Plant-dyed and planet-friendly: NICO Underwear finds its new home in Canberra
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From Brisbane’s James Street to Fyshwick, Australia’s first plant-dyed organic cotton underwear brand has made a home in Canberra.
Launching in 2012 under the carefully curated eye of designer and sustainable pioneer Elisabeth (Lis) Harvey, for over a decade, NICO has celebrated the sartorial philosophy of minimalism and understated luxury in underwear.
Originally based in Brisbane with a physical store located on James Street – which has staked its claim as Queensland’s (and Australia’s) foremost retail and lifestyle precinct – the brand was created in her pursuit for everyday underwear that blends style and substance.
Making waves in the intimates industry as Australia’s first plant-dyed organic cotton underwear brand (including mentions in Vogue Australia, Marie Claire, Fashion Journal, and RUSSH), for over a decade, NICO has been delivering comfortable basics that not only stand the test of time, but transcend it.
And now Canberrans can claim the brand as their own.
The Organic Range.
Purchased by award-winning journalist and women’s reproductive health advocate Kimberley Caines in 2024, NICO has left James Street behind to bring its luxe intimates and leisurewear to Fyshwick.
Still standing by Lis’s original ethos – clothes that are rooted in ethics, comfort, and timeless elegance – NICO General Operations Manager Ella Critchlow says that while the brand is under new management, it continues to uphold and cultivate ethical and sustainable transparency in the fashion industry.
“Kimberley grew up next to her grandparents’ farm and was always passionate about having her own business someday. She came across NICO and was quite interested in it,” explains Ella.
“She then purchased it and moved it down to Canberra. She flew up to Brisbane, did all the training and brought all the inventory here, to Fyshwick. We sell everything online, but we’ll have pop-ups and market stalls eventually.”
Selling basics including bras and bralettes, briefs, organic cotton crew neck tees and socks, Kimberley is still working with all of Lis’s original designs and the natural plant dye she created when she launched the brand.
Kimberley Caines.
Using GOTS-certified organic cotton and Lenzing TENCEL™ Modal, she even works in collaboration with the same makers Lis hired in India and Bangladesh – talented artisans who work in responsible factories, including an ethical supply chain in Tirupur who dye the fabrics using plants grown on site.
Ensuring softness on your skin and gentleness on the planet, Ella says that even though NICO has been in the industry for over a decade, it continues to be a pioneering force in the fast-moving fashion market.
“The underwear and bra industry can be quite disruptive to the environment. A lot of products you see advertised as sustainable are made with bamboo, but it’s often less sustainable due to the process it takes to make the fibres,” explains Ella.
“Organic cotton is the best option that we have on the market now. It takes less water than producing the regular cotton you would buy. It’s all grown organically in India as well.”
All designed to be minimal, clean and comfortable to wear, the intimates and leisure wear ranges in colour from black and white to sweet, sorbet shades like lilac, pistachio and strawberry pink. All dependent on what plant seed is used to dye the fabric, the final product might be simple, but its impact is anything but.
“Things like avocado seeds will make a purple or pink colour, while onions will create a similar pink or purply colour. All our stuff is made with seeds and plants…as our team in India continue producing and experimenting with plant dyes, we can create new colours,” Ella explains.
“All of our packaging is bio-degradable or compostable…Once it’s out into the world, everything can be broken down and composted to make sure it’s not being wasted.”
NICO’s dedication to the planet goes beyond the product. Encouraging customers to repair and upcycle their products, they also offer alteration services to help maintain the longevity and comfort of bras, briefs, and tees. Helping to cut down on the emissions caused by the return of products, they also continue to offer virtual fittings to ensure that anyone purchasing online is confident and comfortable with their choice.
The Basics Range.
Recently celebrating one year of owning NICO, Kimberley is also starting to put her own stamp on the products.
Launching a new collection in partnership with Australian artist Madeline Jovicic, and preparing to hold a market stall at Clothing The Loop on Saturday 18 October, Ella says that everything they do at NICO keeps Lis in mind.
“She’s the backbone of this, and she’s still involved in the business somewhat. We make sure that everything is true to what she started.”
Creating new products, expanding the size range and with hopes to open a brick-and-mortar store, whether you desire a comfortable high-waisted cotton brief or a cute wire-free bra, Kimberley and Ella want to continue to make an impact for conscious consumers who value understated luxury.
After all, what’s more luxurious than underwear that’s both kinder to Mother Nature and to your skin?
“We like to say, ‘Gentle on your skin, gentle on the planet’ because there’s no harsh chemicals and it’s good for people who have eczema or sensitive skin,” says Ella.
“You’re wearing your bra and underwear all day, every day, and it won’t hurt your skin, and you’ll feel better after wearing it as well. It’s not just about the physical aspect, but the mental, that you’re wearing something that not only feels good but is doing good as well.”
It’s time to rethink what’s closest to your skin, starting with your top drawer.
For more information, visit nicounderwear.com.
Feature image: Neve Rankin, NICO X Studio Madeline.
