The silhouette has stayed consistent, but the fabrics have allowed it to keep evolving into what it is now. Without bias, I genuinely believe these are some of the best shorts available right now.

The BIGGER idea behind them

These shorts came from wanting to create a product from materials that already existed and were nearing the end of their life cycle. A big part of MACRAE is trying to challenge the idea that every new garment needs to start from newly produced fabric.

Textile waste is something I’ve become increasingly aware of through making clothes and seeing how much unused fabric exists. Using deadstock, reclaimed and previously existing fabrics is one small way I can work against that system. It also challenges me with a bit of creative restriction, leading me to think of new methods and solutions.

Why Make It Fabrics matters

Make It Fabrics is where I sourced some of the fabrics for this release and past releases. It was a spot I discovered last year during my Fabric Stores in Brisbane series. So many of these stores have since closed, which highlights the ever-growing challenges that arise for small businesses.

There’s something special about shooting these shorts somewhere connected to their origins. The owner has supported and believed in everything I do since day one. Being able to bring the Studio Shorts back to a place that has been part of the journey feels quite full-circle.

It’s not just about the physical fabric, it’s about the people and places that have helped MACRAE grow.

This release is almost an experiment in how much one silhouette can change through different fabrications. Whether it’s colours, patterns, fabric composition, feel… It reinforces the idea that the Studio Shorts can continue evolving without needing to reinvent the garment itself.

Our pre-made stock is almost sold out, and we are hard at work producing the remaining pairs! Shop the latest Studio Shorts here.

It feels special to release this next chapter somewhere connected to the materials and people that helped shape them…

Sincerely,

R

Last week, I released the Pocket Sweatshirt, College Pleated Shorts and two new colour ways of the Button Hat. Whilst also continuing to develop new products and stay on top of all the recent orders. It’s been a nice mix of developing completely new garments, revisiting silhouettes I’ve already established, and experimenting with new fabrics.

The Pocket Sweatshirt was probably one of the bigger shifts for me. A lot of MACRAE has been built around heavier denims, drills/twills, so introducing a lighter and softer fabric changed the way I was thinking about the future of the brand. It was born from continued exploration of my design inspirations, being workwear and vintage clothes, and wanting to fill ‘gaps’ in my own personal wardrobe.

The College Pleated Shorts followed a similar path, but with its own twist. The wide silhouette, stitched double pleats and reclaimed pocket bags are all details that are very familiar. However, this product is actually developed from my first ever release, the School Shorts. Revisiting a design after almost two years of growth, led me to finding new solutions and overall, a better product.

There’s a temptation, especially when running a clothing brand, to constantly come up with the next thing. A new silhouette, a new fabric, a new collection, a new reason to release something. But I think there’s something more valuable in finding the pieces that work and continuing to develop them. Changing the fabric, adjusting the proportions, introducing a new colour way or simply making the garment better over time.

Now, onto the next release, the Studio Wide Denim.

I’ve been working on these behind the scenes for two years and they’re set to release later this month. They’re another step in developing the diffusion line Macrae Denim. An outlet to explore and develop a hobby of mine, which is denim!

There’s something about raw denim that makes a garment feel like it’s only really beginning its life once it leaves the studio. The way it changes with wear, the marks it picks up and the way it eventually becomes completely individual to the person - similarly to how naturally dyed fabrics fade overtime!

Looking at all of these pieces together, I think what excites me most is that they don’t necessarily feel like completely separate ideas. The Pocket Sweatshirt, College Pleated Shorts, Button Hats and Studio Wide Raw Denim all come from slightly different places, but they’re starting to feel like parts of the same wardrobe.

There’s still a lot more I want to explore, but I’m enjoying where things are heading.

Sincerely,

R

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are useful for sharing finished garments, campaign images, or the occasional glimpse into the studio. But they’re built for speed. Every post is competing with the next trend, the next video, the next piece of content.

MACRAE has always been more than the clothes themselves. Every garment starts with an idea, a conversation, or curiosity. Those parts of the process are often the most meaningful, yet they’re usually the first to disappear on social media.

