Burra designer Emily Riggs launches Softly Brave – a collection made with love, purpose, and 100% Australian Merino wool
From the heart of Burra comes Softly Brave — the newest collection from Iris & Wool, founded by talented local designer Emily Riggs.
Made from 100% Australian Merino wool, this range carries more than just warmth and style — it carries purpose, with all proceeds from the range going directly to the Childhood Cancer Association.
Because Emily’s story began long before Iris & Wool became an award-winning fashion brand.
At just nine years old, she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “Not many nine-year-olds would know what that meant,” Emily said, “But I did, because my mum was already in the battle of her life.”
The mother and daughter bravely fought their cancer battles side-by-side. But a year later, Emily’s world was turned upside down when her mum sadly passed away at just 43.
“I’d lost Mum. I was so sick I could barely get out of bed. And I’d lost my hair” – something that, as a little girl, felt like losing part of herself. “Being mistaken for a boy shattered my confidence,” she said. “That’s when I turned to fashion.”
Iris & Wool – From Burra to the World
Fashion became Emily’s outlet. It was more than just the clothes she wore. It represented hope, gave her the chance to show off her creativity, and allowed others to look beyond her illness.
Fast forward 15 years, and Emily fell in love with Tom, a Merino sheep farmer, and made her home in Burra – surrounded by wool sheds and wide open skies. She brought her childhood dream to life – founding Iris and Wool, the luxury fashion label dedicated to producing timeless pieces made from 100% Australian Merino wool.
Softly Brave — Fashion with Heart
Through Softly Brave, Iris & Wool has launched a small but deeply meaningful range of Merino wool pieces. It’s all about supporting the bravest of kids with the softest of fibres.
Each year, over 1,000 children in Australia are diagnosed with cancer. It remains the leading cause of disease-related death in Australian children. The Childhood Cancer Association receives no government funding, relying instead on community support to provide free counselling, accommodation, education and family respite.
Through Softly Brave, Emily is calling on all Australians to help change that.
“By wearing a Softly Brave piece, you’re standing alongside these children in their fight,” she says. “You’re helping to fund the vital support services that families desperately need.”
The new range includes items for adults and the kids, created with Iris & Wool’s trademark Merino wool. There’s beanies, t-shirts, a sweater and tote bag, and 100% of proceeds helps the Childhood Cancer Association support children living with cancer.
Iris & Wool also donates beanies to every newly diagnosed child in South Australia, and makes a $1 donation from every sale made, with over $22,000 already raised for the charity.
Shop the Softly Brave Collection available online and in-store at Iris & Wool.
