Behind the effortless bohemian style of Kivari lies the creative spirit of its founder, Kiki. Born from a love of travel, art, and timeless femininity, Kivari is an Australian fashion label that has carved out a distinctive space in the global fashion scene. Known for its flowing silhouettes, earthy tones, and handcrafted details, the brand reflects Kiki’s personal style and passion for creating pieces that celebrate freedom and individuality. From humble beginnings at local markets to becoming a sought-after label worn by women worldwide, Kiki’s journey is one of creativity, resilience, and a clear vision brought to life.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself & your background. 

I grew up in a coastal town on Queensland’s Gold Coast. From a young age, I was drawn to the ocean, with much of my time spent surfing and travelling. Prior to KIVARI, I worked as a flight attendant and later as a radiographer - both roles that shaped my perspective and deepened my appreciation for creativity, travel and connection. 

Can you tell us about how you came to set up the brand Kivari & what are the true brand values? 

My journey in fashion began at a young age, inspired by my mother who taught me how to sew - a craft that soon evolved into a deeper creative passion. While traveling on surf trips to Indonesia, I began designing and making garments inspired by the places I visited. I started selling at the local markets, and the success of those early market days gave me the confidence to turn my vision into what is now KIVARI. 

What does a typical week in the office look like for you? 

No two days are ever the same - and that’s the beauty of it.  I’m deeply involved in the 
creative. My time is centred around shaping the design direction - from conceptualising new collections and refining prints to ensuring each piece reflects the spirit of our muse. I work closely with our marketing team to bring those stories to life - through brand storytelling for upcoming launches. Campaign shoots are always a personal highlight - where the creative vision of each collection is brought to life

What’s one thing you swore you’d never do as a brand, but ended up doing anyway as you evolved? 

In the beginning, I believed I had to do it all - every decision, every detail. KIVARI was so personal, and I felt deeply connected to every part of the process. But as the brand grew, I realised the true power was in building a creative, capable team who shared the same vision. Letting go of certain controls was challenging, but ultimately transformative. It’s given me the space to focus on what I love most - the creative - while watching the brand evolve beyond what I could have imagined on my own. 

If your brand were a person at a party, what kind of energy would they bring? 

She’s the woman who walks in with effortless confidence - captivating and fun. She’s not the loudest in the room, but her energy draws people in. There’s an ease to the way she moves, the way she dresses, the way she connects - always present, always authentic. 
She’s the kind of woman people naturally gravitate towards and is always up for a good story or spontaneous moment. With an adventurous spirit, she’s both the muse and the heart.

Tyde is all about a travel lifestyle & bringing together brands from across the world – What’s your next travel destination & why? 

Next on my list is a road trip around Australia with my family - something that’s been on my list for years. With my two little ones still at an age where everything feels like an adventure, now feels like the perfect time before school routines begin.  There’s something so inspiring about discovering the beauty of our own backyard — the open roads, exploring new beaches and hidden coastal towns, and meeting new people along the way.  It’s the kind of journey that fills your creative cup in the most unexpected ways. I know it’s going to be unforgettable. 

What challenges have shaped your brand the most, and how did you overcome them?

I wish I had understood that uncertainty is part of the process - that there is no perfect moment, no flawless roadmap. That true growth comes from embracing the unknown, navigating challenges and making mistakes along the way. If you wait for the perfect moment or the perfect plan, you may never begin.  For me, some of the most rewarding decisions come from trusting my intuition and embracing the unknown. That’s where the magic happens! Resilience, adaptability, and a clear, vision is just as important as creativity when it comes to building a lasting and meaningful brand.

Who or what continues to inspire you today, both inside and outside the fashion world? 

Working alongside an extraordinary team of passionate, strong women continues to inspire me every day. I’m energised by the creativity and the collaboration, and the shared commitment to our vision. Outside of work, I draw inspiration from travel - experiencing different cultures and finding beauty in the unexpected. Most of all, I feel incredibly grateful to have built a life that allows me to create freely, stay curious, and do what I love every single day. 

What lies ahead in the future for Kivari? 

We have an incredible year ahead! We’re expanding our retail footprint across Australia and launching new partnerships with leading international retailers. As the brand continues to grow, our focus is on building a strong global presence. From new markets and elevated collections to deeper storytelling and experiences, this next chapter is about scaling with intention, while staying true to the essence of who we are. The future is bright, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Follow the Journey with @kiki_keevers

SHOP THE KIVARI COLLECTION AT TYDE LONDON HERE