Passion for fashion is FIFO worker’s exit strategy

Pilbara fly-in, fly-out worker, William Cleggett, is trading in fluro ‘high vis’ work gear for his very own range of designer street wear, after successfully launching a fashion label in Perth.

After more than a year of designing between long swings, the 22-year-old mechanic from Collie launched Midnight Culture Clothing at Matisse Beach Club, modelled by West Coast Eagles player Elliot Yeo.

Mr Cleggett said after two years of FIFO work on various sites throughout the Pilbara, he saw his “passion for fashion” as his “FIFO exit strategy.”

“When you’re up North doing long swings of four to six weeks, it really gets to you and I wanted to find a way out,” he said.

“I noticed around my area in the south west there isn’t the best quality clothing for men anymore, so I decided I wanted to make my own quality, modern street wear.

“I work on my designs during my R and R time and have my laptop up on site.

“I’ve been working on this project for a year now; there isn’t much time after a 13 hour day to squeeze in time for the business.”

Mr Cleggett encouraged other FIFO workers who were unhappy with the FIFO lifestyle to have the courage to pursue their dreams.

“It’s definitely not uncommon for workers to want to get out of FIFO but many of the guys are here because they feel trapped,” he said.

“The lifestyle is terrible but I have no regrets about doing FIFO, because it really got me thinking about what I wanted to do with my life.

“Midnight Culture Clothing has been the end result of that...I guess I have kind of gone from Rags to Rags.”

Mr Cleggett said after the successful launch last week he hoped to pursue his business full time in the coming months.

“When I first told the boys about my idea I got a few odd looks but they have been pretty supportive of trying to pursue my passion and get out of FIFO work,” he said.

“It has been an amazing experience and I’ve got to meet some of my idols from the West Coast Eagles along the way.

“Cal Sinclair even wore my clothes to the grand final which is pretty cool.”

To shop the Midnight Culture Clothing range, visit www.midnightcultureclothing.com or follow Midnight Culture Clothing on Facebook and Instagram.