Australian fashion label BlackMilk Clothing will close its Brisbane manufacturing operation and shift production offshore to China.
The decision will see the company shut its last Australian manufacturing site in Brisbane, ending more than 15 years of local production.
Launched in 2009, BlackMilk built a global cult following with its NASA-inspired galaxy-print leggings, which became one of the defining fashion trends of the early 2010s after going viral.
Chief executive Jackie Kruger announced the decision in a message to customers, acknowledging many would be disappointed by the move.
“I also know this announcement will be deeply disappointing for many members of our community,” she wrote.
Australian manufacturing had been central to BlackMilk since the brand’s beginnings and had become part of its identity, Ms Kruger said.
“Today, we need to change direction,” she said.
Ms Kruger said the company no longer believed its existing manufacturing model could support the business into the future.
The company is also expanding its use of cotton, natural fibres and recycled polyester, materials and specialist production capabilities that are not available through its Brisbane factory.
The cult Australian fashion label is known for its bold, graphic-print activewear and leggings, and collaborations with artists including acclaimed Japanese manga creator Junji Ito.
Ms Kruger stressed the move offshore would not come at the expense of product quality.
“Quality remains BlackMilk’s responsibility, regardless of where a product is made,” she said.
Ms Kruger said customers would continue to see Australian-made products for some time as existing items remained in the production pipeline and the company would continue labelling each product’s country of manufacture.
“I know not everyone will agree with this decision,” she wrote.
Ms Kruger said the decision ultimately rested with her as chief executive and pledged to continue updating customers on the transition while listening to feedback from the BlackMilk community.
The announcement comes two years after founder James Lillis, known to customers as “JL”, died following an accident while on holiday in February 2024.
Lillis founded the Brisbane-based brand in 2009, transforming it from a small online leggings business into one of Australia’s most recognisable independent fashion labels with a devoted global following.