MANQUE DESIGN
Between 2000 and 2015, Susan Nethercote, then known as Susan Brock, founded and ran Manque Design, an independent clothing label born out of Melbourne's inner-north creative scene, before returning to her fine art practice full time.
Manque began as a grassroots labour of love: locally made, independently designed, and entirely Susan's own. She built her reputation on one-off reconstructed knitwear pieces and jewellery crafted from salvaged electrical components and found objects — work that was as much art as it was fashion.
From those beginnings, Susan grew Manque into a studio, warehouse and flagship store, all within the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne. By the late 2000s, the label was producing fully-fledged seasonal collections stocked in her Northcote store and carried by independent fashion retailers across the country.
In 2011, after a tree-change to Ballarat and the arrival of her family, Susan closed the physical business and scaled Manque back to an online operation — keeping alive a curated selection of the classics that defined the label. Some of those favourites remain available in the store below.
CULT CLASSICS
These full-length pull-on pants have earned cult status for good reason. A broad fold-down waistband and wide, straight leg create a long, flattering silhouette that works across body types — and with no zip in sight, they're as comfortable as they are stylish.
This time in a classic blue denim — the same beloved cut, in a fabric that goes with everything and only gets better with age. A single back pocket adds a quiet practicality.
In the 2000s, these pants became known around Melbourne's inner north as the Northcote Uniform — a quiet uniform shared by half the suburb. More than twenty years on, those same customers are still coming back for another pair.
A note on fit
Manque pants are designed to stretch and should feel quite firm when you first try them on. Don't be put off — they soften beautifully with wearing and washing, moulding to your shape over time. All pants are pre-shrunk, and they are cut with extra length to suit taller women.
Please refer to our sizing chart (listed under Pants) for full fitting guidance.
Shipping & taxes
Please select Australian Small Parcel at checkout. Unfortunately these pants are not available for international shipping at this time.
Australian customers: GST will be added at checkout. Any import or export duties are the responsibility of the buyer.
These full-length pull-on pants have earned cult status for good reason. A broad fold-down waistband and wide, straight leg create a long, flattering silhouette that works across body types — and with no zip in sight, they're as comfortable as they are stylish.
Made from a soft, stretchy cotton drill, they move with you throughout the day and are particularly loved by those whose shape fluctuates — the fabric gives without losing its form. A single back pocket adds a quiet practicality.
In the 2000s, these pants became known around Melbourne's inner north as the Northcote Uniform — a quiet uniform shared by half the suburb. More than twenty years on, those same customers are still coming back for another pair.
A note on fit
Manque pants are designed to stretch and should feel quite firm when you first try them on. Don't be put off — they soften beautifully with wearing and washing, moulding to your shape over time. All pants are pre-shrunk, and they are cut with extra length to suit taller women.
Please refer to our sizing chart (listed under Pants) for full fitting guidance.
Shipping & taxes
Please select Australian Small Parcel at checkout. Unfortunately these pants are not available for international shipping at this time.
Australian customers: GST will be added at checkout. Any import or export duties are the responsibility of the buyer.
These full-length pull-on pants are effortless warm-weather dressing done right. A wide, straight leg creates a long, flattering silhouette that works across body types — and with no zip in sight, they're as comfortable as they are stylish.
Made from a textured summer-weight stretch linen blend, they have that relaxed, breathable ease that makes linen so beloved, with just enough stretch to move with you all day. Two generous side pockets add everyday practicality — because pockets matter.
In the 2000s, these pants became known around Melbourne's inner north as the Northcote Uniform — a quiet uniform shared by half the suburb. More than twenty years on, those same customers are still coming back for another pair.
A note on fit
Manque pants are designed to stretch and should feel quite firm when you first try them on. Don't be put off — they soften beautifully with wearing and washing, moulding to your shape over time. All pants are pre-shrunk, and they are cut with extra length to suit taller women.
