In the world of fashion, there are those who merely follow trends, and then there are visionaries who carve their own paths, weaving stories into every fabric and stitch. Cara Spreadborough, the creative force behind Sorority Clothing, belongs to the latter category. Her journey is not just about creating garments; it’s a narrative of resilience, inspiration, and the transformative power of artistry.

From the cobblestone streets of London to the vast landscapes of Australia, Cara’s odyssey is a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those brave enough to chase their dreams.

Through this interview, we uncover the essence of Sorority Clothing: a fusion of classic sophistication and modern allure, infused with Cara’s personal touch and fuelled by her unwavering commitment to sustainability and empowerment. Prepare to be inspired as we explore Cara’s creative process, her dedication to fostering meaningful connections with customers, and her vision for the future of Sorority Clothing.

Join us on this journey as we celebrate the indomitable spirit of a female entrepreneur who dared to dream, dared to create and dared to make a difference in the world of fashion and beyond.

Cara, your journey with Sorority Clothing seems fascinating. What inspired you to start this venture, particularly focusing on classic apparel featuring Liberty Fabrics?

In my early twenties, I was lucky enough to spend time living in London. It was there that my love for Liberty started as I remember walking through the beautiful store and being mesmerized by all it had to offer. I started this journey as I was on the hunt for a feminine floral blouse, and I couldn’t find one in Australia. I searched and found one in the USA, and I ordered this online. It cost a huge amount in shipping and taxes, which made me realize that if I couldn’t find one here, maybe others were looking for this as well. I put an application through to Liberty online, and I heard back from the head of sales for Aus and NZ. I couldn’t believe that they accepted my request to use their fabrics, as I am a Nurse by background and have no design experience. I also knew that if I was going to use floral fabric, it had to be Liberty or nothing, as it also had a sentimental value for me. My identical twin sister passed away 7 years ago from a rare brain cyst, and we lived in London together. It kind of felt like a connection to her and also a way to channel my grief as well.

Liberty of London prints are renowned for their elegance and timeless appeal. How do you ensure that your designs reflect this rich heritage while also staying relevant to modern fashion trends?

My aim has always been to showcase the beautiful patterns and designs as they are a work of art. My clothes are simple, classic, and timeless as I feel that the fabric speaks for itself and therefore the detail does not need to be in the clothing.

Could you share with us some insights into your creative process? How do you translate your inspirations into tangible designs for Sorority Clothing?

This process changes all the time! I draw inspiration from so many different things, sometimes I literally draw things on a piece of paper with a thousand little notes scribbled on it and other times I source all different pieces and cut, and amend and add pieces to get the final product. I also love vintage patterns and source quite a few of these from second-hand shops!

The connection between Sorority Clothing and the 145-year history of Liberty of London is intriguing. How did you come about establishing this partnership, and what does it mean for your brand?

I love the story behind the brand, and I feel that it as a brand it has been so incredibly supportive of me. You can feel the excitement when each new collection launches and its reputation of quality never changes.

Your commitment to using organic cotton is commendable. Can you tell us more about the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry and how Sorority Clothing contributes to this cause?

I feel that there is so much fabric and clothing that ends up in landfill that it was so important to me that the fabric I use and the styles could be worn year after year. We know that liberty lasts a lifetime and all of the cotton I use is of the highest quality so that my brand reflects the values of Liberty as well.

Founding a fashion label is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced in establishing Sorority Clothing, and how did you overcome them?

There were so many learning curves along the way! The technology in running a website is something I have had to learn quickly and also keeping up with social media trends. But I feel that I created a solid community quite quickly as I have always kept the brand personal. I include my customers in the design process and always ask for feedback. When I first started, I lived on a cattle station 75 km from our nearest town, so sometimes even getting into the post office was a challenge!

Building relationships with customers seems to be a core value of Sorority Clothing. How do you foster these connections, both online and in your physical store?

I try to show up on social media regularly and I have always provided a phone number where people can contact my team so that they feel it is a personal experience. I have heard so many lovely stories about Liberty over the past few years that I would love to start a blog. I feel that Liberty creates a certain amount of nostalgia for some people and fashion tells a story.

Could you share a memorable customer experience that epitomizes the essence of Sorority Clothing and its impact on people’s lives?

I had a phone call from a girl and her Mother was a huge Liberty fan. She sent me a photo of herself at Christmas wearing one of my shirts in memory of her Mother who passed away.

Collaborations are increasingly popular in the fashion industry. Are there any dream collaborations you envision for Sorority Clothing in the future?

Omg so many! I love all UK brands but I would love to see one of my pieces in the Liberty store one day!

Traveling the world is mentioned as part of the inspiration behind Sorority Clothing. How has your global perspective influenced the brand’s aesthetic and ethos?

I feel that it has allowed me to see clothing from a different perspective. I feel that it is so important for people to feel good about themselves at any age, shape and whatever style they choose.

In your opinion, what sets Sorority Clothing apart from other fashion labels, particularly those focusing on classic and timeless designs?

I think it is very wearable. You can dress it up or down. It is season-less and I have had 18 – 88 year olds buy the same pieces.

The physical store presence in Queensland adds a personal touch to Sorority Clothing’s customer experience. How do you balance the online and offline aspects of your business?

I think it allows for another platform to connect with customers. I love seeing and meeting people face-to-face and it also gives me a chance to see that people gravitate to and direct feedback is always helpful.

Liberty Fabrics are a central element of your brand identity. How do you select the prints for each collection, and what factors influence these choices?

I love the classic Liberty prints which most people identify with but I also love the new capsule and seasonal prints which Liberty releases each year. I try to keep things fresh and I feel that Liberty is having such a moment that people are loving the different patterns and the stories behind them.

As a female entrepreneur, what advice would you give to aspiring women looking to break into the fashion industry or start their own businesses?

My advice is – find your niche. Find something that will set you apart from someone else and solve a problem for them.

Timelessness seems to be a recurring theme in Sorority Clothing’s philosophy. How do you anticipate and adapt to changes in the fashion landscape while maintaining your brand’s essence?

I think it important to ‘stay in your own lane’ not get caught up in the latest trends and listen to your customers.

Personal style is often seen as an extension of one’s identity. How does Sorority Clothing empower women to express themselves authentically through fashion?

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Sorority Clothing in the coming years, and how do you envision the brand evolving while staying true to its roots?

I would love to expand the range and develop the brand internationally.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I would love to go to South America – I have never been!

What’s your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

Start before you are ready.

As we conclude this chapter of our journey with Cara Spreadborough and Sorority Clothing, we invite you to continue exploring the captivating narratives of creativity, resilience, and empowerment within the pages of House of Coco.

Dive into a world where dreams take flight, where passion ignites purpose, and where every story is a celebration of the extraordinary.