The Studio Shorts were designed in my home studio 12 months ago. At the time, I probably didn’t realise how important they would become to MACRAE.
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