Kultcha Collective
Story & photos Eve Jeffery
Kaidee Peel is no stranger to north coast culture. Born and raised around the Coffs Harbour area, Kaidee and her own growing family have been living on the far north coast for five years.
Kaidee, who studied fashion after she left school, previously had a self-titled label in Coffs but when she met husband, Bulan in the Byron area, they joined romantic and creative forces and with baby Inca, Kultcha Collective was born.
‘We just had so many ideas together that we started working on creating pieces together, I taught him the basics of sewing and then he got right into it as well and we were constantly brainstorming. We’d be waking up in the morning and having a cup of tea and then, “Oh! You know what we could do? We could try this,” or whatever. He’s really fun to take fabric shopping too, which is quite a surprise. He won’t come clothes shopping but when it comes to fabric shopping we are definitely on the same page.’
Kultcha Collective is a women’s clothing and jewellery label which draws its inspiration from cultures globally. Kaidee and Bulan use hand-carved beads and unique fabric dying and printing techniques along with new embellishments and manufacturing techniques from around the world.
Kultcha Collective has been enjoying success at the local markets, including Byron Bay, Bangalow, The Channon and Burleigh Heads, along with festivals like Splendour In The Grass, Island Vibe and Woodford. Kaidee says there are also some retail outlets for the collection. ‘We have some smaller boutiques stocking the range including Braurbirds in Bangalow, Nami in Byron Bay, Gypsy Stone in Mooloolaba, E Degrees in Coffs Harbour as well as a couple of stockists in the US and we are really excited because we have just picked up a wholesaler in France.’
Kaidee says the customer favourites change with the seasons but at this point in time the suede shorts are very popular. ‘We have a new collection that we create three times a year and we also have our staple pieces which we carry on through and we are always adding and changing things.
‘We are doing a whole range of jackets for this winter, we have quite a few different designs. We see it as being the star of an outfit and wearing something simple underneath.’
Kultcha Collective has a broad range of jewellery items but does invite bespoke orders and Kaidee says she really enjoys working that way. ‘We have done some special pieces for stage performers. Deya Dova wears a couple of our pieces. I like to collaborate and make something really special for someone. I love to go wild and just make something out there. That’s where my creativity gets a run.’
Kaidee says that next on the Kultcha Collective list is an expansion into accessories which will include shoes and hats.
Kultcha Collective is expanding their online and wholesale market place as the business continues to grow.
www.kultcha.com.au
