behind the brand: eliza weight from nu natives

I’m so excited to introduce this new feature on Kids of the South where we meet the talented folk behind some amazing clothing labels and businesses for kids.

Our first feature is with Eliza Weight who creates the fun vintage-inspired label for kids, Nu Natives. Eliza lives in Currumbin, Queensland with her partner and their three kids. Nu Natives is produced in Bali, Indonesia.

Congratulations on your new label! Can you tell me about the team behind Nu Natives?

Thanks heaps! The team is just me and my partner Will. My background prior to this was Primary School teaching and Rugby League Development with the NRL, and Will’s is in Industrial Design. Oh and the three munchkins are part of the team too – Miller, Sonny and Valli.

What inspired you to launch your own label?

I’ve always been into art and design but I guess the biggest catalyst for taking the leap of launching our own label would be our kids. We wanted to create something a little bit unique with a vintage feel and hopefully in turn create more freedom for our family.

What do your kids think of Nu Natives? Do they have their own favourite pieces?

Sonny (who just turned 3) and Valli (just 1) happily wear our threads but Miller (our 5 year old) “hates” Nu Natives. I ask him to put something on once in a blue moon and he always groans and whines about wearing Nu Natives; his style is more gold and blingy! Haha.

What does ethical production mean to Nu Natives?

Ethical is obviously a bit of a buzz word at the moment and I think it has different meanings to different people. To me and our business ethical production means a few things. It means producing really great quality items on a small scale that can be passed on from generation to generation. Ethical also means that no humans or animals are harmed in the production of our clothing. Lastly, that the people making our clothing are in a comfortable environment and being paid fairly.

We work closely with our makers and have a personal relationship with all of them as do the kids, I feel this has been a really vital part of creating our brand and what it stands for.

What was one of your favourite outfits when you were a child?

I remember loving my tutu and my little Dutch girl outfit…and when I was about 9 or ten I had an orange Mambo tee that I used to think was pretty sick!