THE CLOTH & CO. WOMAN
MEET THE FOUNDER OF INNES LAUREN,
INNES HEYWOOD
In this edition, we had the privilege of speaking with the visionary behind Innes Lauren: Innes Heywood. Innes Lauren is more than a fashion label; it's a manifestation of the necessity for slow living in a fast-paced world. With a nod to timeless destinations and a commitment to minimalist elegance, Innes Lauren embodies the harmony of beauty, freedom, and structure. Rooted in fabric-focused design and timeless shapes, Innes Lauren pieces offer both comfort and liberation, inviting the modern woman to express her essence with grace and confidence.
What led you to start INNES LAUREN? Tell us about your journey to creating the company that you HAVE BUILT TODAY.
Innes Lauren came from a wild idea and a feeling of wanting to achieve freedom for myself. To create a life where I can be anywhere in the world and work at my own pace. I believe swimwear specifically came from my love for the ocean and my childhood. I spent more days in a swimsuit by the ocean than I did doing anything else. And now, I find myself happiest like this, barefoot by water in a swimsuit.
As the business grows alongside myself I am learning it’s much more than my love for creating beautiful, well made swimwear, it’s also about a way of life and the persistence in which I keep on returning to myself in that moment, with honesty and integrity. This is something I am still moving more toward.
What INSPIRES YOU?
Connection, vitality, nostalgia. Colours I see as the sun is setting, places I've traveled to. Rich culture and language. I also have many old photographs from my childhood growing up in east Bali; of my Mum in swimsuits when she was my age, to when we were a young family; photos of my Dad in silks and Batik sarongs. This time in my life was very impactful and will always be used as a source of inspiration.
What are your go-TO WARDROBE FOUNDATIONAL PIECES?
Oversized button shirts, a good singlet, a pair of silk pants. I have many sarongs which I wear almost daily, I love wrapping myself in one after a shower or ocean swim.
Who are your style icons?
Tricky question for me as I don’t really have style icons, I am inspired by women and men everyday, some of them whom I pass on the street, I will stop to complement their style. My mother and father too.
How would you describe the innes lauren WOMAN?
Essentially, the Innes Lauren woman is me. It’s always been me.. I don't know how to design any other way but for myself. I wear everything I design - everyday, it’s that or very little at all.. I love the ocean, travel, meeting new people and exploring new places. I’m extremely curious by nature and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm currently working on incorporating more of this part of me in my work.
How important is provenance and sustainability when it comes to sourcing the materials for your swimwear?
Incredibly important. My swimwear is fabric focused, I use a sustainable techno-fabric ECONYL that is made from regenerated fishing nets which turns waste problems into fashion solutions. Every piece is self-lined, with two layers of fabric instead of thinner lining, to hold structure and the longevity of the swimsuit. I try to source with as much transparency and honesty as I can
We absolutely love your ethos to inspire others to pause, breathe, and consume with consideration. How do you envision Innes Lauren contributing to a broader shift towards sustainable and conscious consumption in the fashion industry?
Maintaining my integrity and honesty which builds trust with my customers, they believe in my product and its longevity and quality. Being transparent and consistent with sourcing recycled materials. Committing to production onshore in Australia and supporting my community. I also wish to continue to explore and educate myself about how I can improve industry practice to create new pathways toward a more sustainable fashion industry.
Can you share more about why having your garments made in Australia is essential to the ethos of Innes Lauren?
Manufacturing onshore working with a locally-based small-batch production model has always been at the forefront of my mission. Supporting my local community and on a broader scale, supporting manufacturing in Australia is important to keep this industry thriving here in Australia, to give my community the opportunity to learn the craft of manufacturing.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To live as the river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding. It’s a quote by an Irish mystic John O’Donahue that my partner sent me after we met for the first time and one that I continue to return to when I need to hear it.
LEARN MORE ABOUT INNES LAUREN HERE.
INNES (PICTURED LEFT & RIGHT) STYLING OUR SPLIT SKIRT WITH THE INNES LAUREN BLACK STRAPLESS ONE PIECE.