Viktoria & Woods
Starting with the hardware
Margie Woods founded Viktoria & Woods in Melbourne in 2004 with a single merino knit. For more than a decade you could only find the label through other people's shops. It sold wholesale until 2016. That is a long time to build a following without a shopfront, and it tells you the clothes were doing the work on their own.
The greater part of the collection is still made in Australia and the label is accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia. That is an audit rather than a promise. It means the local supply chain has been opened to inspection, right down to the outworkers, and that everyone sewing the garments is paid award wages. Very few labels at this price will sit that test.
We have opened with the hardware. Two barrettes and a set of slides, in plated brass, because a hair clip is where you find out whether a label understands weight and finish. A light one slides out by lunchtime and most of the pretty ones are moulded resin. These are not.
The rest will follow. Fine-gauge merino, soft tailoring, wide trousers and shirting cut on an angle. Pared back rather than decorative, which is the harder thing to do well and the easier thing to keep wearing.
Viktoria & Woods, in short
Who is Viktoria & Woods?
A Melbourne label founded in 2004 by Margie Woods, built on fine merino knitwear and now covering denim, tailoring, outerwear and accessories. It sold only through other people's shops until 2016.
What is Viktoria & Woods known for?
Fine-gauge merino knitwear, soft tailoring, wide-legged trousers and angular shirting. Pared back rather than decorative.
Where can you buy Viktoria & Woods on the Mornington Peninsula?
At Amelie & Frank's in Red Hill, and online with complimentary shipping on orders over $100 Australia-wide.
Questions, answered
What do you carry from Viktoria & Woods?
We have opened with the hardware. The Barrette in gold and in silver, and the Hair Clip Set. Ready-to-wear will follow.
Why start a label with hair clips?
Because it is where you find out whether a house understands weight and finish. A light clip slides out by lunchtime and most of the pretty ones are moulded resin. These are plated brass and they hold.
Why does Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation matter?
Because it is verified rather than claimed. Accreditation requires a label to open its Australian supply chain to inspection, right down to the outworkers, and to show that everyone making the garments is paid properly. Most labels talk about ethics. This one has been audited on it.
Is Viktoria & Woods made in Australia?
The greater part of the collection is, which is unusual at this price and is the reason the accreditation is possible at all.
Does Amelie & Frank's ship Viktoria & Woods Australia-wide?
Yes, complimentary on orders over $100, and wrapped properly.
