Melbourne-based label Kookai will relaunch its swimwear line and introduce an exclusive range of branded sunglasses in a bid to boost its summer product offering.
The brand, which currently operates 30 stores across Australia and New Zealand, has not released a line of swimwear for approximately 10 years, since Kookai Paris sold its swimwear and lingerie licence to the Gazal Group.
Kookai Australia bought the licence rights back from Kookai Paris three years ago and since then has focused on building the label’s lingerie line, but Kookai managing director Robert Cromb said the company will now shift its attention to relaunching swimwear and expanding into sunglasses and optics via a collaboration with Australian eyewear company Bluroptix.
“Our colourful basics collection has always proven successful as the core of our business, and swimwear was once an integral part of this, so we are excited to be relaunching this range and be able to offer it to our consumers at an affordable price point,” he said.
“In regards to the sunglass capsule – we felt it complemented the swimwear and fashion collections and Bluroptix’s provided us with the perfect eyewear specialist to bring this fashion forward yet affordable line to life. The quality to price level also made it a strong collaboration opportunity so we are looking forward to seeing the range in store.”
The new lines are set to drop into stores next month in time for the summer season, and product will retail from $90 to $149 for sunglasses and from $70 for swimwear. Kookai sunglasses will be available in 20 styles, in key colours of nude, aqua, black, and tortoiseshell, with the swimwear collection to debut in five styles comprised of 23 pieces. The Kookai swimwear will also incorporate three printed fabrics taken from popular designs from the fashion collection, and will feature bright block colours including peacock, purple and black.
Both categories will also soon be available for purchase online with Cromb revealing that Kookai is working towards launching an e-store this year.
“Future plans include a return to store focus – as we look set to refurbish some of our existing boutiques in NSW, VIC and WA to deliver a consistent shopping experience for our customer, as well as opening a new store in Brisbane. We are also launching an e-commerce store towards the end of the year. Exciting times,” Cromb said.
