Perth designer’s unique way to help struggling Balinese

Bali holds a special place in many of our hearts; for most Australians — specifically West Australians — the Indonesian island is our home away from home.

Many of us dream of the days when we can return but the tropical destination has been hit hard by the COVID pandemic which has claimed its most vital industry, tourism.

However, Beaconsfield woman Samantha Washer has continued to support our northern neighbours through her Perth-based resort wear brand, Isla Sol.

Washer describes her label as “boho luxe resort and swimwear”.

“It is ethically produced in Bali. We work with a beautiful family-owned and run factory and they hand-embroider all of our pieces,” she told AAA.

“That’s where we’re distinct, and it’s one size fits all . . .I feel like we might have found a little niche that needed filling.”

But Isla Sol doesn’t just make some pretty pool-side outfits perfect for Instagram, this brand also gives back to the community where their factory is based.

Washer explains that she has teamed up with Sungai Watch, a Bali community organisation that cleans up the rubbish in the rivers and is developing solutions to prevent plastics from entering the ocean.

“They do an amazing job, I’m giving five dollars from every online sale to the charity and I’m hoping that it’ll be enough to sponsor one of the river barriers,” she said.

“We work in Bali and that’s my second home, so it’s really important to me.”

The designer launched the brand at the beginning of last year as a way back into the fashion industry after welcoming her children.

The brand recently expanded from resort wear into swimwear.