M.J. Bale

(Re) Made in Japan: M.J. Bale Winter 2024   15 years since we began working with a small sartorial workshop in the Iwate Prefecture, this season we returned to Japan’s master craftspeople to create the most artisanal collection in our brand history. Featuring a limited edition three-piece selvedge denim range woven and made in Okayama, Wakayama-knitted tees, shirts from Fukushima, and suits & coats artfully constructed in Iwate and Hokkaido, M.J. Bale Winter 2024 is for the well-travelled gentleman. View the campaign here: https://lnkd.in/g3KVGHJ6

M.J. Bale is now B Corp certified.   B Lab™, the non-profit organisation behind the B Corp certification, completed an assessment of our business practices, from our supply chain and environmental impact to treatment of employees and community obligations, concluding that we meet high and verifiable standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. “The B Corp certification is not an end in itself,” says our Founder & CEO, Matt Jensen. “We consider it more a baseline for us to continue to improve in all aspects related to our corporate governance and relationships with staff, community, environment and customers.”

As Official Tailor of the Subway Socceroos we caught up with Keanu Baccus, Thomas Deng, and Ajdin Hrustic about what goes through their minds before running out to represent their country. Read our interview with the players at mjbale.com: https://lnkd.in/gG-cVJzx

“When you walk from the bus into the change room, you’re picturing the kind of game that you’re going to have… the way that you’re going to approach the game,” says Thomas Deng about his pre-game routine. “Also, who you’re doing it for, you know, your family members, past and present. You’re thinking about all of them, and the people you’re representing, you want to make them proud.”   As Official Tailor of the Subway Socceroos, we caught up with Thomas Deng, Keanu Baccus and Ajdin Hrustic ahead of tonight’s World Cup Qualifier in Canberra: Game 2 v Lebanon. Read Now: https://lnkd.in/gG-cVJzx

GP-OH! Our national flagship store is open at No. 1 Martin Place in the iconic Sydney GPO. Paying respect to the building’s deep history, the store features original 8-metre-high ceilings, ornate gold gilded and marble wall finishes, graphic black and white floor tiles and timber floorboards.   “We’re proud to bring M.J. Bale to the iconic No. 1 Martin Place, which is 150 years old this year,” says our Founder and CEO, Matt Jensen. “The store has an uptown feel and brings the type of big city energy we’ve been looking for. We look forward to welcoming you here soon.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/grqJ-cqM

In support of International Women’s Day, Kate Bonnett from M.J. Bale spoke to three female colleagues from across the business, getting their thoughts on what inspires them and their hopes for the future. Here is a snippet of the conversations had.   What inspires you as a woman? Johanna Lark, eCommerce manager: I’m constantly inspired by the love and strength of the women I'm privileged to be surrounded with, both past and present. Women who take risks to grow, whilst supporting loved ones, navigating challenges and leading by example. Hayley Papiccio, Area Business Manager, Victoria: I am inspired by surrounding myself with authentic and kind people who have integrity and want the best for others. The more creative I get to be in my personal life and at work, the more inspired I am, and I love to work toward personal goals and think outside the box. I am lucky enough to work for a company with many strong, female leaders who support the growth of women, which is inspiring to be a part of.   Eliza Treloar, Casual Sales Assistant, Queen Street, Woollahra, store: As a young woman in my 20s, I am inspired by the strength and resilience of both the women who came before me and those who stand by me today. The women who paved the way for progress and equality, set future generations up for the life that we enjoy today, and we all must be inspired by that! The women who stand by me today also provide me with inspiration continuously. I am surrounded by different women who inspire me to be my best, from excellent female mentors at work, my family and my best friends. Who has inspired you as a female figure within your immediate circle? Johanna Lark: My Mum is my biggest inspiration. Working within the Palliative Care field, she is selfless, supportive and inspirational to not only her own family but the community which she supports. She inspires me daily to be the person you would want to be surrounded by for all that life offers, as we do not know what tomorrow will bring. What advice would you give to your younger self? Hayley Papiccio: Don’t let fear get in the way of stepping out of your comfort zone. Embrace new experiences and trust yourself and your abilities. The earlier you start, the more confident you will become, and you will surprise yourself. Make self-care a priority. As a woman, what do you hope your future to be like within today’s society? Eliza Treloar: I hope for a future where women and men are equal in all aspects of society. I want to see opportunities for women to thrive in all fields without facing discrimination or barriers because of their gender. I hope that by the time I enter the workforce as a teacher, all my students, regardless of their gender, feel empowered and encouraged to peruse their passions and chase what they want to in this life.   

A Beautiful Day: We were proud to dress all the fourth-year boys of the Mbazzi Riverside High School in Uganda for their recent senior prom party.   MRHS is one of three schools created by the School for Life Foundation, an Aussie-founded not-for-profit organisation with a mission to “educate poverty out of existence.”   “Today is a beautiful day,” said Janepher Nansubuga, the head of program for the School For Life Foundation. “I am grateful to M.J. Bale for supporting our students with the suits that they are wearing today. The boys are looking smart and happy.” 

On Wednesday night M.J. Bale Founder & CEO, Matt Jensen, hosted Marco Spola, VP of Fabrics from Italy’s famed Loro Piana textile mill, at our flagship Martin Place store. Marco came bearing French champagne and sublime Italian fabrics, including a bunch of luxe samples from their 2024 Australis range. Grazie mille, Marco!

Thank you Aron Lewin, for the interview with our Founder & CEO Matt Jensen for Inside Retail Australia about the evolution of M.J. Bale and what's in the works for the future.

“It was a difficult time… Dad had gone through three open heart surgeries.” Actor Julian Maroun brought his brother, Luke, and father, Tony, to our Father's Day breakfast and shared the story of his family’s resolve.