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that special piece. Their body shape changes, their moods change, their emotions change, their lives changeand we change with them.”

Kim’s thirteen labels are testament to her ability to read the market and be the change the fashion industry needs. Each label targeting a specific demographic from trending youth fashion; to resort, special occasion, vintage-inspired and plus-size. Small order production means constant rotation of stock, less waste and a guarantee that you’re not likely to be wearing the same frock as anyone else.

“If I walk into stores that do mass production I have to get out, I have heart palpitations, because it’s not who I am,” Kim says. “And I am all about the fabrics - I see the fabric and I know instantly what needs to be made.”

Kim sure has her finger on the fashion pulse – walking into one of her stores you are guaranteed to find something you will never see anywhere else.

“My labels are constantly rolling out, many already in our stores, some are in sampling. We launch one label at a time as it has its own story,” she says.

“Customers will only be able to find these labels at Treasure Stores, they can google away but we are exclusive stockists of our own brands.”

Italy & Co is the stand-alone boutique and label that caters to the resort linen wear market. Located on the Esplanade Mooloolaba this business was again born out of a recognised need.

“We were manufacturing Italian linen and crinkle cottons and couldn’t keep up with the demand,” Kim says. “I import direct from 24 different Mills in Italy offering exclusive styles that are rare and unique - and hot property in a market that is mad for luxe fabrics perfect for our lifestyle, climate and travel.”

The new Treasure Store in Noosa also stocks the Italy & Co label to ensure the northern end of the coast has access to this one-of-a-kind linen.

The moment you walk into one of Kim’s boutiques you cannot help but feel happy. It’s a kaleidoscope of colour and fabulous fabric but it’s the staff that add the wow. Experienced stylists make up a large part of the retail team and they don’t miss a beat when it comes to acknowledging your presence and helping find the perfect fit.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere without my staff,” Kim explains. “I also love working in my stores. We ask our customers to try on two things so we can see the proportions on them and then we will pull the styles we know will work.

“When you give them something that they would never normally try on and they love it – that’s what gives me goosebumps – that’s why we do what we do and that’s what I love to do.”

So, with three booming boutiques and thirteen labels what is in store for this unstoppable slow fashion machine Kim Manfield?

“I have an exciting little label called Sow SewSewn from Seed which will become its own store and it’s all sustainable. I am working with plant fibre fabric,” she shares. “A lot of people are doing organic fabrics but then they’re using chemical dyes but if you are doing an organic fabric you’ve got to have organic dye. To be 100% sustainable in fashion is impossible but I am enjoying this education and can’t wait to bring this new label to the market very soon.”

While Kim is full steam ahead in the background changing the face of fashion I would get your beautiful faces into your nearest Treasure Store or Italy & Co for a retail experience that is truly something to treasure.