The collection of everyday essentials from INTACT is made entirely from 100% Australian Merino wool.
INTACT is a new Australian brand that has launched a range of everyday wardrobe essentials that can be worn all year round, for work and play. The staples in the capsule collection are knitted with Woolmark certified yarn of 100% Australian Merino wool.
Born into a wool-growing family that farms in Central West NSW, founder and creative director of Australian lifestyle brand INTACT, Gabby Neal, has had an appreciation for Merino wool her entire life.
Gabby’s parents Rob and Belinda, along with middle sister Louise and her husband Alex, run Merinos with 19-20 micron wool at ‘Lockerbie’ near Condobolin. Starting a clothing label was inspired by her upbringing and INTACT is still very much a family affair with oldest sister Samantha working on the start-up alongside Gabby.
With formal training from the FBI Fashion College, Gabby gained her industry experience in fashion and marketing while living in Sydney. Now living on the NSW South Coast, Gabby’s diverse knowledge of the processes involved from farm to fashion led to the creation of INTACT, which launched in April.
Through INTACT, Gabby is on a mission to make Australian Merino wool an everyday apparel staple, which not only supports Australian woolgrowers but also offers a conversation starter with younger consumers to promote a forgotten fibre of the fast fashion generation.
“INTACT offers a new way of wearing wool and is purposefully pared back to focus on the capsule concept – essential wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time,” Gabby explained.
“We’re a thoughtful brand that gives a firm nod to the slow fashion movement and demonstrates how fashion brands can contribute to the circular economy through fibre choice.”
The first INTACT capsule collection comprises three favourite wardrobe essentials: a fully fashioned crop knit singlet, a knitted short sleeve tee, and a next-to-skin loose-knit long sleeve top.
With longevity and quality craftsmanship at the core of the brand, Gabby says Merino wool ticks all the boxes for creating a wardrobe that will be loved and last for years.
“Wool is so versatile and the fibre today has well and truly shrugged off the outdated perceptions of being winter only, bulky and hard to care for. 100% Australian Merino wool takes centre stage in the capsule collection, which allows us to highlight to consumers the premium fibre’s natural softness, breathability, temperature regulation and odour resistance,” she said.
“The capsule collection is big on style, function and is based on lifestyle needs, with effortless staples that can take you from the morning run, through the workday, to social outings and adventures further afield.
“We purposely chose neutral colours – black, white and latte – because they are timeless and versatile, mirroring the capsule concept on which the INTACT brand is built.”
“INTACT is a premium brand with purpose. We want to make wool a feature of the everyday and show how effortlessly wool blends into wardrobes, at any time of the year.
– Gabby Neal, founder of INTACT
Gabby emphasises that choosing Merino wool is a commitment to sustainability; it has cemented circular fashion principles into the brand from its outset.
“Merino wool is a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable wonder that offers plenty of benefits for the conscious consumer. There is a strong educational component to the brand, we want to promote wool’s premium credentials and why wool is a natural choice for every wardrobe,” Gabby added.
What else can we expect from INTACT?
“Wardrobe staples reimagined, pops of colour and a fresh conversation about the benefits of wool. It’s an exciting time to be wearing wool, especially as the world is crying out for better clothing choices. INTACT aims to show how the fancy fibre can help keep your wardrobe, and footprint, intact.”
