Who knew that Australia’s west coast had a flourishing generation of creative fashionistas? Certainly not anyone on the east coast, that’s for sure! With that said, meet one of Perth’s rising stars Bree Kiddey, the young designer behind an imaginative and quirky label that’s making waves across the nation, Bim Kenesis.

What inspired you to study design? I always knew that this is what I wanted to do from an early age, I’m not sure it was even a conscious decision, just something I felt compelled to venture into. I wanted to do something creative and not get stuck behind a desk for the rest of my life.

Has it been difficult to get the label and up and running when you’re based in Perth? It has been slightly more difficult than starting up in the eastern States. It’s often harder to source fabrics and secure production. We are also quite far away from the most of the media so there are fewer opportunities to be in the press. However, being in Perth also means you’re free to do own thing and you’re not so caught up in what everyone else is doing. It is both a blessing and a curse.

What does the name of the label represent? Bim Kenesis is a play on my name; I think it sums up the labels style. It’s fun, quirky and energetic. I like the way it all sounds together.

Where do you gather your inspiration for each season’s collection? Usually at the start of a season I look at what I am interested in at the moment. It makes it easier and more interesting when you can choose things you’re excited about working on and researching. Any topic or interest can be used as a start point. Then I start to research that idea for print, pattern and silhouette inspiration.

What influenced your most recent collection “Electric Landscapes”? Its inspiration comes from all things electric -including atoms, magnetic fields and lightning, as well as from diverse sources such as 1980’s sweater patterns, to urban landscape photography. I wanted to convey that sense of energy at Bim Kenesis into the new seasons work.There are two prints in the winter 08 collection. The yardage print is based on electric transformers, cables and wiring. Whilst the second placement print is based on an electron and is what I imagine they would look like in cartoon form.

What would be your most favourite piece of all your collections? It seems mean to play favourites, especially over so many seasons. For this winters collection my favourites would have to be the "Circuit breaker dress"- a great silhouette and you can wear it to any event!

How do you choose colours and fabrics? Mostly colours and fabrics are chosen with the season’s theme in mind. However, it is also important to choose colours that suit people and that my customers like to wear. It also depends on the season. For winter it’s usually deeper richer colours in heavier fabrics and for summer a lighter palette is better. I always try and stick to natural fibres in summer.

How would you describe your ideal customer? People who don’t want to look like everyone else, girls who express themselves through what they wear. They like to play with their image and aren’t afraid to change their look depending on their mood.

What’s the best thing about Perth?   Fresh air and plenty of room! Long hot summers and the beach. The best thing about being a Perth designer is being slightly removed from the bigger industry; it’s good for the labels creative outlook.

How do you feel when you see pieces of your collection featured in magazines? Or someone on the street wearing it? Opening a magazine and seeing your clothes in it is a real thrill, as you know thousands of other people will be doing the same. The first time I saw someone in one of my pieces I was so excited. I couldn’t believe that they had actually gone into a shop and decided that they had to have that piece. Every time I see someone wearing a Bim Kenesis piece I still have that feeling, it never goes away.

What has been the most satisfying aspect of your design journey so far? Bim Kenesis going international last summer was very exciting. Every time Bim Kenesis has picked up a new stockist is also a really great achievement. This year it has been satisfying to see the label getting some more exposure in the media both locally and nationally. Also Bim Kenesis being short listed for the SOYA awards this year too.

How do you spend your weekends? I like to write lists about how much work I have to do next week.

What advice would you give to aspiring young designers? Do as much work experience as you can, in any part of the industry. It will save you from learning it yourself the hard way!  

 For stockist information and to view Bree's collection check out: www.bimkenesis.com.au