Ellie Mücke’s interest in sustainable design began in her final year at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) when she began contemplating environmentally friendly practices in fashion.

After spending a few years travelling, Mücke returned home to Melbourne to work in a children’s fashion company, but quickly found herself craving more creative stimulus.

Her edgy designs have slowly gained recognition, particularly after she was awarded the sole place in a mentoring program run by Craft Victoria in 2006, and more recently at the Melbourne Design Market in Federation Square.

Ellie laughs that she often has to tell customers her clothes are made from recycled garments. “It is actually what I strive for – I want them to buy it for design, not just because it is recycled.”

Claiming to be a perfectionist, but clearly also amused at the irony of using materials that are inherently different, Ellie says she gains her distinctive edge by always using the same designs.

“It’s strange, but I have been consistently selling the same style of dress, but because I use different shirts, they are always changing, so it has become quite a signature design.”

Check out Ellie’s designs at mucke.com.au