Kim exhibited at the World Environment Day festival on June 28, at the Sunshine Coast University.
KIM MICHELLE is the latest Maleny resident to venture into the world of eco-industry, having launched her own certified organic leisurewear range, Cosmic Wave.
Kim’s inspiration for her range of movement and leisure wear came primarily from her background in dance. She is also sensitive to chemicals and synthetic clothing and saw a gap in the leisurewear sector for clothing that allowed freedom of movement while also being chemical-free and looking funky.
“I’m very creative in spirit and love dance and movement, and the sensory experience of this range is amazing.
“I also want to gently get the message across to be aware that when you make purchases you have a choice that has an impact on the environment. I’m not into the fashion industry, but it’s still good to have clothes that feel nice and look beautiful, as well as getting a positive message out there.
“What customers comment on is that it breathes and its comfortable to wear in changeable weather; and they especially buy the pants for travelling on planes.
“I think when people touch organic clothing or products not doused in chemicals the body speaks. Anything we put on our skin in terms of cosmetics is absorbed into our kidneys within 20 minutes. With clothing, by the time its gone from the farming process where chemicals are added to the cotton, through the production process where more chemicals are added, there’s a large toxic load on the fabric.”
A strong advocate of sustainable living, Kim wanted to produce a range of clothing that would enjoy wearing for years, rather than throw garments out or have them fall apart.
“I have created transeasonal pieces that people can wear throughout their lives and pass on, so it’s not promoting our consumer mindset and we’re not going with fashion cycles. They’re just fun, funky pieces that last and aren’t made in China.
Cosmic Wave uses certified organic cotton sourced from India and Turkey and the fabric is made in Australia using low impact eco-dyes. “The T-shirts are printed with slogans that create an awareness that the earth sustains us through the food we consume, the air we breathe and the water we drink. What we do to the earth has a direct relationship to what we do to ourselves.”
Kim sells her range at Peregian and Noosa markets, and is now happy to have it permanently stocked at Blessed Earth, in Maleny.
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