Our History
Our story is an old one.
Since our establishment in 1922, our dedication to local craftsmanship and superior quality has made us a trusted name across Australia.
With each handcrafted piece, we honor the traditional crafting techniques passed down by our skilled craftspeople, ensuring that every accessory tells a story of timeless style and Australian heritage.
Join us on a journey through our company's remarkable timeline.
1922
Buckle was founded in 1922 in Surry Hills by Sandy Buckle, his son Alick, and Alick’s best friend Lawford Richardson.
The business began by importing women’s undergarments such as boning for corsets and clothing.
Sandy and Alick possessed the motivation and business savvy, while Lawford was a skilled accountant, which made Buckle a powerful force.
During this time, the Australian manufacturing industry was still relatively young but was prospering. The end of the First World War brought optimism both for consumers and industry, and the post-war boom in the world economy meant new opportunities for Australian manufacturers.
1925
Buckle was called ‘A.Buckle & Son’, in the hope that Alick would have a son.
Soon after, Alick’s daughter, Peggy, was born.
All leather and elastic were sourced locally in surrounding suburbs such as Tempe and Chatswood to service Buckle’s Surry Hills factory on 414 Elizabeth St, Sydney.
1929
Alick became the Mayor of Mosman and was well-regarded in the local community.
His plaque appears at the foot of Bathers Pavilion on Balmoral Beach recognising his service to the community as well as acknowledging his commitment to the beautification of this region.
Alexander Robert (Alick) Buckle.
1940s
The business started crafting leather belts to meet the changing demands of fashion.
1960s
The early stages of globalisation began with production and manufacturing shifting offshore.
It was in 1960 when Buckle started its relationship with a Belgian elastic maker. Buckle began to produce braces in a range of stripes and colours and in widths of 25mm and 30mm.
1965
Alick Buckle passed away in 1965.
His daughter, Peggy inherited the business and alongside her husband, Rex, they managed the business together.
1968
A. Buckle & Son had been duly elected a full member of the Chamber of Manufacturers of NSW. The factory moved from Surry Hills to Summer Hill, in Sydney’s inner west.
In this time, Buckle manufactured belts and braces and produced a myriad of brands, some of which corporate and private label customers were involved with.
Shortly after, Peggy's son, Paul started to manage the business.
2004
Peggy, alongside her daughter, Jacquie, established Ecclisse – a successful women’s brand consisting of clothing, jewellery and accessories stocked in Myer and David Jones and featured in Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire.
2011
Buckle established Smith Street, a fashion-forward men’s label that offered a collection of men’s clothing for savvy, fashion-conscious men aged between 25-35. It made regular appearance in publications such as Cleo, Cosmo and the Daily Telegraph to name a few.
2013
Buckle was acquired by Heritage Accessories Pty Ltd via a management buyout that placed all brands under one roof.
The following year saw the business relocate to a facility in Stanmore, in Sydney’s inner west.
Today
The business is directed by Melissa Gibson and Warren Sanders and employs more than 25 staff to service over 1200 retailers including Myer, David Jones and The Iconic.
Buckle also manufactures private label accessories on behalf of many Australian and international brands.
A decade of management by Heritage Accessories has seen Buckle continue to adapt to the evolving fashion industry, while remaining committed to delivering exceptional service and crafting Australian heritage every day.
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