SUTHERLAND Shire boys Ryan Lehmann and James Prier are putting Cronulla on the radar across the US with their labels that are digging a nice little spot in the market.
The creators of Handsome Me and Straps Accessories have not been around for too long but the future is looking bright and breezy.
Ryan, 28, is the name behind men's shirt label Handsome Me.
Launched in mid-2012, it was built on a love of surf, travel, art and living a life of freedom.
A carpenter by trade, Ryan lived in Bali where he learnt the ropes of pattern-making and manufacturing from trips to the fabric markets.
His designs scream summer — sail boats, anchors and palm leaves, and there is the occasional wolf, gun and stripe print alongside a random flamingo or pirate (hipster top-knot not included).
The label is stocked at Days Like These at Cronulla, and online.
Ryan introduced his designs to the US at the largest trade show in the world — MAGIC Las Vegas this year.
He was joined by trade-veteran James, 27, who has an office in West Hollywood.
Their separate ventures came together at the trade show, which is attended by surf, ski and other retailers who are looking for that next big thing in fashion.
Hospitality manager James tackles the seemingly difficult niche of sunglass straps.
Forget daggy dads of the 1980s, these fluoro and leather add-ons are pretty crafty, and they will set you back only about 10 bucks.
"It's re-inventing the market," James said. "It was a hated product for young people, but I'm trying to make them cool again by blending fashion with function."
Details: handsome-me.com and strapstore.com.au
Stylishly active
ACTIVE-WEAR designer Tiffany Shein, of Cronulla, recently launched her website.
Targeted at women who want comfy, functional and stylish fitness gear, her label Chasing Willow is hitting a nice mark in the online shopping workout world.
Best of all, it's all made onshore in Aussie land. Self-taught designer Tiffany, 25, runs the label as a side venture to her full-time job working for a production company.
She is studying to be a personal trainer like her partner, who owns a gym at Menai.
Chasing Willow was named after Tiffany's niece, Willow. Tiffany describes her garments as "innovative."
"All material is ocean-proof — from saltwater and chlorine," she said.
"And the tights are mesh from the knee down, which is great for girls who want the feel of shorts."
Details: chasingwillow.com and on Facebook and Instagram.