About Us
Our Journey from Beach to Brand
BeachEra AU began in 2022 as a small pop-up shop at Bondi Beach markets, where founders Emma Waterfield and Kai Nguyen sold handmade beach accessories crafted from sustainable materials. What started as a weekend passion project quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike who were drawn to the duo's unique designs that captured the essence of Australia's coastal lifestyle.
After two years of market success and growing a loyal customer base, Emma and Kai took the leap to establish BeachEra AU as a full-fledged fashion brand in 2024. They opened their first flagship store on Bondi Road, bringing together a team of like-minded designers and artisans who shared their vision of sustainable, beach-inspired fashion that celebrates Australia's stunning coastlines.
Today, BeachEra AU has grown into one of Australia's most beloved coastal fashion brands, with a comprehensive range of beachwear and accessories that embody the carefree spirit of Australian beach culture while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical production practices.
Our Mission & Values
Coastal Inspiration
We draw inspiration from Australia's diverse coastlines—from the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the pristine white sands of Whitehaven Beach. Each collection tells a story of place, capturing the colors, textures, and spirit of our country's most breathtaking coastal landscapes. We believe that fashion should transport you to these magical places, even when you're miles from the shore.
Environmental Stewardship
As lovers of the ocean, we're committed to protecting the environments that inspire us. This means thoughtful material selection, including recycled fabrics and organic fibers, minimal waste production processes, and packaging that doesn't harm marine ecosystems. We continuously innovate to reduce our environmental footprint and lead by example in the fashion industry's journey toward sustainability.
Community Connection
BeachEra AU is more than just a brand—it's a community of coastal enthusiasts. We foster connections through beach clean-ups, surf meet-ups, and educational events about marine conservation. We collaborate with local artists, support indigenous designers, and ensure our growth benefits the communities we're part of. Our success is measured not just in sales but in the positive impact we make on people and places.
Meet Our Team
The passionate individuals behind BeachEra AU
Emma Waterfield
Founder & Creative Director
With a background in sustainable textile development and a lifelong passion for surfing, Emma brings together technical expertise and authentic beach culture in every BeachEra AU collection. After completing her degree in Fashion Design at RMIT and working for international swimwear brands, she returned to her hometown of Bondi to create a brand that truly captures Australian coastal lifestyle.
Kai Nguyen
Co-Founder & Head Designer
Kai's distinctive design aesthetic combines his Vietnamese heritage with his adopted Australian beach lifestyle. His innovation in pattern-making and color theory has become a signature of the BeachEra AU look. Before co-founding the brand, Kai worked in fashion houses across Asia and Europe, bringing a global perspective to our distinctly Australian collections.
Dr. Leila Santos
Sustainability Director
With a PhD in Marine Biology and a passion for fashion, Leila left academic research to make a direct impact on ocean conservation through sustainable fashion practices. She oversees our material sourcing, production processes, and environmental initiatives, ensuring our environmental claims are backed by scientific rigor and genuine commitment.
Mason Cooper
Community & Events Manager
A former professional surfer with deep connections in Australia's coastal communities, Mason brings authenticity and energy to BeachEra AU's events and community initiatives. He coordinates our beach clean-ups, surf workshops, and pop-up shops, while also managing relationships with surf clubs and environmental organizations across Australia.
Our Achievements
Sustainability Recognition
- Australian Sustainable Fashion Awards 2024 - Winner in "Emerging Sustainable Brand" category
- 5-Star Rating from Good On You ethical fashion rating platform
- B-Corp Certification achieved within first year of operation
- Featured in Vogue Australia's "Brands Leading the Sustainability Revolution"
Business Growth
- Expanded from market stall to flagship store within 24 months
- Partnerships with 15+ premium retailers across Australia
- International shipping to 30+ countries
- 300% year-over-year growth in first two years
Community Impact
- 5,000+ kg of plastic removed from Australian beaches through clean-up events
- $50,000+ donated to marine conservation initiatives
- Partnership with Aboriginal artists supporting indigenous entrepreneurship
- Monthly beach clean-ups with over 2,000 volunteer participants to date
Product Innovation
- Pioneered SandShed™ technology for sand-resistant beach towels
- Developed UV-protective fabric from recycled ocean plastic
- Created Australia's first fully biodegradable swimwear collection
- Launched adaptive beachwear line for improved accessibility
What People Say
"As someone who practically lives in swimwear and beach clothes, I've tried dozens of brands, but BeachEra AU stands out for their perfect blend of style, comfort, and ethics. Their pieces have accompanied me on countless beach adventures, and they still look as good as the day I bought them. The fact that they're made from recycled materials makes me love them even more!"
"As a professional surfer, I need gear that can keep up with my active lifestyle while looking good both in and out of the water. BeachEra AU's boardshorts have become my go-to for competitions and casual surfs alike. Their commitment to ocean conservation aligns perfectly with my values, and I'm proud to represent a brand that gives back to the beaches that give us so much."
"Working in environmental science, I'm skeptical of brands claiming to be 'eco-friendly' without substantive action. BeachEra AU impressed me with their transparent supply chain and genuine commitment to sustainability. I've collaborated with their team on research projects analyzing microplastic shedding in swimwear, and their eagerness to improve based on scientific findings demonstrates their authentic dedication to protecting our oceans."
Behind the Scenes
Glimpses into our creative process and beach lifestyle
Join Our BeachEra Community
Connect with us to learn more about our brand, upcoming collections, or partnership opportunities.