The Macrae Morning is my way of documenting those moments.

Every few weeks I’ll send out a letter from the studio. Sometimes it’ll be about a new design I’m developing. Other times it might be a story behind a garment, something that’s inspired me that week, or simply a reflection on what it’s been like building this brand.

I hope it becomes a place where we can slow things down together.

Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you’ve only just discovered MACRAE, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support has allowed me to keep making, experimenting, and growing, and I’m genuinely grateful for that.

As a small welcome, anyone who joins Macrae Morning through the Website will receive 10% off their first order. Consider it a thank you for joining me from the very beginning of this next chapter.

I’m looking forward to sharing what’s ahead.

Sincerely,

R

Seterir Collaboration Recap

Earlier this month we released our collaboration with Jimmy from Seterir Supply Co. This one meant a lot to us. We created the Fisherman Smock and Infantry Shorts, alongside a small selection of reworked military pieces and flannels, all rebuilt with the same care and intention that goes into everything we make.

Seeing these pieces go out into the world, and the response to them, has been incredibly humbling. Thank you to everyone who picked something up.

What’s to come…

The next release is landing later next week, and it’s one I’m especially excited about. Our Studio Pants and Cadet Hats in our signature black drill will be dropping, alongside a checkered fabrication of the Studio range. It’s a quieter, more refined release after the intensity of the Seterir drop, and I think you’ll feel that difference in the pieces themselves.

On the Polka Dot Collection

I have to say something about the support on the polka dot collection, because it has genuinely caught me off guard. The response has been incredible, and I’m so grateful for how many of you connected with it.

With that kind of demand, though, has come a short delay in orders going out. I was out of the studio for a few days and it pushed things back further than I would have liked. Orders are moving again now, and I appreciate everyone’s patience while we work through the backlog. Any questions or concerns, please reach out to me!

As always, thank you for being here. For buying, for wearing, for sharing, for messaging, for simply following along while this label keeps finding its shape. There’s a lot more coming, and I’m glad you’re along for it.

Sincerely,

R

I apologies for the slight delay on this drop — I ran into some technical issues, but everything’s sorted now and all new pieces are up.

This collection is something I’m really excited to keep building on. It expands on one of our strongest silhouettes so far, the Studio Shorts, and starts to push the idea further into new pieces.

The hats in particular have quickly become one of my favourite things to throw on. They’re simple, but they change the feel of an outfit instantly and bring a bit more playfulness.

This release marks the debut of the Studio Pants. This is a piece I’ve been sitting with for a while, and I’m really happy to finally share them properly. I highly encourage you to customise the outseam when you get them so they sit exactly how you want them to. They carry the same wide base structure as the shorts, but the addition of darts through the leg creates a ballooned silhouette that I’ve been wearing almost every day since finishing them.

On the market side of things, I had an extremely successful day with FTS recently, and it was the first time I properly translated what MACRAE feels like into a physical space. It felt like the closest version of the studio world I’ve been building, but in stall form. Seeing people engage with the pieces in person, try things on, and understand the work outside of a screen was genuinely one of the most rewarding parts of this process so far.

It was also really nice meeting both new and familiar faces throughout the day. Those conversations always end up meaning more than I expect, and they stay with me long after the market is over.

For now, I’m away on a short trip up north helping my partner move back to Brisbane, so I’m taking a short break before getting back into the studio refreshed.Thank you all for the love and support:)

Sincerley,

R

For most people, a market lasts a few hours. For small businesses, it starts days beforehand. Preparing stock, packing the car, making signs, and trying to fit an entire clothing brand into the back of my Honda.

Despite the long often sleepless days that comes with this, I have fallen in love with markets.

Macrae largely exists online. Most of the time, I’m designing, sewing, photographing, editing videos, or answering messages from behind a screen. Markets are one of the few opportunities where all of that work becomes tangible. People can see the garments in person, feel the fabrics, try pieces on, and make them their own.

This market will also be the first chance for many people to see the upcoming Polka Dot collection in person.

