If you haven’t heard of Kulani Kinis, things are about to change.
Or if you are reading this from overseas, chances are you have already heard of the Australian swimwear label that is taking the global market by social media storm.
Founders Danielle Atkins of Sylvania and Alex Babich of Sans Souci, both 29, are the duo behind the brand.
While they are in Los Angeles for now, they call St George and Sutherland Shire home.
Designs from their online store have expanded into small boutiques across the US including Hawaii.
Their biggest claim to fame is being picked up by major retailer Forever 21, with their designs to be stocked in store from November/December 2016.
Not bad for a label that launched only in February 2015.
Tops, bottoms, active wear, one-piece and bikinis in vibrant prints are on the style menu.
But it’s the label’s social media following that is bringing in the fans – and the big bucks, with a turnover of $200,000.
Thanks to Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, the Aussie label is making waves.
With more than 45,000 followers on Instagram alone, Kulani Kinis is all about bringing affordable swimwear to the market.
Ms Atkins, a psychologist, says design is her creative outlet.
“My psych background is on hold because I do enjoy it, but this is my escapism – it’s very different,” she said.
“Kulani Kinis means ‘paradise’ – I wanted to capture that in the designs, and I was inspired by the islands.”
The designer hopes to make a break in the sandy shores of Australia.
“I would love that but it’s a harder market to crack,” she said.
“You have to be recognised elsewhere to be accepted back home.
“But when we made it through our first year I realised we were going to be around for a while.”
