MEET THE MAKERS

Dressmaker, black smith, cobbler… in today’s fast fashion world are these ancient crafts still relevant? Well, these local artisans are here to prove they sure are! Handmade with diligence, love, and most importantly, style, get to know these slow fashion brands the Sunshine Coast is lucky enough to claim.

By BETHAN WARRIOR

Woven Palm

Chatting to Kim Bexton, you can tell she’s far from a traditional cobbler while still being authentically skilled as one. While learning classical shoe making techniques from an old-school maker – when it came to starting her own label, Kim’s approach was much more down-to-earth. Resonating with the laid-back Noosa lifestyle, and ensuring that shoes are wearable and durable as well as stylish, is at the core of Kim’s brand – Woven Palm, that began way back in 2014 while Kim was on maternity leave with her son. “Woven Palm slides originated around the idea of luxury handmade slides for busy women, that reflect the relaxed, natural, and salty elements known to beach lovers,” she says. Kim’s designs take inspiration from ancient civilisations stating, “the earliest sandals were very simple creations, made from natural materials like leaves, twisted vines and woven palms.” This refined simplicity is clearly shown in every beautifully constructed pair of sandals that Kim makes by hand in her Sunshine Beach studio.

WOVENPALM.COM.AU

Matilda Cove

It’s no surprise that our Noosa coastline is the birthplace to some beloved swimwear labels, including homegrown brand Matilda Cove. The brainchild of sister act Peggy Harkin and Challee O’Reilly, this dynamic duo brings equal parts creative flair and business acumen to their brand, which has undoubtedly led to their success. When discussing their design ethos, Peggy mentions, “our designs are for the modern, empowered woman – for all women. They are inspired by the beautiful Australian coastline and reflect the ‘Down Under’ casual, fun loving and confident beach culture.” A sustainable and ethical approach is also at the heart of this sun-soaked brand. “Our label is committed to a consciously eco-humanistic business model which means everything we do and everything we stand for involves a respect for the environment and for the people,” Peggy says. “We oppose mass production which depletes resources, exploits people, and ruins the environment. We have sourced luxury quality fabrics made from recycled ocean waste – fishing nets, this means a cleaner ocean with every garment sold.” MATILDACOVE.COM.AU

Jolie Femme

As a Noosa native, Isabelle Campbell is a local go-getter you need to know! With a truly wonderful and unique concept, Isabelle’s brand Jolie Femme sources gorgeous vintage bed linen and transforms them intro completely customised, gloriously feminine tea dresses. “Jolie Femme began with a vision of reducing our impact on the earth whilst creating beautiful, feminine garments. I took a year with a pledge to buy nothing new. No new clothes, shoes, and so on. During this time my passion for sustainability and the importance of looking after our mother earth really resonated with me. My mother is a talented seamstress and taught me to sew as a little girl. The first Jolie Femme dress was created in 2020 and very quickly I began sending dresses all over the world,” says Isabelle. Each dress that Isabelle creates is slowly and lovingly hand cut and sewn to order, making each piece completely customisable. Listing new fabrics on her site weekly, customers can choose their own vintage print, pick their desired silhouette, add extra details such as buttons, bows, and frills, and send over their measurements for Isabelle to lovingly create by hand.

JOLIEFEMMESTORE.COM

Lily & May

Lily Mayfield has been crafting her beautiful handmade jewellery since grade seven…talk about a child prodigy! As Lily grew, so did her design aesthetic, developing into the refined coastal adornments she is now known for. By grade twelve she was working as a casual employee at beloved Noosa boutique CLO Studios, where she took guidance and support from local design maven Chloe Tozer, who would later become a cherished stockist of Lily & May pieces. Lily’s pieces embrace a connective approach to the ocean and shoreline lifestyle. Using Australian-sourced freshwater pearls and shells, Lily’s pieces reflect the colours of a beachscape with beautiful whites, beiges, corals, and blue hues.

Rebuffing mass-production, each of Lily’s glistening pieces are devotedly made in her Noosa home and as Lily puts it “I feel today everyone has the same of everything, I love the idea that no two pieces are the same as everyone deserves their own uniqueness.” LILYANDMAY.COM.AU

Autumn by the sea never looked so cosy! This season we’re taking to earthen hues, soft textures, and indulging in small luxuries that remind us to cherish our peace of mind.