Dear Ethel is the slow fashion label of Melbourne based costumier, dressmaker and designer Meg Strode. Meg is a lifelong creative and self-taught seamstress who found herself in the world of slow fashion and costume design after a 10 year career as a naturopath and herbalist. Born and bred in the heart of Fitzroy, her style sensibility is heavily influenced by the grit and glamour of the inner Mel
bourne lifestyle. This, interwoven with her deep love of nature and the wilderness, allows Meg to create designs that seamlessly combine a sense of timelessness, elegance, graceful simplicity and practicality. Having had one of her original collection of coats featured in a stage production of "Cabaret", starring Australian singer and actor Paul Capsis at Hayes Theatre Company in 2016, Meg decided to take a leap of faith and complete a Diploma of Costume for Performance at Melbourne Polytechnic in Prahran in 2021. Since then, Meg has sunk her teeth into the world of slow fashion and costume as a full-time designer/maker of unique and treasured creations. Inspired by eras past, particular emphasis is placed on the use of natural fibres, as well as remnant and deadstock materials. Meg's desire is to create a unique range of timeless garments that combine quality, style and practicality. Each Dear Ethel garment is handmade in house with a great amount of thought and care. Meg is currently available for all queries for custom costume and clothing orders.