The collection includes five colour ways of the Polka Dot Cadet Hat, alongside the debut of the new Studio Pants - a product I have been developing for months.

If you’re planning on coming along, I’d love for you to stop by and say hello. Whether you’re looking for a new piece, curious about the collection, or just want a chat, markets remain one of my favourite ways to connect with the people who make Macrae what it is.

See you there!

Sincerely,

R

A lot has happened recently, so I thought I’d put together a little studio update.

Ralph Chore Jackets

The Ralph Chore Jackets are finally out now.

Named after my daschund Ralph, this release feels particularly special to me. It’s also the first outerwear piece I’ve ever properly released under the brand, which makes it feel like a bit of a milestone.

The jacket took me a long time to get right. I started sampling and designing it around the middle of last year, going through different proportions, fabrics and construction details until it finally felt ready.

They’ve released in several colourways — black, navy, red and blue — with reworked versions already in development.

I’m excited to continue building on this silhouette moving forward.

Hickory Selvedge Denim

The Hickory Selvedge Denim is also out now.

This project came from taking the Officer Shorts silhouette from the Macrae x Setirer collaboration with Jimmy and translating it into a full-length pant.

There are currently two different price point variations available, something I’m trying to explore more as the brand grows, while still keeping everything made thoughtfully and in smaller quantities.

The red hickory selvedge denim comes from Hong Kong and is one of the more expensive fabrics I’ve worked with so far, but I’m genuinely excited to finally make pieces like this for you all.

As always, custom measurements are heavily encouraged. I want people to feel like these garments properly belong to them.

Every product also comes with a lifetime repair guarantee.

Studio Works

The studio has mostly been filled with sampling recently.

Almost all stock is now pre-made before release, which has changed the pace of things a lot behind the scenes. It means more time developing products properly before they reach you.

I’m also trying to diversify the product range more — partly to develop further as a designer, partly because I want more variation in my own wardrobe, and partly because I want Macrae to continue expanding into different spaces and markets without losing its identity.

Right now, I’m working on:

• fisherman smocks

• raw denim

• a military rework collection

• a polka dot collection

• studio pants

• and a handful of other samples still in development

A lot of these projects take longer than expected, but I’m learning to appreciate that process more.

YouTube

I’ve also started posting on YouTube recently.

Two videos are already up, and I’m hoping to continue documenting more of the process moving forward — studio work, garment development, thoughts, releases and everything happening around the brand.

I think it’ll become a nice archive to look back on over time.

Ongoing Support

The support recently has honestly been a little overwhelming in the best way possible.

Orders have been going crazy and almost all of the current pre-made stock is now gone. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone supporting the work, sharing it around, wearing the garments, or even just following along.

I’m planning to run a giveaway soon as a thank you.

I’m also looking into opening a few contract sewing roles for those interested in working alongside the brand.

And lastly — I’ll be attending the Fashion Thrift Society on the 20th of June in Brisbane. Looking forward to meeting some of you there.

See you soon,

R

With conscious, sustainable design at the core of everything I do, I’ve loved this process, the intimacy of creating something by hand, piece by piece, for someone specific.

But lately, I’ve been yearning to build a stronger foundation. To create pieces that can exist as ready-made — sitting patiently in the studio, and to cut down wait times for you all. This collection became that experiment. A way to see if I could find balance in it all - more stock, without losing the soul of handmade work.

Within this release was the long-awaited debut of our Cadet Hats. This product has taken over a year to refine and perfect, involving a steep learning curve and new sewing and construction techniques that challenged me deeply.

Now that they exist in full form, I feel a quiet kind of pride. And to be able to launch them alongside a close friend made the slow process even more worth it.

Launching them at the recent market felt symbolic too. It’s been a goal of mine for years, and finally getting to share work face-to-face — meeting so many of you, was genuinely fulfilling.

This collection feels like my keepsake from these recent moments.

It holds the effort to evolve, to build more stability without losing meaning, and to honour the growth that doesn’t always look glamorous, the kind that takes a year to feel ready… and that’s alright.

