Shona Joy fashion label to close after 26 years

Australian fashion label Shona Joy has announced it will close its operations after 26 years. Founded by designer Shona Thatcher in 2000, the brand began by selling ready-to-wear clothing at market stalls in Bondi and Paddington.

Thatcher stated the decision was driven by a desire to prioritize family and manage the burden of commuting between her Sydney offices and her home in Byron Bay. She clarified that the closure is not due to financial stress, noting that she had considered selling the company but found no suitable fit.

The founder intends to retain the intellectual property and the brand name. The company will farewell its 33 employees with full pay and entitlements. Customers can continue to purchase items from the label online until the new year.