Kobu Talks to The West Australian
A truck-driving swimwear model turned fashion designer is set to showcase her latest swim collection on an international runway at Miami Swim Week.
Former Kalgoorlie-Boulder local Amanda Hinchcliffe’s Kobu Collective Swimwear will be the only Australian swimwear brand representing local shores at The Shows next month, where she will launch her latest collection.
Ms Hinchcliffe founded Kobu Swim in 2018, eight years after being crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic International — the first Australian to win the prize in 27 years — and released her first line during the pandemic in 2021.
She said despite living in the red dirt, she had always wanted to be a swimwear model and creating her own line just flowed from that dream.
“I’m going to be doing unique designs that will turn heads, and it’s not just your regular bikinis — they’re like swimwear fashion,” she said.
“I really focus on sustainability, and I’m a lover of the ocean, I feel at peace when I’m in the ocean and I love the marine life, so (using) recycled materials and reducing marine waste is something that really resonates with me.
“I’ve been working on this collection for over a year now ... and high quality and attention to detail is something that I’m very particular with.”
Ms Hinchcliffe said going to Fashion Week was something she had always wanted to do, with this new collection a true representation of her style.
“I just knew that I wanted to elevate my brand in a way that I have never done before,” she said.
“I’ve also been a swimwear model in the past, and I’ve always wanted to be in that fashion world, so for me to be able to take that step and that challenge into going to Swim Week, I just knew it was the right time for me to take my brand to that next level.
“This brings out my true identity of what I’m trying to show for what Kobu is all about. I had my ups and downs leading towards where I am now and so this is purely me, everything is done from the ground up.
“What (customers) can expect in this new collection is slim lines, high-cuts, high necklines, sheer-mesh vibes, the next in fashion swimwear flair and it’s going to be elegant with a touch of spice.”
Ms Hinchcliffe said she was excited to meet other designers, entrepreneurs and models in the fashion world to explore new ideas and bring the latest trends from across the world back to local shores.
Fans in Australia can see the first look at the new Kobu collection via the Miami Swim Week The Shows Instagram page on the morning of July 8.
Ms Hinchcliffe will also be sharing the details on her Instagram, as well as on the Kobu Swim socials.