Sincerely,

R

Sitting here in the studio, surrounded by countless orders, I’m filled with gratitude.

What started as a small idea - a space for me to be honest and express myself - has grown into something so much bigger because of you.

As we move forward, I want everything we do to be rooted in love. Every comment, share, and like - you are all part of this journey and this community we’re building together.

My hope is to keep this a safe space for everyone and a source of motivation for you to chase your wildest dreams or ambitions. Life is simply too short to ever settle for less.

The next chapter of this brand will be more intentional, more open-hearted. I want to bridge the gap between me and you. To show more of the process, to create with you and to come together

Thank you for growing with me.

Sincerely,

R

“Being a one man, one factory brand… one of my biggest challenges to date is dealing with a setback, and pushing through by being consistent.Whilst sometimes life happens, the most common “setback” is getting sick.

More recently, it tends to hit me for weeks at a time, where I am bedridden and unable to sew or work on machines.This often puts strain on, and messes with, the entire production process, and has been something I have been trying to find a solution for.

This cycle is something I am trying to break away from in order to scale the business to the next step. By writing this out, it is a promise to myself to overcome this, to break free of past bad habits.”

So the question is asked: how do you overcome this?

It is all about your mindset. Ultimately, you can either be positive or negative. For example, illness can only be so avoidable, and all we can do once we are sick is try to recover, rest and reset.

So, what am I doing?

I have soft launched and begun trialing a live updated order status page. This is done using several tags to mark the status of your order. For example, it may say it’s in the cutting, sewing or shipping stage.

I will post a more in-depth video shortly, highlighting it in more detail, but I am excited to offer this level of transparency with you all. As always, I would love any feedback on this as we begin to incorporate it more.

Improvements to production

Whilst we still have to operate on a made to order basis, I want to begin to transition the brand into creating more ready made pieces. This may lose some customisability options, it will be a big step towards my goals for the brand.

I want to explore participating in more community events, markets and even potentially distributors.

Steps I have begun to implement are more over-preparedness, beginning to prep and sew parts of each garment (pockets, flys, belt loops…), simplifying the process (using reclaimed fabrics, simplifying certain patterns and/or products), as well as beginning to incorporate more of my industrial specialised sewing machines.

This journey has been a constant learning process. I’ve failed plenty of times — on the first, second, and third attempts — but that’s part of growth. The key is finding what works for you and your world. And with every challenge, I feel I’m getting closer to that balance.

I’m trying to see these setbacks less as failures and more as messages. When I get sick and everything stops, it’s usually a sign something in the way I’m working isn’t sustainable. I’m learning to treat rest as part of the process instead of feeling guilty about it, and to separate my worth from how much I get done in a week.

A lot of this season is about patience and slowly buidling positive habits

Sincerley,

R

Love Like Denim

Love like denim is the idea and belief that love is not meant to stay perfect, much like denim.

We are all on this endless pursuit for love, whether in the form of a partnership, friendship, or human connection. Denim often starts raw, but moulds to you with every wear, experience, or memory. Much like ourselves, each person who comes into our lives will leave their mark, positive or negative.

I’ve always been drawn to the idea that a garment gets better over time, hence the love and influence of vintage in my design language.

I’ve always been drawn to the idea of garments getting better over time. Raw denim especially feels romantic to me in that way. You start with something rigid and untouched, and slowly, through wear and living, it becomes uniquely yours.

In a world that pushes novelty and disposability, I want to make clothes that are meant to be loved. The beauty of wear isn’t damage, it’s simply proof of life and purpose. And that’s what I mean when I say I want people to love like denim, to choose longevity over novelty, to build relationships that mould to you and stay for a lifetime.

Launching With Friends

The first denim drop is a collaboration with my good friend Jimmy from Setirer Supply Co. We’ve been building things together quietly for a while now, so it felt right to mark this moment together.

We reworked our beloved Officer Shorts using a reclaimed hickory stripe sourced from Gadigal Country / Sydney. It follows the same concept of our officer uniform and outfit, but has been refined for this new chapter.