Please note that the Carry-All Pant is cut with a more generous fit than our standard pants. If you are between sizes, we recommend choosing the smaller size.
Please refer to our sizing chart (listed under Pants) for full fitting guidance.
Shipping & taxes
Please select Australian Small Parcel at checkout. Unfortunately these pants are not available for international shipping at this time.
Australian customers: GST will be added at checkout. Any import or export duties are the responsibility of the buyer.
PORTFOLIO
Autumn / Winter 201o
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Spring / Summer 2010-11
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Autumn / Winter 2009
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Spring / Summer 2009-10
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Autumn / Winter 2008
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SHOP OUR CLASSICS
These 3/4 length pull-on pants bring the same cult-status fit to a shorter length. A wide, straight leg creates a flattering silhouette that works across body types — and with no zip in sight, they're as comfortable as they are stylish. Two generous side pockets add everyday practicality.
Cut from a lighter weight black denim than our full-length Northcote Pant, they share the same beloved fit — making them an ideal warm-weather companion to the full-length style. If you already know your size in the classic Northcote Pant, the fit here is the same.
In the 2000s, these pants became known around Melbourne's inner north as the Northcote Uniform — a quiet uniform shared by half the suburb. More than twenty years on, those same customers are still coming back for another pair.
A note on fit
Manque pants are designed to stretch and should feel quite firm when you first try them on. Don't be put off — they soften beautifully with wearing and washing, moulding to your shape over time. All pants are pre-shrunk.
Please refer to our sizing chart (listed under Pants) for full fitting guidance.
Shipping & taxes
Please select Australian Small Parcel at checkout. Unfortunately these pants are not available for international shipping at this time.
Australian customers: GST will be added at checkout. Any import or export duties are the responsibility of the buyer.
These full-length pull-on pants have earned cult status for good reason. A broad fold-down waistband and wide, straight leg create a long, flattering silhouette that works across body types — and with no zip in sight, they're as comfortable as they are stylish.
Made from a soft, stretchy cotton drill, they move with you throughout the day and are particularly loved by those whose shape fluctuates — the fabric gives without losing its form. A single back pocket adds a quiet practicality.
In the 2000s, these pants became known around Melbourne's inner north as the Northcote Uniform — a quiet uniform shared by half the suburb. More than twenty years on, those same customers are still coming back for another pair.
A note on fit
Manque pants are designed to stretch and should feel quite firm when you first try them on. Don't be put off — they soften beautifully with wearing and washing, moulding to your shape over time. All pants are pre-shrunk, and they are cut with extra length to suit taller women.
Please refer to our sizing chart (listed under Pants) for full fitting guidance.
Shipping & taxes
Please select Australian Small Parcel at checkout. Unfortunately these pants are not available for international shipping at this time.
Australian customers: GST will be added at checkout. Any import or export duties are the responsibility of the buyer.
A quietly confident wardrobe staple. This classic A-line skirt falls just below the knee, with a broad fold-down waistband and two side pockets — because a skirt without pockets is a missed opportunity.
Cut from a stretch cotton-spandex denim, it has just enough give to move comfortably with you throughout the day, while holding its shape beautifully. Like all Manque bottoms, it only gets better with age.
In the 2000s, Manque pieces became known around Melbourne's inner north as the Northcote Uniform — quiet staples shared by half the suburb. More than twenty years on, those same customers are still coming back for another piece.
A note on fit
Like our pants, the Librarian Skirt is designed to stretch and should feel quite firm when you first try it on. Don't be put off — it softens beautifully with wearing and washing, moulding to your shape over time. All skirts are pre-shrunk.
Please refer to our sizing chart (listed under Skirts) for full fitting guidance.
Shipping & taxes
Please select Australian Small Parcel at checkout. Unfortunately this product is not available for international shipping at this time.
Australian customers: GST will be added at checkout. Any import or export duties are the responsibility of the buyer.