Gabrielle Mentz, Gabby Lane

Gabrielle Mentz from Gabby Lane (Image: Gabby Lane, Matt Burke Photography)

Gabrielle Mentz of Gabby Lane handbags and accessories is in many ways a quintessential Melbourne success story. A self-motivated, self-started businesswoman, repurposing clothes and materials into cool accessories, with an eye on the current trends at home and around the world.

(Image: Gabby Lane, Matt Burke Photography)

Hailing from South Africa, Gabrielle has lived in Melbourne since 2008. “I had wanted to start my fashion label before I came to Australia” says Mentz, over a cup of coffee at an oh-so-Melbourne laneway cafe. I spent some time in London, and I had thought about it there – at London Central, St Maartens, and the London College of Fashion.” She eventually started Gabby Lane in 2012.

(Image: Gabby Lane, Matt Burke Photography)

So why accessories, I ask her. “They’re a bit easier, in terms of size and fashion. I wouldn’t mind working on clothes though… I don’t spend a lot of money on different clothes – it’s easier to put accessories on a blank canvas.” As if to demonstrate her point, she pulls out a petite pair of yellow mittens – not only cute, but smart on a cold winter day like today.

(Image: Gabby Lane, Matt Burke Photography)

Gabrielle works with recycled and repurposed fashion; that is, old clothes and materials which are in good enough condition to be reworked into handbags, totes, satchels, messenger bags, and even technology accessories like iPad sleeves. As a result of the method, most of the pieces are one-offs, unless there is enough material, or if it’s really popular. “But because it’s recycled, it tends to be unique” she says with a smile.

The items are fashioned out of clothes from various sources – old clothes, ties, jeans, jackets… the list goes on. “I source them from op-shops, fabric warehouses from deceased estates, upholsterers’ discarded stuff… old things of mine!”

Currently Gabrielle is working alone, and admits that it can be hard to manage her time. “It can be difficult to get motivated, especially after work days” (she works another job part-time). “I usually turn out ten to twenty pieces a week. I aim for perfection in my work, so I unpick everything… it can be very time consuming.”

(Image: Gabby Lane, Matt Burke Photography)

Gabrielle sells her work at various markets around Melbourne, and occasionally around Australia, and has even worked abroad. “I would do between two and five markets a month – especially before Christmas: she says, before listing a long line of destinations for her stall; “The Shirt n Skirt Market in Abbotsford, Fine Design Market Doncaster, The Square in Bendigo, Ballarat’s Design Exchange, Northcote’s Northern Regards Artisan Market, which is all recycled fashion.”

Gabby Lane’s one-off handbags (Image: Gabby Lane, Matt Burke Photography)

So why does Gabrielle think that Melbourne is receptive to her business? “There are a lot of night markets, a lot of people making craft, especially compared to Sydney, Canberra and Byron Bay” (other places where she has appeared). “People here appreciate recycled and sustainable things more.” Does she think that Melbourne’s home-grown ‘hipster’ movement could be behind some of that popularity? “Maybe” replies Gabrielle quickly. “We had that grassroots Occupy movement here a few years ago, and that was a big thing… and there are still independent shops here, but they’re struggling.”

(Image: Gabby Lane, Matt Burke Photography)

With pieces priced between $50 and $100, Gabby Lane also takes orders through Facebook, especially custom orders. There are more exciting projects in the works, including a new look website. She also hopes to expand the business in the future. “There definitely seems to be the market for it”.

Gabby Lane’s handbags and accessories will next appear at The Square in Bendigo (Saturday 6th December). Orders can also be placed through Gabby Lane’s Facebook page, and don’t forget to ‘like’ it when you’re there!