Cairns Post / Fashion Confidential / Shades of Green
Kuranda fashion designer Leah Kelly has scored a coup in the fashion world with Hollywood actress Daryl Hannah agreeing to model her organic wearable art garments. Leah took the initiative when Daryl, and active environmentalist, was in town and asked if she could show her some of her Leah Kelly By Design label.
“I knew she only wore organic clothing so I wanted her to see my designs which are made from certified organic hemp and natural fibres,” Leah says. “She agreed to meet me and we ended up yakking until 10 at night.”
Leah’s handmade garments draw on sewing skills her grandmother taught her with beautiful embroidered detail incorporating natural gems and shells. She lives without electricity in the Kuranda rainforest, so much of her work is done by hand.
Her engaging shopfront at the Original Kuranda Markets doubles as a workshop where she does machine sewing and is happy to talk to passers-by as she works.
