50. Importantly, all proceeds go directly to the Jewish House. We prioritise transparency, ensuring our customers know exactly where their money goes. 

Our mission is to have these beautiful garments that were collecting dust in someone’s wardrobe, donated, worn, loved, and reloved. By keeping prices accessible, we encourage customers to wear and cherish their purchases, rather than hiding them away in their wardrobe, all while supporting sustainability, slow fashion, and donating to charity. 

How can people get involved?

People can get involved by donating their unwanted preloved designer labels or shopping online from our Instagram page on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm and Fridays at 7 am.

We also welcome visitors at our Bondi Beach store, open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Whether donating, buying, or visiting in person, everyone can contribute to our cause. We also have a number of volunteers who help pickup, sort, price, steam and sell these donated pieces.

We couldn’t do it without them.

One of our MOS brand values is ‘considered connection’ – through people, places and community. What does considered connection look like to you?

Considered connection, through people, places, and community, is integral to Fashion Forward. As a volunteer-run organisation, we thrive on community support.

Our donors provide clothes, our shop space, and printing services, while customers contribute directly to our cause through their purchases.

This interconnected approach enables us to subsidise support for women and children in crisis, including rent, food, travel and mental health services, fostering a meaningful connection between clothing, people, and community.

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WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?

Visit our Bondi Beach store at 10-12 Campbell Parade, open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Alternatively, shop online on Instagram @fashionforward_jh_retail or visit our website at www.jewishhouse.org.au/ff.