Meet our EFWA 2024 Upcycler: Mary Walker

Sustainability is at the core of Mary Walker’s creative journey, where her true passion lies in transforming vintage textiles—each with its own history—into contemporary designs. Based in New South Wales, Mary transitioned from a 32-year career as a secondary school textiles teacher to founding her own slow fashion brand, Mary Walker Textiles.

In 2017, Mary pursued a Certificate III in Fashion Design and Technology at TAFE, aiming to refine her skills and ensure they were at industry standards. This personal and professional growth led to the birth of her slow fashion label, where she meticulously crafts clothing and accessories from preloved materials, especially vintage tablecloths.

Mary’s work has been featured @macleayvalleyfashion and @finderskeepers Design Markets, where her designs resonate with those who value sustainability and the unique stories behind vintage fabrics. “I am passionate about textiles and sustainability. I believe that vintage textiles tell a story, and I have the honour of keeping those stories alive,” Mary says.

Discover more of Mary’s work on Instagram: @marywalkertextiles