Kooey swimwear to echo worldwide

When you live in an area that houses one of Australia's most famous beaches, it's hard not to be inspired by the cossies on show.
With this in mind, Broome-based designer Joanne Pellew - who happens to live mere kilometres from Western Australia's Cable Beach - is gearing up for the nationwide launch of her own swimwear brand 'Kooey'.
While she's made the odd bikini for her daughters before, Pellew said this is the first time she has chosen to push her line across the Australian market. Several years of trading in small market stalls and on eBay have also prepared her for the rigors of running her own business, she said.
"I have learnt about nearly every aspect of the industry, probably more so than if I was working for someone else within the industry."
Having officially launched her line at the recent Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, Pellew said she wanted to secure a host of national and international clients for the brand.
"I [had] quite a few appointments booked with both local and international buyers during the week so I'm hoping for a positive outcome."
Priced from $50 for separates to $120 for one-piece swimsuits, the designer's spring/summer 2007/08 collection draws its inspiration from Pellew's indigenous heritage. Manufactured in Perth, it includes a range of swimsuits, kaftans and tops in Aboriginal, floral and natural prints.
The prints are on pre-treated lycra; meaning greater resistance against colour fading, Pellew said.
Targeted at a broad female market, the swimwear line is currently stocked in select boutiques in Perth and Queensland; with a view to plump up Kooey's stockist base in both area. The designer said she eventually hopes to approach the Australian Olym"As soon as you look at a Kooey swimsuit, you automatically know it's Australian. The main theme was and will always be the subtle influence of Australian indigenous culture combined with the vibrant [local] florals."