Five minutes with … Karen McDonald
The Di Nuovo owner on why designer recycling is the best choice for the planet
Karen, can you tell us a little about your store? Di Nuovo was established more than 25 years ago and continues to be a leader of sustainable fashion. Located in William St, we are fortunate to share a special shopping area steeped in history and charm. Our store is carefully curated, focusing on style, quality and affordability, as it offers the best current and unique brands from Australia and overseas.
You bought the store two years ago. What prompted you to buy the business and have there been any changes? Having worked with the previous owner, Victoria Barber, for several years, when the opportunity to purchase the business arose it felt like the perfect fit. With a background in both fashion and food, I saw this as an exciting challenge that would allow me to combine my passion for service and fashion. Running a preloved store is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing that we’re encouraging more mindful shopping. While we’ve focused on growth, we’ve worked hard to maintain the strong relationships we’ve built with our loyal consignees in Paddington. Additionally, we’ve expanded by welcoming new consignees, keeping our range fresh and exciting. Another key area we’ve focused on is growing our online presence — consistently engaging with our community on social media and offering our curated collection through our e-commerce store to reach customers outside of Sydney.
Why is recycled designer fashion important? Overconsumption and fast fashion are major contributors to the environmental crisis we face today. With more than 80 billion pieces of clothing produced globally each year, more than 70 percent of it ends up in landfill. By shopping with us, people are helping to slow down this destructive cycle. Preloved shopping is on the rise and we are proud to be part of a movement where people think first, buy second. Choosing to shop mindfully contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry and that’s something we deeply value.
What are some of the favourite pieces you have had in store this year? We’ve been lucky to have some truly standout pieces, including Loewe jeans, The Row knitwear, a vintage Chanel Mini Flap bag, a Dior tulle skirt, and my personal favourite, a classic Celine navy suit.
Will there continue to be increased emphasis on recycling quality pieces in future and if so, why? Absolutely. We all need to commit to being more environmentally conscious in every aspect of our lives. The joy of shopping doesn’t have to disappear, but it’s vital that we shop responsibly. As Vivienne Westwood famously said, “Buy less, choose well, and make it last”. This philosophy is something we wholeheartedly embrace and strive to promote every day.
Di Nuovo
92 William St