Katelyn Aslett - Australian Fashion Designer

'Joyful' is certainly the best word to describe Katelyn's creations, and it is one she used to describe her exciting display in New York. Katelyn's 'Joyful ' collection at G'day USA was well received and created much interest with US buyers.

Katelyn is setting fashion trends for 2009 with her joyful styles that stand out with colour and light. She works with wool and other natural fabrics including recycled materials to create fashion garments, often described as joyful wearable artworks.

Kate's creations are all hand crafted from natural materials and hand died at her Townsville studio overlooking the city. From there they quickly find their way to select outlets in France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Singapore, as well as the USA, New Zealand and Australia.

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!

"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."

"I am now back into full on production mode with orders to get out and lots of great colours to dye up%u2026 the studio is a buzz of action with the dye pots simmering and new pieces being laid out. The new cardigans are so beautiful each time I finish one I just have to look at it and smile like a new special friend. I don't know if I will be able to part with them%u2026."

Katelyn is busy putting together a new and exciting collection to be shown in a parade on Monday evening 24th August, as part of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival during Brisbane Fashion Week.

This image was taken at the Singapore EcoLux Fashion Festival in 2007.

Katelyn uses the ancient process of felting; a fabric is crated by fusing and pounding natural fibres together. Her work is all hand crafted wool and silk designs and this range was based on the theme "floral abundance", a profusion of color and texture.

In this range Katelyn Aslett used some recycled silk, chiffon, organic wool and cashmere, all hand dyed with low impact dyes.

Each piece is totally unique and a one of design, No two pieces can ever be the same as wool fibres and silk take on their own integrity. More than a fashion item it is a work of art to be loved for its uniqueness.