From Scratch: How Designer Jude Built a Melbourne Fashion Brand with Heart and Tenacity

When Jude moved from Singapore to Melbourne as a teenager, fashion wasn’t the obvious path. After studying fine arts, serving two years in Singapore’s military, and starting over, he found his creative calling — designing clothes that reflect personality, playfulness, and purpose.

In this episode, Jude shares how he built Design by Jude from scratch — beginning with a single sewing machine, small design markets, and a couple of small loans — to growing into a permanent Fitzroy store and recognition on the Melbourne Fashion Festival main stage.

We talk about:

• How discipline from military life shaped his creative process
• The reality of starting a fashion label without investors — and growing slowly, on purpose
• Finding and understanding your first customers at design markets
• Keeping production local and ethical in Australia, using small runs and deadstock fabrics
• Why starting small can be your greatest advantage

Design by Jude is proudly made in Melbourne using locally produced and ethically sourced materials. If you’re in town, visit the store at 252 Johnston Street, Fitzroy — or explore the latest collections online at designbyjude.com. You can also find Jude on Instagram and Facebook @designbyjude.

Tune in to hear how passion, persistence, and purpose built one of Melbourne’s most beloved independent fashion labels.