Community First, Quality Always
KIVARI was born in 2014 from the passion of Founder Kirstin Keysers to design clothes that empower women to look and feel their best – effortlessly and comfortably. In this interview we catch up with the Founder, affectionately known as ‘Kiki’, to discuss how, eleven years on, that mission remains at the heart of everything the brand does.
The KIVARI woman is the ultimate trifecta of style, strength and confidence and the brand was created for women who value individuality, adventure and the freedom of travel. Women around the world turn to KIVARI for their refined, easy dressing that complement dynamic, on-the-go lifestyles.
Today KIVARI operates 11 boutiques across Australia, with location in Noosa Heads, Byron Bay, Burleigh Heads, Pacific Fair, Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, Freshwater, Mosman, Miranda, Subiaco and Chadstone – with more exciting openings planned for this year.
“Late last year, we reached a milestone by opening two boutiques on the same day – Subiaco in Perth and Chadstone in Melbourne. Our WA customers have long embraced KIVARI’s coastal aesthetic and lightweight fabrics, making Subiaco a natural fit. The response has been incredible,” explains Kirstin Keysers, Founder of KIVARI.
“Opening in Chadstone, one of Australia’s largest fashion and luxury shopping destinations, was a ‘pinch-me’ moment. Our Melbourne customers gravitate toward our signature denim and effortless winter dressing, particularly for European getaways.”
From the start, their retail locations reflected the brand identity and establishing boutiques in Byron Bay and Freshwater helped position KIVARI as Australia’s leading coastal resort name. The shopping experience is thoughtfully curated to match how their customers like to shop. Each boutique in the portfolio has its own unique profile, distinct from their online audience and they tailor their in-store experience accordingly.
From a warm welcome to thoughtful styling advice, every detail – from textures to finishes is designed to create an inviting and inspiring environment, whether their customers are preparing for a special event or their next big trip.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Keysers highlights that they are excited to evolve their product offering to meet the needs of their customer’s travel-inspired lifestyles – where effortless fashion transitions seamlessly from tropical escapes to urban adventures.
As our discussion moves into social media and e-commerce, the Founder highlights how these topics have transformed how they connect with their customers.
“At KIVARI, our online presence is about more than just transactions – it is about storytelling, community and inspiring women wherever they are in the world. Through social media, we bring our brand to life – showcasing collections, sharing behind-the-scenes moments and featuring our store teams styling the brand in their own way.”
Another area that is at the heart of the company’s design and production that is inspired by nature and coastal living, is sustainability. By focusing on eco-conscious fabrics, sustainable packaging and ethical production and using materials like organic cotton, linen and responsibly sourced viscose, KIVARI reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring durability. The packaging they use is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, eliminating plastic waste. Keysers comments that sustainability is a journey and they are committed to making a lasting, positive impact.
Operating in such a competitive market, the brand has amassed an incredibly loyal online community who receive early access to new collection and exclusive promotions, while in-store; their teams build genuine relationships with each customer.
“We are there for life’s special moments – dressing our customers for weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays and helping them to curate their everyday wardrobes. This personal approach is what sets us apart. Every customer is unique and we take pride in ensuring their experience with KIVARI feels just as special,” Keysers explains.
She feels the brand’s success has been achieved through consistency. They stay true to what their customers love – flattering, effortless silhouettes, timeless designs and exceptional craftsmanship. “Our customers trust us to offer those seasonal statement pieces that sell out in hours and she knows our quality will last for years, not just seasons and it is this trust that has fuelled growth across Australia and led to a growing demand for our products in the US.”
As our time with Keysers runs short, she notes that the future of retail will be more customer-centric than ever, with personalisation and technology playing a key role in how brands connect with their audience.
“For KIVARI, our challenge and opportunity will be finding the perfect balance between innovation and the personal, high-touch experience our customers love.”
