What began with a $10,000 investment has grown into a fashion business for Stafford Heights resident Claudine Blondeau and her sister Olivia, who launched EAU Bags in 2022 and are planning to expand into the US market.
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The Brisbane-founded label has secured retail partnerships with major Australian names, including David Jones and The Iconic. Its growth has seen the sisters move from developing their products in a spare bedroom to running a business with a growing team and an expanding network of stockists.
A Small Investment With Big Ambitions
Claudine, 29, and Olivia, 32, had discussed starting a business together for years. Claudine had worked in journalism and public relations, while Olivia brought experience in branding and marketing for start-ups. Based in Brisbane and Melbourne respectively when they launched EAU Bags, the sisters set out to create bags that were fun, low-maintenance, and suited to everyday use.
The founders discussed their early days in a podcast, reflecting on how their small venture developed into a brand supplying major retailers. The sisters eventually left their secure jobs to concentrate on EAU Bags full-time, despite the financial uncertainty involved. Claudine reported that EAU Bags was growing 290 per cent year-on-year, with 13 employees, two warehouses and more than 300 independent stockists, alongside its major retail partners.
Recycled Materials Behind the Brand
EAU Bags also uses recycled nylon made from waste materials, including discarded fishing nets, old carpets and factory offcuts. The materials are collected, cleaned, and transformed into recycled nylon yarn, which is dyed and woven into the brand’s distinctive striped fabric. Production involves artisans in India, where the sisters have established a dedicated studio that they visit each year.
Olivia has said the goal was to make something useful from materials that already exist, while creating bags customers would genuinely want to use for years.
US Expansion on the Horizon
Claudine said EAU Bags was preparing to enter the US market through Anthropologie, a fashion and lifestyle retailer. The planned expansion would give the sisters another opportunity to grow the brand beyond its Australian retail network.
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The founders are also set to share their experience with Brisbane audiences at Fashion Queensland in Conversation at Brisbane Powerhouse on Friday, 16 October 2026.
The event, scheduled for 6.30pm, will feature the sisters in conversation with business mentor Deanne Luke. Topics include developing EAU Bags, working with artisans in India, building sustainability into the business and navigating the challenges of growing a fashion label.
Published 13-October-2026
