In the lead-up to Cairns Fashion Week this June, we have chatted with some of the creative minds behind the upcoming runway shows, which are set to be at the forefront of Australian and international fashion, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of tropical Far North Queensland.
Label: April Marie Swimwear
Tell us a bit about your label.
My fashion journey began when I thought of the idea to print Australian land and seascapes onto Lycra swimwear. In the pumpkin room on our farm in Victoria, I used the old dial-up internet and researched and found a direct to the fabric printing business in Denmark!
As luck would have it they were sending that machine to a business 30 minutes from my place.
Designer juices flowed into animal and nature images. I was adamant it would all be Australian made.
What has your journey been like to get to this point in your fashion career?
An advertisement in Vogue Magazine prompted many other publications to reach out. My designs even graced the body of Jennifer Hawkins in a feature spread Cleo Magazine published. We participated in several fashion weeks and trade shows.
As a mother of 3 young children, it was tough – I knew nothing about the industry, but I made it happen.
The Covid pandemic in Melbourne was tough. No manufacturing forced me to look overseas, however, I waited till it was over, and as a family we decided to pack up and move to Townsville.
Cairns was an obvious step, and as my swimwear has a beautiful Great Barrier Reef print, we are partnering with "Save the reef! campaign and are donating proceeds from the sale of that swimwear range.
How did you come to be involved in the inaugural Cairns Fashion Week?
We are now proud to be a North Queensland Brand, and Cairns Fashion Week is our first show in the region. We are in the Podium Showcase Thursday 22nd June. We are showing for the first time our new REEF TO RESTAURANT dress which is made from Lycra so you can swim and then head straight into cocktail hour.
It will be available in all our signature prints. It’s a real hit and a must-see.
What excites you most about Cairns Fashion Week?
It's exciting and we are committed to Australia-made and all fundraising affiliated with our beautiful natural country.
Get your tickets here to see April Marie Swimwear and other talented designers at Cairns Fashion Week.
Fashion Weekly is proud to partner with Cairns Fashion Week to bring you these exclusive designer spotlights.
