culture

Style Up sits down with First Nations fashion designer Naomi Collings

Phoebe Blogg Published June 14, 2024 at 4.30pm (AWST)

Naomi Collings working behind the scenes on Kamara. (Image: Kamara Australia)

Widely celebrated in the First Nations fashion community for her range of swimwear that fuses culture and craft, Naomi Collings is the talented founder and designer behind popular swimwear brand, Kamara Swim.

This month Style Up spoke with the talented fashion designer about new collections, business ventures and national growth.

Having recently participated in Brisbane Fashion Festival and Melbourne Fashion Week in 2023, Collings has pushed Kamara from one opportunity to the next. The swimwear brand has already had a busy start to 2024, with Collings sharing that she is currently focusing on making Kamara export-ready for international retailers.

"The start of the year (2024) is always Kamara's busiest time in terms of sales and shipping orders for customers over warmer months - and it has been a longer Summer feel than usual. Although there's no time for a breather, it's also the time we develop an exciting new collection and expand styles," she said.

"We've also been involved with partners to expand into new markets, particularly focusing on making Kamara export-ready for international retailers."

Collings has also launched Kamara's newest collection tilted Universe - which recently walked the runway at Pandora's Australian Fashion Week.

"Universe is a story of the space we surround ourselves with. It could be a place of infinite possibilities, where we can explore endless optimism. We make our own Universe of calm and peace, or one of risks and thrills," she said.

"Our choices are what make us, and it's important we make choices that bring us and our planet peace, so it can take care of us as we take care of it."

For the new Universe collection Collings opted to join forces with Yaggerah artist Jenine Godwin-Thompson.

"For the Universe collection, we're honoured to feature a collaboration print with Yaggerah Aboriginal artist and my Aunty, Jenine Godwin-Thompson. This has been a special opportunity to work with family. We draw inspiration from the inspiring creatives around us, and Aunty Jenine is an incredible talent and an important figure in our Universe," she said.

"Jenine draws inspiration from where she is from, Meeanjin (Brisbane), and where she grew up, in remote northwest Queensland city of Mount Isa, as well as the many Aboriginal communities throughout northern and north-western Queensland where her research/work has taken her. Her artwork, Birth of Earth, is an intricate addition to the Universe line.

"It's the beginning of life in an explosion of colour. The vibrant hues of fuchsia and orange, married with a dark background of indigo and onyx, are both a celestial dance of stars against a night sky and a reflection of the deep, colourful layers and natural beauty of the earth which takes care of everything within.

Ms Godwin-Thompson said "my work is from the heart".

"I love creating works from my experiences and travels into remote communities. My inspiration comes from my culture, as well as my passion for spaces – both natural and man-made. These small, delicate works are my interpretation of the fertility of the earth."

Featuring a range of classic silhouettes, each with Kamara's exclusive prints and long-sleeved, signature cuts, the Universe collection offers something for everyone.

New styles also feature throughout the collection including the fit-completing sarong and highly anticipated jumpsuit. Aiming to always ensure the brand has a low environmental impact, Collings has continued this throughout the Universe collection. The new collection welcomes Kamara's first completely recycled one piece, named Onyx.

"Onyx is our most daring yet durable piece, matching sustainability with comfort and beauty. It's challenging to balance, but the reward means so much to us, our customers and the earth," she said.

"Onyx is made with ECONYL® regenerated Nylon from the Healthy Seas initiative - fabrication that's elegant, fine, soft, and breathable. It offers muscular compression, comfort, and UV protection (UPF50+) while resisting chlorine, sun creams, and oils."

Similar to all Kamara pieces, Onyx is lined with recycled polyester elastane using REPREVE® -an eco-friendly green fibre made from recycled discarded single-use bottles.

The Onyx one piece has also been selected as a finalist in the 2024 Clean + Conscious Awards.

"This exciting recognition highlights our dedication to sustainable fashion, ethical manufacturing, and the promotion of First Nations culture through our designs," Collings told Style Up.

Alongside the new collection's release, Kamara was also thrilled to have been able to take part in the Indigenous Fashion Projects Pathways Program and feature on the catwalk at Australian Fashion Week. This partnership now sees Kamara available through David Jones for an in-store Kamara experience in addition to their online store.

"It's a stride towards our goal of being a leading socially and environmentally responsible swimwear brand," she said.

Whilst the eco-friendly swimwear brands has already had a wealth of success, Collings has several plans for the remainder of 2024 – and well into 2025.

"Of course, we are excited about our next collaboration to feature alongside Kamara's next collection to release this Summer. In addition to our own exclusive print development, collaborating with fellow First Nations creatives for a feature print is one of the best parts of Kamara's process for each collection," she said.

"For us it is important to continue to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent of First Nations Creatives in Australia. It's important for sharing and protecting culture through growing respectful partnerships in the industry."

This photoshoot proudly acknowledges the Bindal wulgurukaba people.

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