Made To Order By Gem
Where it all began, sewing pieces in the studio made to order as customers place orders online. This model of making is key in our sustainable practices for these reasons.
- Fabric is made to create pieces on demand
- No excess inventory
- Close eye on fabric waste and ensure we keep everything for zero waste pieces
As we continue to grow, sewing by Gem has decreased from 100% made to order from 2022 to the end of 2023 to now closer to 65% made to order from the end of 2023 to mid 2026.
As the demand increases for designing and other work in GTL, we are moving to a made to order model with our local makers and also small runs to keep up with demand and free in house for the creating rather than sewing. Made to order will never truly leave Gem The Label as it's at the heart of what we do, but eventually it will grow into specific, one of a kind pieces such as our zero waste gowns.
Small Run Production
Since 2023, we have been working with our local manufacturing in Alexandria and now since moved to Marrickville. Our makers help bring our Gem The Label pieces to life in small runs to allow for full size runs at markets and to ease the made to order fatigue in house.
We make only the most popular pieces in small runs of 25-50 pieces in various sizes so we don't have issues with too much stock. All scraps are collected and given to us in bags to create zero waste pieces with.
As we move into 2027, 2028, 50% of the production will be small run made in Australia with Gem made to order siting at 30% of our overall productio.
Ethical Overseas Production
As we continue to grow, the need for more people helping us create our pieces grows too!
At Gem The Label we are wanting to grow and expand our pieces and what we have to offer which means we also need to diversify our manufacturing and partner with the best in the business.
Manufacturing in China has been eye opening at the specialty making they are able to do. Right now, other than our material printing, we only have two pieces made in China (our raincoats and dreamscape blouses).
However for spring 2026 we are expanding to create two new pieces with our Chinese partners through our local makers and also Miracle Textiles. Learn more about our overseas partners here and our long term plan with ethical overseas production.
As we grow in the future, Gem The Label will always remain a minimum of 50% made in Australia due to always wanting to keep local production alive and supported! This is a forever goal.