Bunbury fashion student Skyla van Loggerenberg shines bright with SunSmart skirt

A unique, eco-friendly and sun-smart skirt has earned a local fashion student a big win with Cancer Council WA and the exciting opportunity to have her design made available for purchase.

Skyla van Loggerenberg was recently named the winner of Cancer Council WA’s 2022 SunSmart Fashion project for her design, a flowy skirt made from bamboo fabric, enabling UV protection while also providing something comfortable and stylish.

As part of having the best design for the fashion project, Ms van Loggerenberg’s design will be available for purchase at Ruck Rover General Store in Northbridge for a limited time from November 18.

The 20-year-old Curtin University fashion student said she was looking to produce a skirt that was “very feminine and flowy, yet comfortable and modular” as part of an assignment to design functional, sun-protective attire that would also appeal to her peers.

“I chose to use bamboo fabric because it’s natural, eco-friendly and very comfortable,” she said.

“I love how it feels, and I think when buying clothes, comfort is one of the most important things.

“It’s quite a versatile design, so I think it would suit anyone who wanted to style it.”

Ms van Loggerenberg said she had learnt a lot about sun protection and fabric choices during the process of designing and making her skirt.

“Through this project I have learnt that sun protection doesn’t have to be unfashionable,” she said.

“You can still wear things that are modern and fashionable, while protecting your skin.

“I’ve also learnt a lot about fabric choice, like the weave and how much sunlight goes through certain fabrics.

“I really enjoyed collaborating with the SunSmart team.

“It’s been such an amazing opportunity.”

SunSmart manager Sally Blane said Cancer Council WA was impressed by Ms van Loggerenberg’s design.

“Because melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians between the ages of 15 and 39, one of SunSmart’s aims is to create greater awareness amongst young people about the damage that prolonged exposure to UV can cause and the competition is a great way to do this,” she said.

“Thoughtful, creative designs such as Skyla’s prove that being SunSmart can also be stylish and fun.”