T

he spark was already there. To create. To make things. Maybe even woodwork. But a mother’s sewing machine was at hand – lending itself to design and creation.

Katie did work experience at a bridal boutique. She didn’t think the couturier had even noticed she was there. Until she was offered an apprenticeship. That was the stitch that brought it together. At 15 Katie had left school.

At her parents’ insistence Katie did a diploma in Commercial Design, while still working full time. Then, at 19 she was appointed head designer at another bridal boutique.

She returned to Perth and soon was working for herself. Loui Col Design, the company name a riff on her own, was launched.

The wedding dresses are designed and made for the bride; from the silhouette to the fabric and the detailing. A one-to-one process, personal and intimate.

When a young family member fell ill, it rocked the family’s world. Katie saw that groups used adventures as a way to raise money for research, awareness and assistance. With a friend she embarked on challenges: The first was walking Kokoda. More followed.

Need is at the heart of creativity. Katie had a desire – to give even more back to the society that had supported her. That led an idea – to design and make dresses that would support people through existing charities. To direct her creativity towards a larger purpose.

The idea became Project 12. Twelve dresses, inspired by birthstones. Topaz, pearl, diamond, emerald. Each dress to support a different charity. To raise awareness as well as give financial assistance. To empower, inspire and support.

Katie wore the dresses herself for photo shoots. Her daughter took the photos. She figured that people wouldn’t relate to the project if they saw the dresses on a professional model.

She also arranges community walks. People meet. They donate a gold coin to that month’s charity, and walk together. Along the way they talk and share information. It raises awareness, if only in a small way.

It is how the fabric of community is preserved, small stitches, mostly invisible.