A sit down with Arnhem Bickley: A Peek into Our Founder’s Journey in Sustainable Fashion
Arnhem Clothing is built on the principles of fashion, creativity and sustainability. Since its inception in 2009, Arnhem has evolved from humble beginnings at the local markets to a thriving online presence, all while remaining in its commitment to environmental protection and empowering women.
This week, we sat down with Arnhem Bickley, the visionary behind the brand, to delve into the unique journey of Arnhem Clothing.
Arnhem’s story began with a singular vision: to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrated the beauty of vintage fashion. Driven by her passion for sustainability and creativity, Arnhem Bickley began crafting altered vintage pieces and selling them at the Byron Bay markets. What started as a solitary endeavor soon blossomed into a thriving brand, with demand surging for Arnhem’s distinctive designs. Inspired by the response, Arnhem expanded her horizons, venturing into Bali to produce a small collection inspired by vintage florals. The brand’s ethos of sustainability took centre stage as Arnhem prioritised eco-friendly materials, sustainable practices, and giving back to the community.
From the launch of the first collection in 2009 to establishing a physical store in Byron Bay, Arnhem has continually pushed boundaries and set new standards in sustainability within the fashion industry. Key milestones include pioneering the use of compostable post satchels, switching to natural fibres, introducing recycled nylon swimwear, and implementing sustainable packaging solutions. Arnhem’s involvement in environmental initiatives, such as beach cleanups and donations to organisations like Rainforest Rescue and Sea Shepherd, highlights the brand’s dedication to making a positive impact on the planet.
Arnhem’s upbringing diverged from the norm, influencing her perceptions of career trajectories and life’s essence. Raised in an environment free of modern conveniences like electronic devices, she learned to appreciate the values of simplicity, self-reliance, and creativity.
Reflecting on her journey, Arnhem expresses the influence of her parents, who served as her guiding lights in both business and family life. Their constant positivity, resilience, and commitment to sustainable living have been a massive source of inspiration for Arnhem, shaping her values and priorities as an entrepreneur and a mother. While she hasn’t had specific business mentors, Arnhem’s innate drive and work ethic have propelled her forward, ensuring that she approaches every endeavour with dedication and passion.
From its modest beginnings to becoming a leading sustainable fashion brand, Arnhem Clothing consistently redefines fashion’s limits while positively impacting the planet and empowering women globally.
We cherish our wonderful Arnhem-loving community, whose daily presence reminds us of life’s simple joys and the importance of staying grounded amid our busy pursuits.
Thank you for being part of this amazing journey. We deeply appreciate your support and can’t wait to show you what we have planned for the rest of the year. Stay tuned for more exciting collections as we continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion.
With love,
Arnhem x