Pairing this release is a unique variation of my Studio Shorts, constructed out of a raw Italian denim that will soften and fade over time.

First Release of the Year

Five new and old pairs of shorts are now available on our website. Being largely made from reclaimed fabrics, most of these shorts have a very limited quantity and won’t restock in their current form.

I have been working on this drop for a while, so it makes me immensely proud to release it.

What to Look Out For

Macrae Denim will continue to evolve through continued small runs and the introduction of our own denim cuts and styles.

Having my main label means there is an opportunity for more experimentation to be made, and collaborations with other creators and designers.

It has been difficult for me to pursue this dream properly with the rise in popularity of selvedge denim and TikTok buzzwords. But I want to assure you personally that this is not motivated or driven by trends. Since the beginning, denim has been my purpose. The reason I have collected a small factory’s worth of vintage sewing machines is to be able to create high quality denim effortlessly and with efficiency.

So no, you will not be spammed with selvedge denim and cinch backs.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported Macrae so far. Whether you’ve bought something, shared a post, sent a message, or just followed along quietly.

This label exists because of you. Here is to our first, of many, releases this year.

Sincerely,
R

As I continue on my journey, I want to accept and seek help more. To connect and collaborate with others, regardless of discipline or preconceived ideas.

Continuing on from our work last year, I have collaborated with my good friend Jimmy (@setirergarms) yet again. We’ve got different styles and different strengths, but when we work together, the whole process feels much easier. It pushed both of us to experiment, let go, and create without many of the restrictions you experience during the design process.

As small brands and aspiring designers, we’re often taught to protect our ideas. But I’m starting to think the most powerful thing we can do is collaborate. Share ideas, resources, creativity, and most importantly, our skills.

Collaboration takes vulnerability. You have to open up your process and be okay with letting someone else influence and take control at times. There is a common misconception that you must be ‘established’ or popular to create enough buzz to collaborate. This is far from the case. In fact, we can start now — with friends, brands, and different disciplines.

I also believe collaboration is vital in community building — an area I want to continue to develop, grow, and evolve in 2026. I believe, now more than ever, that the fashion industry needs community. With all the doom and gloom happening in the world regarding the economy, society, and the environment, why would we want to continue this toxicity into something like fashion?

Before social media, specifically TikTok, fashion used to be about experimenting, having fun, creating, and being involved in cultures and communities. Now, you may be ridiculed for dressing a certain way, while your favourite designers are out here flexing their wealth on you.

Maybe I’m delusional or pessimistic. But what is money if you don’t have a community, real close friends, and human connections?

Because in the end, fashion isn’t just what you wear. It’s what is built, together.

Sincerely,
R

Even at a small scale, waste is a byproduct of fashion and it’s unavoidable. But what is avoidable is the yards of perfectly usable fabric being left to sit, get old, or thrown out. That’s the part that has always bothered me.

I’ve had this concept in mind ever since I started the brand, but out of fear, I kept delaying it. Overthinking it and prioritising other projects.

The goal is to create a small handmade run crafted entirely from locally sourced deadstock and reclaimed fabrics. Fabrics and patterns you usually wouldn’t see turned into shorts. This naturally limits the number of units I can produce, but it gives new life to materials that were once destined for landfill.

New colourways and styles are already in the works, and I’m excited to keep developing this concept for you guys.

This project was also inspired by the idea that good things come in pairs - a reflection on relationships, friendships, and individuality within togetherness, both past and present.

There has been a lot of change in my life recently, especially with relationships. And while it’s important to mourn those losses, I’m also choosing to look at what I’ve been left with… what I’ve gained.

Because even when things end, something remains. Something that might just become your favourite pair of shorts.

I also want to use this as a chance to thank you all for your continued patience and support. And to the beautiful new and old people who helped shape this drop into what it is — thank you. This was the first real test for the brand, bringing together a photographer, a stylist, and assistants who all contributed their time, energy, and creativity to bring this vision to life.

