Alex Trimmer’s easy relaxed attitude is deceiving. Upon meeting him, you could be forgiven for thinking that he’s just another twenty-something fashion kid.
It takes only five minutes of conversation to realise there’s more to him – and to his label Sosume – than we may have come to expect from the clichéd fashion crowd.
When studying the final semester of a business degree in the US, Alex found himself drawn to the New York Fashion District, attending textiles fairs, studying up on eco fabrics and eventually navigating his way through the global maze of fabric and fashion agencies – finally discovering the range of environmentally conscious fabrics that are now the staples for the Sosume ranges.
Sosume uses technical textiles like modals and tencels as the foundation for his collections. Natural man-made textiles like modal and tencel fabrics have great green properties thanks in large part to minimal water use, especially when compared to traditional cotton production. Aside from the great green credentials, the fabrics have the added benefit of feeling like cashmere and washing and wearing far better than your traditional cotton t-shirt.
Working in reverse to many emerging fashion labels, Alex lets the practical considerations and versatility of the fabrics guide his design process – working within the physical constraints to build garments that last, retain their quality feel and resist trends. With a strong range of quality basics, tailoring and softly draped garments – with a few spectacular pieces injected into each collection – every Sosume season looks a lot like the essentials of the modern wardrobe. And samples are personally tested by Alex before they pass the quality test – getting the tough wash and wear treatment you would expect of a busy working fella!
The formidable combination of business thinking and long term planning mean that Alex’s efforts in sourcing fabrics with sound environmental sustainability credentials are working – seeing him feature as one of 10 emerging designers in this year’s The Spirit of the Black Dress as part of L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. Sosume is quickly gaining a reputation for quality garments for a classic transeasonal wardrobe, with an added dose of personality and polish.
Make no mistake, Alex has no misconceptions about the social, environmental and financial flaws in the current fashion industry. Like many campaigning for sustainability in the industry, he looks forward to the day when there is no such thing as “sustainable fashion” as a separate movement removed from the mainstream. “This is not just a fad, sustainability will change the industry”, he says.
Sosume is now in its fourth seasons in and fast becoming a darling of the Melbourne fashion crowd. Thankfully, at 25, Alex still has his head firmly on his shoulders and more than enough ambition to see him through many seasons to come.
You can see Sosume featured with 9 other emerging Australian fashion designers in The Spirit of the Black Dress at The Trust, 405 Flinders Lane everyday until March 22.
Alex will also feature in “Is Fashion Sustainable? An Open Discussion” presented by Wardrobe Wonderland as part of L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. The event will be held at Honey Bar on Tuesday March 22 from 6pm. Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Head to www.isfashionsustainable.eventbrite.com to register.
