General News
5 September, 2023
Colourful diversity
TWO fashion retailers have joined forces after seven years of selling multicultural styles at Rusty’s Markets and pop-up shops to open their joint boutique on 91 Grafton St this Sunday.
Starting at 4pm, the official launch of the Javanese Batik and Bags of the World boutique, will include traditional Indonesian performances and food, a fashion show and more.
Owners Rose Ladiawa and Anne Everdeen are encouraging the community to join in the celebration.
Ms Ladiawa is the Indonesian immigrant and owner of Javenese Batilk while Ms Everdeen runs Bags of the World. Now they have created the joint international fashion boutique Javanese Batik and Bags of the World where they will be selling Indonesian fashion and bags and hats from countries across Asia, Africa, and South America.
Arriving in Cairns seven years ago, Ms Ladiawa strives to promote Indonesian culture and fashion through her shop and is excited to finally have a venue.
“All my products are from Indonesia. I brought Indonesian cotton to Cairns because I know it’s very good for the tropics, I started making my own designs (dresses) and I support other Indonesian manufacturers (jewellery and shoes),” she said.
“I started seven years ago, and it has become successful, I have very loyal customers, some that are visiting from Sydney or Melbourne and when they visit Cairns, they come to me.
“Anne and I met last year, we both had pop up shops in Stockland, and we decided we could do this together.”
Passionate for ethical and slow fashion, Cairns North resident Ms Everdeen started her business Bags of the World seven years ago, working hand in hand with manufacturers in third world countries to sell their creations in the Far North region.
“I’ve got hats and bags from across the world, I import from eight to 12 different countries, everything is fair trade and as sustainable as possible and it supports people in third world countries, my main supporters are Madagascar and Cambodia,” Ms Everdeen said.
“I’ve done seven years of markets and it’s just easier being able to close the door when you’re finished and you can actually make your shop better, and customers now know where to find you.”
