Meet Elizabeth

You could say from a young age, clothes were the cornerstone of my life. Delving into the dress-up’s box filled with hand-me-downs from my Mum, my sisters, and other pre-loved gems,  I spent countless hours with my friends: clothes. I was a quiet child, often opting out of conversations, not feeling confident to speak up. However, I found confidence in expressing myself through the clothes I chose to wear. They became my super power, my friends, helping me to speak louder than I ever could.

When I was five years old, my Mum asked what I wanted to decorate myself with for the annual Book Week - Little Blue Riding Hood …of course! My Mum kindly knitted a blue hooded cape which felt like love, wonder and adventure. Others didn’t understand - it wasn’t red, but I didn’t care, and from that moment I realised that clothes had the power to embody my identity.

Fast forward and I was now in my 20’s and doing my thing, studying Environmental Science at University. One day, blissfully meandering down the street, I was again struck with love and awe. I looked through the window and saw fashion students busily spinning mannequins, adorning with toiles of all shapes and silhouettes, it took my breath away. I promptly enrolled.

Now, I could never find swimwear that fitted me properly. With my long torso and preference for one-pieces, swimwear was just never long enough, giving me um…you know. At the time there was not much diversity in design or sizing, so I began pattern-making and sewing bespoke swimwear. I felt so much joy and connection by intimately working with women to create pieces that embodied them.

I also realised I wasn't alone - others too had their own rules and limits for dressing just like I did, whether these were shaped by experiences or society; others too had wavering relationships with their bodies, often unkind; and others too had a thirst for self-expression in a world where they didn’t feel represented.