Shorts for all sorts

From the design of the shorts to the campaigns for good causes, everything the pair pours into DUKiES comes from the heart.

Despite juggling young kids, busy households and a thriving business, family always comes first for both these mums, who wield an impressive entrepreneurial force between them.

Having previously launched a successful children’s clothing store in the UK, Duke of London, Kiri sold part of her business and established her big-hearted brand DUKiES on the Gold Coast with her bestie Amie.

“I wanted to continue being creative, make clothes for the boys and I wanted to do it with a business partner who was like family, and that was Amie,” says Kiri.

Inspired by community connections and causes close to their hearts, the brand has launched several exclusive print campaigns, throwing their support behind Indigenous artist Derick Peachey with the Survival design, as well as creating awareness for Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, with the 21’s range.

“The models with Down’s syndrome who showcase the 21’s range are a big part of our life, through family and friends,” says Kiri.

“Our connection to the Survival print range comes from the fact that we both have Māori heritage, which plays a big part in it, and we also have connections to the Indigenous community through our professional footballer friends and family.”

We love being able to show support for what we care about via our personal links and never just do it for the sake of it.

“Everyone loves an animal print, it’s pushing the boundaries, it’s daring and it’s never going out of fashion,” says Kiri.

“I feel like I have a little premonition about what’s going to be on trend, and I see things that other people don’t, and it usually always ends up trending.

“Every year, we release an animal print style, and it has become the signature style.

“We’re making something other people aren’t brave enough to make for men, and it just so happens that when they put them on, men love them. “

There are big things on the horizon for the Gold Coast brand, including recently launching their range with the hugely popular Australian online fashion and sports retailer The Iconic, as well as an upcoming launch party for their summer collection at The Star Gold Coast.

“This is a huge deal and we’re still pinching ourselves,” says Amie.

“We’ve hustled for it and when The Iconic outlined the reasons for wanting us on board, it was because of the 21’s range and our models with Down syndrome, which really resonated with them.

“The fact that we are not a stereotypical label that uses ‘perfect’ models, which is exactly how we live our lives, was what made our brand stand out to The Iconic.”   

With the authenticity of the DUKiES brand and the woman behind the shorts doing what they love, there’s a good chance they won’t be getting the short end of the stick when it comes to real and loyal supporters for years to come.