To these people, I sincerely thank you. I hope this is only the beginning, and that we get to create many more projects together.

Sincerely,
R

I’ve just moved into my first studio — something I’ve dreamt of and worked toward for the past four years. For so long, my work existed in small spaces: spare bedrooms, garages, and makeshift corners that helped build my world.

Those places taught me everything. How to build something from absolutely nothing. How to keep creating when no one was watching. How to stay patient when growth felt invisible.

Now, as I stand in my new studio — surrounded by new light and familiar machines — I can feel a shift. A sense of expansion, not just in the physical sense, but internally too. It’s not just a bigger room. It’s a new chapter. One that asks for more of me, but also gives more back.

Change has been heavy lately. Personally, creatively — everything feels like it’s moving at once. I’m learning to let certain things go, to outgrow old versions of myself and my work, to make peace with the uncertainty that comes with becoming something new. There’s a strange comfort in that — knowing that growth doesn’t always feel good while it’s happening.

The past few weeks have reminded me that nothing good comes from staying still. That sometimes, you have to leave the place that built you to discover what else you can build. The new studio is quiet now, but soon it will be full of new memories, ideas, and people.

To anyone who has stuck with me over the past four years — thank you. Every order, message, repost, or like has helped this small idea become something tangible. Something that gives me purpose. This new space isn’t just for me — it’s for all of us who believe in making and creating something honest.

So here’s to new beginnings. To staying grounded through all the change and noise.
To the small rooms that start big dreams, and the new walls that let them grow.

Sincerely,
R

I feel like it’s been a little while since I spoke on here — and for good reason. The brand is going through a massive transitional change, turning a new chapter, continuing to grow and evolve with me.

I’ve now welcomed several interns into the process — not only to help bring my ideas to life, but also to provide them with the vital experience so hard to attain in Brisbane/Meanjin.

On a personal level, I’d be lying if I said this didn’t scare me. Letting people into a process that has been just me for four years is daunting. But with that comes excitement, and a world of new possibilities.

Since the very beginning, I’ve longed for a ‘team,’ especially on the days when I found myself sitting alone sewing all day.

This shift feels necessary for the hopes and dreams I want to achieve with the brand. To scale, to stop rejecting orders, and to reduce production times — I need help. As much as I want to do absolutely everything myself, it’s just not realistic. I know my limitations, and I’ve certainly reached them.

I can’t wait to introduce you all to the team over the coming weeks and months. I have no doubts about their abilities — they are all incredibly talented and deserve a platform to continue to grow.

As some of you may have seen, the website has been closed for the past week. The last drop — without much promotion — brought in another influx of orders, and I had to close things down again. These orders are now being shipped out, which is giving me time to focus on new products, sampling, and preparing production runs.

I’m hoping to reopen the website next week with a couple of new offerings.

USA shipping will remain closed for now, but AusPost has finally given an update. Their preliminary timeframe for returning services is towards the end of this month.

That said, I fear tariffs, taxes, and duties will add a substantial cost on top of the already high shipping fees. But we’re working on ways to make this process as affordable and seamless as possible.

I’m excited to finally share some of what’s been cooking.

See you soon,
Sincerely,
R

More fabric is already en route, and there’s plenty of availability for both the shorts and the pants.

Now, my first iteration of a pair of trousers: the School Pants. They’re a continuation of this story and journey — one that sees me exploring and rediscovering parts of my childhood, filled with reflection and healing. This process has brought a lot of growth, and taught me many lessons about myself.

To be creative, you almost have to become childlike again. As we grow and move through our teenage years, those playful, tender parts of ourselves often get buried — sacrificed to fit in, or to seem “cool.” To my fellow creatives, or anyone really, I encourage you to explore your childhood. Go play that game you used to love, do that random thing you always dreamt of doing, be present. Heal the little boy or girl inside you who’s still waiting to come out.

These pants (and shorts) are a manifestation of that.
I remember days when I dreaded going to school, simply because of the shorts I had to wear. I found comfort in trousers — a way to hide my skinny legs, my imperfections.

And that’s what these pants are: comfort and security.

