ABOUT EMILY RIGGS

Emily Riggs’ story is one of triumph over tragedy. From great loss, she founded the Australian fashion brand, Iris & Wool. Since then, the company has grown into an award-winning label with a loyal following both locally and internationally, turning her childhood dream into a successful reality. 

For as long as she can remember, Emily has loved and found solace in fashion. At just nine-years-old, she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A year into her treatment, her mother sadly passed away from breast cancer at only 43 years of age. With so much to process at such a young age, Emily turned to fashion. To her, it was so much more than the clothes she wore. Fashion represented hope and gave her the opportunity to show off her creativity. It also “allowed others to look beyond the illness,” she reveals. It was at this time that the idea of starting her own brand first began to form.

Fast forward 15 years and Emily found love with Tom – a Merino sheep farmer. She moved to Burra, in rural mid-north South Australia, to live on a farm. Three years and two children later, she realised her childhood dream and founded Iris & Wool.

Since launching in 2019, the business has steadily grown. Emily traces this to using what she believes is the best fibre in the world – 100% Australian Merino Wool. Renewable, biodegradable, sustainable and breathable – it is the perfect choice for creating a low-impact fashion label. “It really is a super-fibre!” she says.

Iris & Wool’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed with the brand featured in national press and worn by high-profile influencers across the world. Through this it has remained a company with heart and soul. Emily has never forgotten the reason why she started the label. The Iris in the name is in honour of her mother – it was her favourite flower. Iris & Wool also partners with the Childhood Cancer Association – donating $1 from every sale to the non-profit organisation as well as donating beanies to children newly diagnosed with cancer across South Australia. Emily is now looking towards the future and is excited about expanding the business internationally – introducing the beauty of Australian Merino wool to customers across the world.