BlackMilk Clothing, the Brisbane fashion brand that became a global social media phenomenon, has entered voluntary administration after 17 years in business.
Founded by Linda and James Lillis, the company built a loyal following with pop culture-inspired collections that often sold out within minutes. Its celebrity fans have included Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Whoopi Goldberg.
Linda Lillis said administrators had been appointed to take control of the business and assess its future, but confirmed that BlackMilk was continuing to trade, with its website open and orders still being shipped.
“Entering administration does not necessarily mean the end of BlackMilk, and we very much hope it isn’t,” she said in a Facebook post.
“What started as a side hobby at our kitchen table became a global brand and a community that has meant so much to our family.”
The company’s move into administration follows significant changes to its operations. BlackMilk ended its Australian manufacturing this year, closing its Brisbane factory and affecting 15 members of its production team.
In July, chief executive Jackie Kruger said the business had previously intended to maintain manufacturing in Brisbane, but had been unable to make local and offshore production work together.
Lillis said BlackMilk had faced a difficult consumer environment, rising costs and increasingly complex global trading conditions in recent years, placing continued pressure on the business.
She said she was “incredibly proud” of the brand’s 17-year history, including its Australian manufacturing heritage, licensed collaborations, original designs and the community built around the Brisbane company.
