Nikki Silverthorne – Kooey – Stand 3772
Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is “more alive” than the Great Barrier Reef, maintains Nikki Silverthorne, the power behind Kooey.The Perth-based swimwear label is certainly doing its bit to promote the 260km-long coral reef that is a strong contender for World Heritage status.
For Spring-Summer 2010/11, Kooey will pay tribute to it with a
palette and prints inspired by Ningaloo Reef’s exotic sea life including the whale shark.“It will be a really fun collection, full of bold colours including blues, greens and purple,” reveals Nikki. “We will be launching it at Fashion Exposed in February – our first time at the fair.”
The launch will mark the latest chapter in a fashion phenomenon that made its debut at Australian Fashion Week in 2007 and under Nikki Silverthorne’s direction, has created serious waves in the US.
In July 2009, Kooey – an official sponsor of Miss Universe Australia - won raves at SwimShow 2010 in Miami, Florida and in September, was handpicked for Expose NY, the invitation-only event for emerging labels.
“The Americans love Australian swimwear, especially in a market dominated by South American labels,” says Nikki. “We now have stockists in the US and Bloomingdales is keenly interested.”
There is no mistaking Kooey’s origins. The indigenous-inspired label which now includes a men’s swimwear, is entirely produced in Australia and its new prints have been created by Northern Territory Aboriginal artist Anne Kngwarreye.