Sustainable fashion shines awards

Kamara, a Townsville-based swimwear brand, wins silver at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2024 for its commitment to ethical, sustainable fashion and local manufacturing in Australia.

Naomi Collings is the Townsville-based founder of swim brand Kamara PHOTO: CITRINE STUDIOS

Townsville-based swimwear brand has been recognized as a silver winner at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2024, an accolade that highlights Kamara’s commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Clean + Conscious Awards, which are known for celebrating brands that uphold values of transparency and responsibility.

Kamara’s achievement reflects the growing consumer demand for authenticity in products and the brand’s dedication to these principles from the very beginning.

Naomi Collings, the founder of Kamara, emphasises the importance of these values.

“The values of being clean and conscious are central to Kamara’s mission.

KAMARA ONYX One Piece PHOTO: ROB HOOKEY

“These principles guide everything we do from designing pieces that last multiple seasons and selecting sustainable materials like Econyl and Repreve, which are regenerated from waste to producing our swimwear locally in Australia.”

Naomi said the approach ensured ethical manufacturing and reduced the brand’s environmental impact by avoiding offshore production and overproduction, a major contributor to waste in the fashion industry.

“Transparency and accountability are also key; our customers can trust that their swimwear is produced under ethical conditions and built to last, promoting Sustainability. As a values-focused brand, we are deeply committed to celebrating Indigenous culture through respectful collaborations and supporting charitable causes that reflect our focus.”

The ONYX One Piece, a highlight of Kamara’s line, embodies the brand’s dedication to low-impact fashion.

Naomi describes it as “more than just swimwear, it’s a sustainable style solution for looking and feeling your best while treading lightly on the planet.”

By manufacturing locally in Australia, Kamara not only maintains ethical standards but also significantly reduces their carbon footprint.

The brand’s strategic approach to small-scale production helps avoid the pitfalls of fast fashion, which often leads to overproduction and waste.

Naomi highlights this in her remarks about the brand’s dedication to mindful consumption: “Our designs are timeless and durable, encouraging customers to choose quality over quantity.”

Kamara is an award-winning Townsville-based swim wear brand

Looking to the future, Kamara plans to expand its positive impact through new partnerships and community engagement.

“We’re also increasing our community engagement efforts, supporting environmental conservation and social justice causes through charitable contributions.”

These initiatives align with Kamara’s educational campaigns focused on sun safety and skin health, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to consumer education.

As Kamara continues its journey, the brand remains committed to sustainable innovation and meaningful engagement, poised to inspire others and set new standards in the fashion industry

“For a brand like ours that started out wanting to ‘do good’ with the space we were taking up in fashion - sometimes faced with laughing peers and advisers flat out telling us we were doing it wrong - to now being celebrated for sticking to these values is so rewarding.”

Naomi also acknowledges the role of consumers in driving positive change within the industry:

“When shopping, Sustainability and ethical importance can only be steered by consumers, so it is encouraging to see shoppers drive change.”

She underscores Kamara’s success as demonstrative of their mission to “impact the sun-protection gap... [and] help consumers to care about their skin.”

The recognition from the Clean + Conscious Awards not only affirms Kamara’s efforts in promoting ethical fashion but also bolsters customer trust and loyalty.

“Winning the Clean + Conscious Award is a validation of KAMARA’s efforts in ethical and sustainable fashion, strengthening customer trust and loyalty.”

To support this local business, go to kamara.com.au

Originally published as Sustainable fashion shines awards