The eyes of the world are on Katelyn Aslett: a north Queensland designer who’s putting regional Australia on the international fashion map.

Based in Townsville, Kate is designer with a conscience. She produces collections that manipulate recycled fabrics – fabrics that would otherwise end up in landfill – and constructs them into wearable fashion artworks that are 'Joyful' – joyful not just to her, but to fashion industry big-wigs across the globe.

A child who always experimented with textiles and colour and putting things together, Kate says fashion design was “just always a part of me”. She's worked in the past as a community worker in Kenya and homewares designer, but it’s only been in the last five years that she has focused seriously on running and promoting her successful international fashion operation from her north Queensland office. The mother of two has already established markets for her fashion ranges in the USA, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Singapore and New Zealand!

Kate returned to Townsville late last week, fresh from her foray into New York's fashion scene, where she produced a strong showing for her exciting fashion range ‘Joyful’ at a major fashion event as part of G'Day USA Australia Week 2009. On Monday, she met with Queensland’s Minister for Trade, John Mickel, to discuss Queensland fashion exporting challenges and opportunities.

“I find it wonderful living in a regional area because it keeps my designs clear,” says Kate, who has so many ideas, she wishes there were five of her. “I’m not having other designs and ideas always in front of me so I keep my own unique flow.”

Kate specialises in the craft of felting and hand dying (in small batches to avoid waste) and uses natural materials that she believes give a sense of joy and well-being when her pieces are worn. “This is all part of making the world more connected and joyful and less unkind and harsh,” she says.

The Joyful winter collection - the range which helped her to win a Townsville Regional Export Award in 2006 - comprises of colourful cardigans, snugly shift tops and dresses (pictured below) with soft wool edges, sculptural and tactile with an emphasis on recycled wool and silk fabrics and natural fibres, re-worked and re-dyed into wearable art. She does some gorgeous Origami Wraps, and the new Many Petalled Skirt, which is well suited to New York's cold winters.

“I have a very strong idea that we all need to make as many changes in our lives to protect our environment and humanity,” she says. “People need to feel nurtured and love and respect is also very necessary. I don't think we can put the environment in a box- it is about the interconnectedness of well being, respect and kindness....I use recycled materials and make them reloved.”

Katelyn Aslett's participation in the New York event showcasing her winter collection Joyful was supported by Queensland Governor, Her Excellency Penelope Wensley AO.

The Minister for Trade congratulated Katelyn on her success in New York: the G’day Australia show was attended by major US retail buyers including representatives from Barneys, Barneys Co-op, Searle and Henri Bendel, along with fashion media Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Elle.com, Marie Claire, InStyle, Lucky and Women's Wear Daily. There, she attracted the interest of a number of buyers and an agent in the USA, provided samples to a Canadian buyer and even sold some of her product to those in attendance.

“New York was a fabulous experience,” she says. “It gave me some fabulous contacts, some good press and the beginning of relationships with stores that I really love and can relate to. It was lovely to see the real reaction to my Joyful collection - the happiness and whimsy and colour. People can see the integrity and the craftsmanship and that is always a good feeling. I have a major travel mag doing a cover shoot with one of the recycled cardis and that will be great!”

Best of all, she absolutely loves what she does. “My ideas and designs make me happy- it doesn't often feel like work because the making fills me with so many WOW moments that I feel really connected to my internal self and find it a very joyful process.”

Katelyn is now planning a second US visit this year to build on the market understanding, the relationships and contacts she established through participating in the G'Day USA event. Go girl!

Posted: Wednesday February 4, 2009