'All my life I've spent my money on art, design and entertainment.
The rest I just wasted.'
[Elle Decor, c. 1990]
The Reckless Abandon Boutique is a "hidden gem" tucked away in the back corner of Blocksidge Arcade in Brisbane City. The shop opened in April 2019. It stocks clothing in sizes 10 - 24 with a preference for larger sizes. Garments are chosen for their edgy originality, quality, and wearability. Natural fibres take precedence. Most garments have some form of sleeve to cover the arms while keeping you cool and confident in our hot Australian summer.
The ethos of SLOW FASHION is integral in all my decision making.. I set out to create a shop that's unassuming, comfortable, and friendly. A place where you can find clothing that is uniquely you. Come in for a visit, take a seat, have a drink and let's chat.
* * *
I studied fashion design and garment technology while working in department stores, MYER and David Jones. And I also worked for iconic Australian fashion label, Metalicus after two terms as a sales stylist and plus size specialist for womenswear powerhouse, Taking Shape.
I advocate slow fashion and have been environmentally conscious for most of my adult life. My pet peeves are superfluous waste, single use plastic, and planned obsolescence in design and manufacture. The ocean is the mother of all life on earth and, strong as she seems, needs protecting. Every little bit you can do makes a difference.
As a young person I indulged in design journals and architectural digests that dad had lying around the house. My Oma was a gifted sewer and couldn't walk past a fabric shop without getting tactile with the textiles.. When my mother first told me that a lot of things started to make sense.
In the early 90s, I dabbled in graphic design, and interior decoration (as it was known back then), but by the year 2000 I'd gained an unrelated Diploma in Human Resource Management. While studying a Double Dip. in Business and HRM, I shared that campus with fashion students and found myself having lunch with them. Seeds began to germinate but they would be slow growing. I then started a Bachelor of Education in 2001, to be followed by Arts (Philosophy) before taking fashion seriously. I eventually received a Diploma in Fashion Design and Garment Technology in 2012.
'Cate's intrinsic knowledge of fashion and its elements are extensive, which shows in the overall aesthetic when browsing through her shop.'
[C. Montgomery]
'Cate is a friendly and chatty person who seems to know a little bit about everything and I found her very helpful. She knows the city well, and if she doesn't have what you're looking for she can tell you where to find it - she even gave us a couple of excellent café and restaurant recommendations the first time we visited.'
[M & J. Bell]