They are my best work to date — an ode to my growing craftsmanship, with the help of all the industrial machines in the studio. Quality is always improving. New features are being thought about and included with each iteration.

Each pair ships with a small pin pack I make in the studio, just a little something to reflect the “Back to School” collection. You can pin it to your hat, your favourite bag — wherever you like.

I’m not quite sure where this product leads next. In a way, I’ve been working on it for two years now. They’ll always be available — perhaps adapted in the future, and maybe new colourways if that’s something you’d like to see.

Anyway, I better get back to sewing.

See you all soon.

Sincerely,
R

These shorts are crafted from heavyweight 11oz cotton canvas—the same durable fabric used for our knot bags and officer bags (which will be restocked mid-July). The design draws inspiration from classic military fatigues, evident in several signature features.

Oversized fatigue pockets, exaggerated cargo pockets, and adjustable waist tabs—all hallmarks of high-function military pants—are thoughtfully incorporated for both function and style.

Every detail has been carefully considered, from the inclusion of custom in-house printed tags to the precisely tailored outseam, crafted to your exact fit preferences.

Production Insight

Before production begins, individual patterns for each size variation are created. While the differences may be subtle, these adjustments are essential to ensure each pair fits perfectly.

The fabric is pre-washed to remove any shrinkage and residual chemicals from the mill.

Each panel is hand-cut by me downstairs, often accompanied by a mix of music that probably disturbs the neighborhood.

Every pair is sewn in-house on restored vintage sewing machines—many older than I am. These machines come with unique mechanical quirks and technical challenges, but they’re reliable and full of character.

As with all my pieces, each pair is finished with our own in-house tags—cut, printed, and sewn by hand—making every pair truly one of a kind.

Dyed variations will be releasing of these shorts very soon, so keep an eye out!

Thank you for all the support

Sincerely,

R

The School Shorts are now available again as part of my made-to-order range. Production takes approximately 7–12 days, depending on my current schedule. I’ll be sure to communicate any delays directly with you.

So, if you’ve been eyeing a pair—now’s your chance.

In-House Productions

I’m proud to share that I’ve completed two full production runs in a relatively short amount of time. 30 garments might not sound like a lot on paper, but balancing that with life—personal work, family, and the ongoing development of new products—is no small task.

This month also marks one year since starting the brand. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting. For those who know me, I’m not one to celebrate birthdays—mine or otherwise. And that sentiment extends to the brand. Macrae is a living reflection of myself. I don’t see the point in marketing an “anniversary” when the goal has never been to commodify milestones, but to build something lasting and honest.

With that said, I’d love to share a few things I’ve been working on.

Officer Shorts — Setirer Collaboration

After some thoughtful testing, we’ve decided to delay the mud-dyed version of the Officer Shorts. The results just didn’t turn out as we hoped—these things happen.

Rather than rush or release something we weren’t happy with, we’re moving forward with the undyed/ecru version instead. The release date will be announced soon, and I promise it won’t be long.

Both Jimmy and I are incredibly proud of this product, and we can’t wait for you to get your hands on them.

Sneak Peek: School Pants

If you caught my story yesterday, you’ll have seen a glimpse of the first School Pants sample. Built on the same foundations as the School Shorts, they share similar construction and philosophy.

But turning shorts into pants isn’t as simple as adding 30 inches. With the shorts’ already wide leg opening, that just made the fit comically huge. So I’ve played with darts and extended pleats to strike a balance—pants that are baggy, but still hold volume and shape.

The early response has been incredible. These will be available next month, and I can’t wait to show you more.

Macrae Denim

For those following along with my denim journey: it’s happening. Slowly, but with intention.

This isn’t a TikTok-driven, commission-based selvedge denim brand. Denim is my passion. I want to be that 40-year-old in a sunlit workshop full of 100-year-old machines, handcrafting jeans with soul.

I want to put Brisbane/Meanjin on the map for denim. I want people flying across the country to get a pair of Macrae jeans.

And I refuse to rush that process.

