Kuwaii
Kuwaii is a Melbourne womenswear label founded in 2008 by designer Kristy Barber. It makes clothing in small runs within 15 kilometres of its Brunswick studio and sells through its own Melbourne stores and online.
| Founded | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kristy Barber |
| Studio | Brunswick, Melbourne |
| Production | Made locally in small editions |
| Website | kuwaii.com.au |
What is Kuwaii?
Kuwaii is a Melbourne fashion label founded in 2008 by designer Kristy Barber, who launched it straight after fashion school. Its head office and studio are in Brunswick.
History
Kuwaii ran as a wholesale business until 2011, when it opened its Brunswick studio to the public. It added a store in the Cathedral Arcade in Melbourne's CBD in 2014 and a third store on Smith Street, Fitzroy, in 2018.
Products and positioning
The label releases two main collections a year, spring and summer and autumn and winter. Production is deliberately small and local:
- Each style is made in limited editions
- Garments are made within 15 kilometres of the Brunswick head office
- Offcut materials from larger factories are used in production
Distribution
Kuwaii shifted from wholesale towards direct retail, selling through its own Melbourne stores and its online store.
Why it matters
Kuwaii is an example of local manufacturing in Australian fashion. Its move from wholesale to its own stores, combined with small runs and reused materials, reflects a model built around transparency and limited production.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kuwaii made?
Kuwaii garments are made in Melbourne, within 15 kilometres of the brand's Brunswick head office.
Who founded Kuwaii?
Kuwaii was founded in 2008 by designer Kristy Barber.