By MELISSA MEEHAN
BEN Grealy challenges anyone to say or think of the word goat without cracking a smile.
“Whenever you hear the name goat it makes you smile,” he said.
“They make you smile.”
So it’s no surprise that the new fashion label Ben and his sister Jenni have just launched is named Lonely Goat.
The Silvan-based business owners are leading the way for the next generation of ethical Australian fashion designers.
At a time when global brands made by international manufacturers are flooding the market, Ben and Jenni say they have seized the opportunity to stay local and celebrate the authentic, edgy and downright quirky elements of life in the hills.
Featuring a range of designer T-shirts, hoodies and beanies that are ‘just that little bit different’, the Lonely Goat range has been a big hit with locals and tourists alike.
“While Lonely Goat does not pitch directly to the tourist market, a lot of our customers have bought our T-shirts to send to friends and relatives overseas, to capture our local spirit and identity”, Ben said.
“At the time when Jenni and I decided to produce the Lonely Goat range locally, there were a number of prominent manufacturing closures occurring. In our own way we are doing our bit to keep clothing manufacturing viable in this country.”
Based out of the local post office, Ben said those interested could see a number of their garments in the flesh.
