The art of beautiful nonsense.
Hokum was never meant to be sensible. It was always
meant to make you feel something, a little wonder, a
little joy, a gentle escape from the ordinary.
SUSTAINABILITY & VALUES
Our Approach to Sustainability
At Hokum, we are committed to creating thoughtful pieces with longevity in mind. Sustainability is complex and no brand is perfect, but we continually strive to make considered choices across materials, production and packaging.
Materials
Every Hokum piece begins as a hand-drawn artwork by founder Penelope Gibbs. We work exclusively with natural fibres and maintain a strict no-synthetics approach.
Synthetic fibres such as polyester shed microscopic fibres during washing and are recognised as a significant source of microplastic pollution. By choosing natural fibres, we aim to create pieces that tread more lightly on the environment and are designed to last.
Craftsmanship
At Hokum, we believe there is beauty in the process of making. We have a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the hands behind every piece. Whenever possible, we will choose the slower path if it results in a better product.
From hand-drawn artwork and considered materials to luxury finishes and careful construction, we value skill, patience and attention to detail. We believe understanding and respecting the making process creates objects with greater meaning and longevity.
In a world increasingly driven by speed and disposability, Hokum embraces the joy of making things well.
Silk
Silk is a natural, renewable fibre produced by the silkworm. Valued for its strength, beauty and longevity, silk has been treasured for centuries and is intended to be worn and enjoyed for many years.
Printing
Our fabrics are digitally printed, a process that generally uses less water and fewer dyes than traditional printing methods, helping to reduce waste.
Sewing
Whenever possible, our pieces are sewn locally in Australia. We favour quality construction and luxury finishes that take time and skill, and we believe in supporting makers who are fairly paid for their craftsmanship.
Packaging
Where possible, we use recycled paper, tissue and packaging materials and endeavour to minimise unnecessary waste.
Leather
Our leather accessories are crafted from leather sourced as a by-product of the food industry, making use of an existing resource rather than creating additional demand. We believe in a closed-loop approach and choose leather for its durability and longevity, creating pieces designed to be treasured and used for many years.
Small Batch Production
We produce in small batches and avoid seasonal overproduction. Rather than following the fast-fashion cycle, we focus on creating timeless pieces that transcend trends and are intended to become cherished favourites.
Manufacturing Values
We carefully select mills and manufacturing partners who share our values and demonstrate responsible practices and fair wages.
At Hokum, our philosophy is simple: buy less, choose well and create pieces with enduring quality that can be loved for years to come.
We encourage you to read more about sustainable practises
Some of our favourite resources are -
READING
Wardrobe crisis - Clare press - VOGUE Sustainability editor and her podcast
why hokum?
The name Hokum was chosen for its sense of humour. It hints at storytelling, imagination and a touch of mischief, qualities that have shaped the brand from the beginning.
While the collections often lean towards the whimsical, the approach to design is serious. Every piece begins with original artwork and is developed with careful attention to detail, materials and craftsmanship.
Hokum is influenced by the worlds of illustration, decorative arts and theatre, where beauty and imagination are often found in equal measure. The result is a collection of pieces designed to bring a little character, curiosity and joy to the everyday.
Penelope Gibbs
Penelope Gibbs came to fashion through illustration.
After completing a Bachelor of Design at RMIT University, she worked across illustration, textiles and fashion design, developing a particular interest in print, craftsmanship and the small details that give an object character.
Every Hokum collection begins with a drawing. Penelope illustrates each design by hand before it is developed into a finished piece. The process is often slow; some prints take weeks to complete before they are ready for production.
Her work draws on a lifelong fascination with decorative arts, natural history, vintage ephemera and the stories hidden within everyday objects. These influences appear throughout Hokum's collections, often in the form of intricate details that reveal themselves over time.
Today, Penelope continues to design and illustrate every collection from Australia, creating accessories that combine original artwork with thoughtful design and a sense of whimsy
The Atelier - Designed in Melbourne
Everything starts with an illustration.
From the first sketch to the finished piece, Hokum is shaped by a love of detail, thoughtful design and original artwork. The process is often slower than expected, but that's where the best ideas tend to emerge.
Every piece exists to evoke something — most often, joy.
MELBOURNE ATELIER · HANDCRAFTED WITH CARE · TIMELESS &
AGELESS
© HOKUM — MELBOURNE
CRAFTED WITH LOVE IN OUR ATELIER