Australian swimwear label Kooey will unveil its first ever full men’s collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, ahead of plans to go global.
The WA-based label, established in 2008, has traditionally focused on women’s swimwear but is now preparing to launch a complete men’s collection, which will include swimwear, resortwear and accessories.
The range, which will also be seen at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami, will make its Australian debut on May 2 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia and comprises 18 pieces in total, including boardshorts, rashvests, T-shirts, polos, pants and shorts. The collection will be available in Australian stores from July 2012, at prices ranging from $55 for swimwear to $89 for polos, and up to $149 for pants, with accessories priced from $40 to $85.
Kooey Australia designer & operations director Nikki Silverthorne said the addition of men's swimwear and apparel to the product stable was made possible due to the acquisition of WA-based surfing brand, West Surfing Products, in September last year. She also said the addition marks the first of many developments in store for the label this year.
“Kooey has previously designed select men’s pieces for their collection and has always wanted to launch a full men's collection. Because of the acquisition of WA-based surfing brand, West Surfing Products, and the merger of the two labels under the umbrella company Brandwest, Kooey have now been able to work closely with a design team and manufacturers that have been producing quality men’s swimwear and apparel for 30 years,” she said.
“In June this year, Kooey will also launch its first collaborative line, designed by current Miss Universe Australia, Scherri-Lee Biggs, to coincide with the Miss Universe Australia final. Scherri-Lee’s range is our high summer range and the one-off collection will be available for purchase from September onwards.”
Silverthorne also revealed that the brand is exploring options for a retail roll-out and overseas expansion.
“We are working on a plan to expand with our main focus being boutiques and department stores. We also have a few things in the works for expansion in Australia that we are currently are keeping under wraps. However, we definitely plan to expand into other countries and are currently aiming to enter into three new markets within the next six months and 15 in the next year,” she said.
Daniela Aroche