A swimwear designer with no formal qualifications in the fashion industry was shocked to find Kourtney Kardashian wearing her one-of-a-kind 80s style pieces online.
Leia Perini, who lives in Perth, Western Australia, first had the idea for Loleia Swim when she was 18, inspired by her trips to the vintage stores in Brick Lane, London but it took another eight years for her to have the confidence to bring her unique swim style to market.
‘Those [vintage stores] always had the most amazing bright 80s bikinis. I would always think to myself, why can’t I find prints like this online or in stores?’ The now 26-year-old told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I knew there was a gap in the market but being 18 and a little naïve I talked myself out of taking the leap of faith to start my own business. Fast forward to 2020 and I finally dived in.’
On Wednesday Kourtney’s lifestyle website Poosh posted a photo of the Kardashian star in the Meet Me In St Lucia print, which is still available on the Loleia Swim website.
On Wednesday Kourtney’s lifestyle website Poosh posted a photo of the Kardashian star in the Meet Me In St Lucia print, which is still available on the Loleia Swim website
Leia Perini, who lives in Perth, Western Australia, first had the idea for Loleia Swim when she was 18, inspired by her trips to the vintage stores in Brick Lane, London (Isabelle Mathers pictured)
‘ Loleia was born to pay homage to the freedom and vibrancy of the 80s and 90s. A time where the fashion was loud, the prints were bold and the energy was unmatched,’ the website reads
Leia was surprised by the attention given it had been months since she sent designs to Kourtney and Kendall Jenner’s stylists.
Her fans were in awe of the incredible success, as the brand prepares for its Afterpay sale.
‘Loleia was born to pay homage to the freedom and vibrancy of the 80s and 90s. A time where the fashion was loud, the prints were bold and the energy was unmatched,’ the website reads.
‘Loleia is bringing this back to the present moment, with colourful original graphics designed here in Australia with local artists.’
Each of Leia’s designs are made from scratch so her customers – of which there are already thousands 12 months in – know they are purchasing something truly special.
Each of Leia’s designs are made from scratch so her customers – of which there are already thousands 12 months in – know they are purchasing something truly special
Its popularity was almost immediate with Loleia selling out of two styles on its debut in November last year.
‘It was so crazy, from then we really haven’t looked back. We have had so much support from some amazing influencers as well,’ she said.
Those influencers include Australian fitness icon Tammy Hembrow, Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis and models Saskia Teje and Isabelle Mathers.
Her most popular design is Midnight in St Tropez, which is a mixture of deep blue florals contrasted with bright yellow accents.
Its popularity was almost immediate with Loleia selling out of two styles on its debut in November last year
Having worked in retail since she was 16 Leia doesn’t feel as though her lack of qualification makes her any less of a designer in the fashion industry
According to Leia it’s the print that really ‘put them on the map’, and started appearing in fast fashion stores within three months of launching.
‘I guess imitation is the highest form of flattery,’ she said.
Having worked in retail since she was 16 Leia doesn’t feel as though her lack of qualification makes her any less of a designer in the fashion industry.
‘I am a firm believer that you can’t teach creativity or a go-getter attitude. Two essential traits of running a successful business,’ she said.
Her most popular design is Midnight in St Tropez, which is a mixture of deep blue florals contrasted with bright yellow accents (Leia pictured in the design)
And all of her hard work behind-the-scenes is certainly paying off, with the rising star quitting her part-time job, purchasing an office space and hiring two staff with the money she has made from her collections.
This is only just the beginning for the superstar brand, which will restock its online store in a matter of days.
‘We are so excited to be dropping our first range of apparel early next year. We have some cute dresses, sets, baby tees and more,’ Leia said.