LAUNE x CMNTY GRDN
Straight off of a Pinterest moodboard, CMNTY GRDN designs and aesthetic are something everyone aspires to be.
In her own words, founder Sammi explains the origins of her brand:
“Growing up I was always fascinated by fashion, and creating. I always had to customise and sew clothes for my dolls, or paint murals on my bedroom walls to release my creativity (luckily my parents were understanding). So I studied fashion after school, and I fell in love with the whole process. I took a break to travel for a few years, and when I returned to Australia I worked for other brands, working my way up to designer… until I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. It was a wild time, that really changed my perspective on life, as during my cancer treatment, my partner also required a kidney transplant. After a lot of reflecting during this time, and us both coming out the other end, I decided that this was my only chance to pursue my dream of starting my own brand, and also live our lives on our own terms. I had the mindset and opportunity to create pieces I would be proud of, bringing them to fruition in a kind way for the planet, and for the people who made them.”
Born following hardship but rooted in creativity, CMNTY GRDN speaks to us all. Committed to inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability, the brand embodies an ethos that we all strive for and can feel good about wearing. Dreaming of summer days, I, for one, am absolutely obsessed with CMNTY GRDN. From bathing suits to chic, iconic t-shirts, they really have it all. Read on for more!
1.Tell me about CMNTY GRDN? How was it created?
The inception of CMNTY GRDN was in late 2022… I had just finished up most of my major cancer treatments and surgeries, and I was starting to feel ready to enter back into world! After working for large fast fashion companies previously, I really wanted to help shift the mindset of consumers and offer a brand that was consciously creating, that people would be proud to wear, whilst also being able to express themselves through the art of dressing. As I’ve learnt, life is more fun when you share it with others, and support each other. So I wanted the brand to also be a space for connection with other creatives, rather than just a transaction. Working together with like minded individuals, making friends, helping each other out, and just bringing a little bit more joy to the industry!
2. What is the LAUNE (mood) of CMNTY GRDN?
Tomboy Femme! I love combining something feminine with something masculine. The new swim print was inspired by mens business shirts, but making the colour palette soft and adding them onto skimpy bikinis mixed the masc and femme aspect that I love.
3. What inspires you?
So many things! I often feel most inspired after catching up with my friends. Their presence in general I find inspiring! I’m also heavily inspired by food and travel.
4. What does the design process look like?
I design as I go through life and feel inspired. I don’t force anything for that sake of putting out a certain number of styles. It’s all very fluid and what feels right at the time. There is so much abundance in the world of fashion already, so I only put out something that feels special. Ensuring each design is super considered, sometimes designs need to adapt according to what materials or trims are available.
5. Who is the typical CMNTY GRDN girl?
They are seeking that perfect blend of masc and femme energy in fashion, prioritising comfort whilst still being able to express their unique creativity and sensuality.
6. What is your go-to uniform?
Anything oversized
7. Tell me about the ethos of CMNTY GRDN.
Put simply, the ethos behind CMNTY GRDN is to put people and the planet before profit. The brand is about creating and connecting with other likeminded individuals.
8. How do you come up with the name for each piece?
The names for each piece are generally named after the inspiration that the design came from, whether that was a friend, or a reference. In the first collection all the pieces were named after my friend Karla who made the artwork, so that felt super special! And sometimes it’s just straight forward… like The Mandarin Tee hehe.
9. What’s next for you and CMNTY GRDN?
Hopefully a pop-up shop in Byron sometime, and maybe more accessories!
Rapid Fire:
1. What are three staple items that every closet should have?
A bikini that makes you feel good, a classic oversized white t-shirt, and a pair of comfy pants that can be dressed up or dressed down.
2. Describe the style of CMNTY GRDN in three words.
Curious, refined, tomboy-femme
3. Favorite CMNTY GRDN piece?
Tied for first place are the girl mess tee, and all the new bikinis, and the business lounge pant (so comfy)
4. Early mornings or sleeping in?
Early mornings (love a beach swim first thing)
5. AM or PM skincare?
PM for sure… slather it on thick!
6. Dream collab?
Hmm haven’t thought about it much, but a sunglasses collab would be fun!
7. Favorite place?
Home
8. Favorite drinks spot in Gold Coast, Australia?
Kirra Beach House Terrace on a Sunny Afternoon
9. Favorite restaurant in Gold Coast, Australia?
Sticky Rice in Tugun, Franc Jnrs in Coolangatta and Rick Shores in Burleigh
10. Favorite style icon?
Zoe Kravitz is one of my favs… a perfect mix of masc and femme style, and she always looks effortless.
11. Favorite movie?
I have so many favorite movies! But recently I rewatched Death Becomes Her with Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep. So that’s in my top picks.
12. What are you loving right now?
Surrealism… beauty in the unexpected.
