Luella Australia is a local swimwear label handmade solely by emerging designer and seamstress Imogen Lane. At just 24-years-old, Imogen has studied three years of advanced clothing and textile design, before launching her exclusive swimwear range.

The label was inspired by Imogen’s young daughter, Kendall after Imogen began designing mother/daughter swimwear to match the pieces she was hand-making for her toddler. Today, the range includes modelling/stage bikinis embellished with Swarovski crystals, yoga wear, crop tops, a baby and children range and beach swimwear. Living on the Sunshine Coast for most of her life and residing in Coolum Beach sees Imogen draw design inspiration from her surrounds, and her swimwear, from one-pieces to bikinis, is the perfect fit for our relaxed beach lifestyle.

Life changing milestone 1: My first sewing machine
When I was about eight or nine-years-old I remember my parents buying me a sewing machine. It was a second-hand Singer, but it worked perfectly! I taught myself the basics and made bags and other small gifts for friends and family. I would always ask to go to the local craft store and spend my pocket money on fabrics, buttons and trims.

Life changing milestone 2: My first fashion show
When I was 12-years-old, some of our teachers at school organised a fashion show for charity. I made a couple of outfits and my friends modelled them. All of the parents came to watch, it was a great fundraiser.

Life changing milestone 3: Studying make-up artistry
Initially when I finished high school I completed studies in make-up artistry during 2009 to 2010. Make-up artistry was great, it allowed me to have fun experimenting with colours and testing my creativity. I believe this inspired me and lead me to a career in fashion.

Life changing milestone 4: Studying Advanced Fashion Design
After studying make-up artistry, I went on to complete a three-year full time fashion design diploma from 2010 to 2012, at the Mooloolaba TAFE. It was a great course, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get into the fashion industry.

Life changing milestone 5: Pregnancy
In 2013 we welcomed our beautiful daughter Kendall into the world. Now aged one-and-a-half she is a pleasure, I can't imagine life without her. She is so much fun, extremely energetic and always smiling. In 2014 I started making swimwear for Kendall and then created matching ones for myself. I had a lot of interest from other mothers on the Coast about my new designs.