Sincerely,

R

For those unfamiliar, a design manifesto is simply a declaration of principles, motivations, values, and intentions. This version won’t be the last, it’s a living document. I see it as a set of evolving guidelines that grow and evolve with me.

I don’t claim to have all the answers. There are still things I’ve yet to consider — things I should consider. But this is my promise, to you and to myself: to keep learning, questioning, and educating myself every single day.

Here it is…

Rooted in Responsibility

Macrae is a slow fashion brand founded by Rowan Ellis Macrae, grounded in the belief that fashion must do better—for people, for the planet, and for future generations. Our commitment is to always consciously create, use ethical production techniques, all built around the idea that beautiful clothes should never come at the cost of the Earth. In a world saturated by fast fashion and trend-chasing, Macrae exists as a counterpoint: intentional, responsible, and rooted in long-term thinking.

Respecting Mother Earth

This is an extremely important topic to us. Mother Earth has given us its beauty and abundance. Resources that sustain, inspire, and nourish. It is our duty as designers and humans to love, nurture, and protect the planet - not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us. Fashion, historically, has too often taken without giving back. We stand with the growing movement that challenges this. Our work — now and into the future — is centred around sustainability, low-impact choices, and accountability in every stage of the design and production process.

Design With Intention

Our pieces are not made to chase trends. They are not made to be worn once. Each Macrae garment is designed with clarity and care: timeless silhouettes, durable construction, and a sense of individuality that doesn’t expire with a season. We believe in making less - but making it better. Our aim is not to flood wardrobes, but to create garments that become lasting parts of your life.

Materials and Methods That Matter

Deliberate with our choices. We work with natural fibres, low-impact dyes, and methods that reflect our values. Wherever possible, we use materials that are compostable, recyclable, or reclaimed. We aim to minimise waste at every stage, from fabric sourcing to shipment packaging and continue refining our approach through research, experimentation, and feedback.

Transparency Always

Transparency is not a trend — it’s a requirement. We believe that every brand, large or small, has a responsibility to be open about their processes. We don’t hide behind vague language or greenwashing. Likewise, we tell you where our materials come from, how our pieces are made, what we’re doing well — and what we’re still working on. As both designer and consumer, we are committed to holding space for honest reflection and measurable improvement.

Creativity Without Compromise

Being sustainable doesn’t mean sacrificing style. In fact, it pushes us to be more creative — more thoughtful, more curious, more adaptive. Every Macrae piece is designed not only to look beautiful, but to be meaningful. Our details are intentional. Our silhouettes carry stories. Our inspiration comes from nature, history, memory, and movement.

In Collaboration With Community

Macrae does not exist in isolation. We believe in collaboration, with artisans, creatives, mentors, and customers who share our values. Community is at the heart of sustainable design. We learn through others, grow through shared knowledge, and evolve through openness. These connections make our practice stronger and more honest.

Progress Over Perfection

We are not perfect. No sustainable brand is. But we are committed—to growth, to learning, and to making better choices every day. Sustainability is not a box to tick; it’s a practice we live by. Every collection, every piece, and every conversation is a chance to do better.

Sincerely,

R

School Short orders will reopen this week for anyone looking to grab a pair. School Pants are also in the works — stay tuned.

Exactly one year ago, I was in the same position: sewing nonstop, working on the first release of the pleated shorts. It's been a reflective moment — looking back at how much has changed and how far things have come. Not just for me personally, but for the business as a whole.

There are now hundreds of you supporting and ordering from the brand. I’ve gained access to tools and machines I never thought I’d have, and I’m building out new products and collaborations, like the work with Jimmy.

It’s been a slow journey in some ways, but one I’ve truly enjoyed every step of the way.

Nostalgia Bags (Cross Body Bags)

New and exciting colourways are dropping tomorrow — available on a made-to-order basis. On average, I aim to have orders delivered within a week, though occasionally there are delays outside my control.

If you ever have questions about your order, feel free to reach out — I’ll always do my best to get back to you quickly.

Plenty more releases are on the way, so stay tuned!