​THE SPOTTED QUOLL STUDIO

​Heard of the slow fashion movement? The Spotted Quoll Studio is a living, breathing member of this global movement. Founder and director Tamika Bannister knowingly and carefully produces quality, ethical and authentic fashion and lifestyle wares.

Tamika chose Tasmania as the site for her factory and all weaving is done by Waverley Woollen Mills, Australia’s oldest weaving mill. Her wares are ethically designed and made from the highest-quality superfine merino, bamboo, linen, organic cottons and silks. Of course, there’s also a focus on eco fabrics such as recycled wool. Yes, it might be more cost effective to create her gorgeous fashion and lifestyle wares beyond Tasmanian shores, but Tamika would have it no other way. From scarves to throws to jewellery to bean bags, each of Tamika’s creations remains Tasmanian – from concept to shelf.

The Spotted Quoll story began one evening by the attic window of a shack on Tasmania’s east coast. As night turned to day, Tamika committed to a full life change. In that shack an entire business plan was conceived between a few good bottles of Tassie pinot: ‘to create environmentally-inspired designs for the home and body, based on the natural, native flora and fauna surrounding me. I wanted to not only bring awareness of our natural wonders, but a plan to educate people about our endangered species and to contribute financially to saving them.’ Today her wares are sold across the world. But as the unassuming Tamika watches her empire grow, one can rest assured she will remain wild at heart and ethical by nature.

VISIT: Design Tasmania, Cnr Brisbane & Tamar Streets, Launceston
WEB: www.thespottedquoll.com.au

Words & Images from the book: Tailored Tasmania 2