Epson partners with The Social Outfit in Refugee Week

Epson and The Social Outfit have entered a purpose-led partnership to support an ethical and sustainable fashion industry while empowering refugee women through education, training and employment.

The Social Outfit is a Sydney-based non-profit and social enterprise fashion label dedicated to helping refugee and new migrant women kick-start their Australian careers.

The new partnership centres on two key community-focused campaigns, the Refugee Week Campaign and the Community Print Project, both supported by Epson.

Epson MD Craig Heckenberg explains, “Our new partnership with The Social Outfit is incredibly worthwhile and built on shared values. Both Epson and The Social Outfit believe in the power of collaboration, bringing together diverse people, skills and resources to support our communities. As a print and projection partner, Epson is contributing resources and expertise to support key initiatives throughout the partnership based on project needs and shared capacity. Ultimately, this partnership will truly help refugee and new migrant women get their first break in the fashion industry.”

A main event in the Refugee Week Campaign is Wear the Change, an annual flagship fundraiser held between 16 and 22 June, to support The Social Outfit’s Retail Training Program.
As part of the program, trainees gain paid retail work and customer service experience through their first Australian employment at The Social Outfit’s fashion store in Newtown, Sydney.
As event partner and co-host, Epson supported the Wear the Change event and campaign by providing visual projection and creative installations at The Social Outfit store during Refugee Week, helping to raise funds and awareness. 

“We see strong synergy with Epson and are excited about how this partnership will enhance our products, storytelling and support for the refugee women we train and employ. Epson’s commitment to creativity, technology and sustainability makes them an ideal partner for this year’s Wear the Change campaign, supporting both our in-store activation and fundraising efforts,” says Amy Low, CEO, The Social Outfit.
Through their ethical manufacturing workroom and retail store, The Social Outfit provides training, employment, and pathways to employment in the fashion industry, supporting social well-being, skills development, and financial independence.

Following Refugee Week, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, Governor General of Australia and Patron of The Social Outfit, hosted a ‘Meet the Makers’ celebration at Admiralty House. Epson was invited to participate in the occasion, recognising The Social Outfit’s impact and the importance of inclusive pathways for refugee women in Australia’s fashion industry. 

 “Only 20% of women from refugee backgrounds are engaged in the workforce. The Social Outfit focuses on providing that critical first Australian job, often the hardest to secure and connects staff with industry partners to help them transition into ongoing employment. To date, 84% of The Social Outfit employees have moved on to other roles. As such, Epson is a very proud partner in this invaluable social enterprise,” concludes Heckenberg.