Australian intimates label Nico first launched in 2012 with its signature range of high quality, minimalist underwear. The label has since established itself as a go-to for organic basics made from premium, sustainable fabrics in soft colours such as lilac, lemon and rose.
This month, the label makes its first foray into leisurewear with a capsule collection of clothing in neutral tones and bright new colourways.
“It’s a bit of a natural progression given that we know what we’re doing when it comes to comfy things,” founder Lis Harvey says. “We kind of felt like we were qualified because we had so much experience in making things fit – to be easy and comfortable to wear. So it didn’t feel like too much of a stretch, using the skills we already had.”
The Brisbane-based label’s new collection features high-waisted midi skirts, long-sleeve tees and flare pants in heavy rib fabric made from 95 cent organic cotton and five per cent elastane. The material clings beautifully to the body and is available in a range of colours, including cactus green, Jaffa orange and peachy pink.
New high-neck zipper jumpers feature chunky zips and drop shoulders, making them perfect for layering. Each one is constructed from a lightweight, 100 per cent organic cotton French terry that’s been tie-dyed by a team of artisans in India. The cactus-green colour is derived from wedelia (a plant in the sunflower family), and the peach comes from a combination of turmeric and seashell lime. Skivvies, slip dresses, crew tees and recycled cotton socks also feature in the new range.
The garments are made with super-soft organic cotton that’s certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, and the label uses only plant-based dyes, making the dyeing process 100 per cent chemical-free.
“It’s quite a technical feat, actually. A lot of brands do use natural dyes, but still have to use chemicals at some stage for fixing the colours and that kind of thing,” Harvey says. The use of plant-dyed organic cotton also makes a crucial difference in the lives and health of those making the clothing – synthetic or chemical dyes can contain substances that are toxic for workers, and pollute the local water supply.
While the collection has only just launched online, Nico shot its leisurewear campaign at the end of last year with San Cisco drummer Scarlett Stevens. “She’s a bit of a champion for sustainable fashion and just a cool gal,” Harvey says. “So that was really fun.”
Stephanie Vigilante 
Leave a Reply