Cat has built a global career in fashion, having lived in New York, Milan, and now Sydney. With experience at renowned fashion houses like Saint Laurent, Alexander Wang, Carolina Herrera, Bally, and Oroton, she has honed her eye for design and craftsmanship. Now, she’s bringing that expertise to the ocean, creating a sophisticated women’s wetsuit brand. Discover how her journey through the world’s fashion capitals inspired the launch of NALUKA!
Q1: What inspired you to create NALUKA, your brand of sustainable women’s wetsuits?
C: I have wanted to have my own business ever since I can remember. Through the years I have had many different business ideas. I actually wanted to start an environmentally friendly women's fashion brand right out of Uni when I graduated from Parsons [School of Design] in 2010 but didn’t end up taking the plunge. When I moved to Australia years later and started surfing every day, I just felt there wasn't anything on the market in the women's wetsuit space that I wanted to buy. I saw a gap in the market and decided to turn dreams into reality.
Q2: What sets NALUKA’s wetsuits apart from other options on the market?
C: Naluka wetsuits were born to be a more elegant and sophisticated option for female ocean lovers. What really sets the suits apart are the beautiful colours, minimalistic design, focus on performance as well as use of environmentally friendly materials. Naluka wetsuits are the Rolls Royce of wetsuits if you will... Inspired by the traditional design of a corset, we have made sure the suits look flattering on many different body types while also ensuring they excel in challenging conditions, such as during extreme water sports.
It's almost a surprising contradiction describing it like that but that's what I love about the product. It looks beautiful and is surprisingly durable and performance focused.
The use of limestone neoprene make the suits ultra stretchy and warm which is great for swimming and paddling in the ocean. In addition, we lined all open arm and leg seams with rubber for minimal material slippage.
Q3: Sustainability is a big part of NALUKA. Can you share more about the eco-friendly materials and production process behind your women’s wetsuits?
C: Naluka wetsuits are made from Yamamoto limestone neoprene, one of the most premium and sustainable neoprene options available on the market today. Unlike conventional neoprene, which relies on petroleum-based chemicals, Yamamoto neoprene is derived from limestone, making it a more environmentally responsible choice. It is also known for it's exceptional stretch and insulation qualities.
Beyond materials, sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our brand. We print all promotional materials on recyclable cardboard, package our wetsuits in natural canvas bags, and ship them in compostable mailers to minimise plastic waste.
At Naluka, we believe sustainability should never compromise style or performance. Our goal is to create wetsuits that look elegant, feel incredible, and contribute to protecting the oceans we love. As we grow, we remain committed to continuously improving our products and practice.
Q4: You have a background in fashion and design, having studied at Parsons New York. How has your experience shaped the creation of NALUKA?
C: At Parsons I studied 'Design & Management' and obtained a bachelor of business administration. In the end of the day it was a very entrepreneurial degree, which laid the groundwork of cementing my intention to start my own sustainable fashion brand one day. Parsons was also where I first learned about sustainability and the huge environmental challenges our planet is facing today. Ever since I have wanted to get involved in creating solutions. Having a brand that sets an example and maybe one day can host charity events for environmental causes, raise awareness and donate a percentage of profits etc. has always been a dream of mine.
Q5: Before launching NALUKA, you worked at various fashion brands across New York, Milan and Sydney. Your experience in New York includes brands like Alexander Wang, Saint Laurent and Carolina Herrera, while you were at Bally in Milan and most recently Oroton in Sydney. How have your experiences working at high-end fashion brands like these influenced your approach to designing women’s wetsuits for NALUKA?
C: I believe coming from a fashion background has really helped me bring this project to life. There is a method I have learned and used to create product through the years... starting with mood and inspiration boards, to sketching and prototyping. No matter what product, the process is always more or less the same. So i just applied my experience to creating a wetsuit this time.
As a designer, I always try to create product that is original and tells a story.
A colleague in Italy once told me “There is always another way” when it comes to designing new products. That mindset has always stuck with me. Nothing has to be a certain way just because it's currently like that. I love to question the status quo.
Q6: It sounds like you are exactly where you are meant to be. What is next for Naluka?
C: At the moment I am just excited to launch – production is about to arrive and I can’t wait for everyone to really feel and touch the product!
I have a lot of ideas for the future of Naluka! Beyond the initial launch, I would like to expand the range into more styles and colours. I am also thinking about collaborating with like-minded ocean advocates and athletes to build a real community around the brand. Very excited to see where this journey will take me!
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All photos in this post show Cat near her home in Sydney. They were originally taken as a test shoot for an upcoming shoot.
Photographer: Brandon Bailey