Ruth Atkinson and Made Suardika:
Serenity Island
Ruth Atkinson is rightly indignant when people assume Serenity Island’s beach bags are made from synthetic straw.
“That’s the usual, but ours are hand-woven on looms from indigenous Indonesian grasses and leaves,” says Ruth, who along with her husband and fellow designer Made (pron. Mardy) Suardika, launched upmarket label Serenity Island in 2001.
The beautifully crafted bags are the staple of the Brisbane-based label that has expanded into chic, printed beach tops and accessories including belts, scarves, jewellery and glamour thongs.
All are eco-friendly and made in Bali under the supervision of another husband and wife team. “They’re great managers and the system works well for all of us,” says Ruth, who trained in fashion at East Sydney Tech and in Brisbane.
Ruth and Made’s latest bag ranges pay tribute to islands – among them, Whitsunday, Hayman and Cocos. The themes are further reflected in graceful shapes, traditional weaving patterns and striking clasps.
www.serenityisland.com.au
Nikki and Lisa Ross: Pickles & Loop
Identical twins Nikki and Lisa Ross always wanted to work together. Their wish came true in late 2005 when the former Sydney lawyers launched their sleepwear label Pickles & Loop at the Paddington Markets as well as on online.
Today, Pickles & Loop – the twins’ nicknames – is a fast-growing favourite in Australia and New Zealand, and the official sleepwear sponsor label for the Miss World Australia quest.
Like Miss World Australia 2006, Sabrina Houssami, who became a Pickles & Loop devotee after she discovered the Ross twins’ creations through their website, numerous women love the enticing, versatile sleepwear made from pure cotton and other natural fibres.
“It all began when I couldn’t find any sleepwear I liked and thought: I could do something better,” says Nikki at the company’s Waverly base.
“Lisa and I started with animal prints, but our ranges have grown a lot since then – mix ‘n’ match basics, as well as a fashion-focused range and accessories.”
The Ross sisters’ emphasis on quality, comfort and fun, fresh design has proved a winner at home. Now they are eyeing the international market.
www.picklesandloop.com