Shona Joy fashion label closes after 26 years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 06:31 · Archive

Australian fashion label Shona Joy is closing after 26 years, with founder Shona Thatcher citing a desire to prioritise family.

Australian fashion label Shona Joy, founded by Shona Thatcher in 2000, has announced its closure after 26 years. The founder informed staff of the decision on Monday.

Ms Thatcher said the commute between her Sydney offices and home in Byron Bay, where she moved five years ago, had become too burdensome. Speaking to the Australian Financial Review, she said: 'The business has grown so much and I can't manage being a mum as well. I want to step back.' She stressed that the closure was not due to financial stress and that she had considered the decision for four years. She explored selling the company but found that 'nothing felt like the right fit'.

The founder cited fast fashion as an additional challenge to the industry, saying it was difficult to meet expectations of releasing four collections a year, along with bridal and bridesmaid lines. Ms Thatcher will keep the intellectual property and brand name. Her 33 employees will receive pay and entitlements. Customers can continue to purchase from the label until the new year.

How it is being reported

• Shona Joy: Australian fashion label announces shock closure after 26 yearsThe brand confirmed the news to staff on Monday.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 06:00
• Shona Joy: Australian fashion label announces shock closure after 26 yearsThe brand confirmed the news to staff on Monday.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Shona Joy · Shona Thatcher · Sydney · Byron Bay · Bondi · Paddington

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem