Local struts stuff in style

MANDURAH’S Nikki Silverthorne took her latest Kooey Australia collection to the runway at one of the world’s most prestigious swimwear fashion events last month.

The leading Western Australia swimwear brand put its 2013 summer collection on display at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) Swim in Miami on July 22.

It was Kooey’s third appearance at the event and Ms Silverthorne said it was a great chance for the new season’s look to be put on the public radar.

“MBFW Swim in Miami is the first time the buyers and media will see the new collections so it's very important for us to have a presence there,” she said.

Ms Silverthorne said the process of getting the collection from the sewing machine to the runway has been a long process with the design team working on it for about a year.

She said it was a great feeling to see the final products being modelled and on the runway.

“Knowing how much work goes into a collection when you finally see it on the runway, in stores, or on the beach – it's really rewarding,” Ms Silverthorne said.

“Kooey's Summer 2013 collection is inspired by the Australian gemstone, opals.

“The colour palette reflects the beautiful rich colours in the opal.

“We also pulled shapes and lines from the stone, as well as how the light reflects off the opal for the inspiration behind our custom-designed prints.”

Ms Silverthorne said the collection had moved the brand in a new design direction with a stronger focus on resort-wear.

“We have also introduced a Brazilian back bikini pant and D-cup swim options,” Ms Silverthorne said.

“We expanded our range with new styles this season and have started selling all the bikinis as separates as we have found our customers all want something unique to them and this allows them to tailor their swimsuit to suit their own lifestyle.

“A swimsuit is such a personal thing and can be intimidating for some women so if I can make someone feel amazing by wearing Kooey that makes me very happy.”