We caught up with Katie Kolodinski, the Founder and Creative Director of Silk Laundry, an Australian womenswear label. Known for its elegant staples and timeless ’90s-inspired slip dresses, Silk Laundry mirrors Katie’s considered fashion philosophy. Katie talked to us about her Silk Laundry and her time living and working on the GC, including her years as a Metermaid.

Tell us a little bit about your time as a Gold Coast local.
I moved to the Gold Coast when I was 18 with $800 I had saved up and two suitcases. I won’t say it was easy, but I look back on my life and laugh at myself about many of the choices I made and the places I worked, to make it work.

When I first arrived, I worked at a steakhouse, then was fired because I couldn’t open a bottle of wine properly. After losing my job, I walked every day, all day from Southport (where I was living) to Mermaid Beach and back, trying to figure out my next step.

This led me to keep seeing Gold Coast Metermaids and wondering who they were and what they did. Finally, I gained the courage to ask if they had any job openings as I was desperate to make ends meet. I had an interview the following day, got the job, and ended up “metermaiding” for a couple of years. Which was fun, sometimes embarrassing, but it also gave me courage and strength and the opportunity to connect with so many different people.

I learned a lot about humans during this time. We were also given free lunch at several eateries and free rides on the Sling Shot so I never went hungry while wearing that gold bikini, nor was I ever bored.

For me, the GC was a huge learning curve. It was where I continued and completed my Psychology degree, where I learned to pour a beer, where I had my real first love and long-term relationship and subsequently my biggest breakup. It’s where I brought up my little pug until she passed at 13. It’s where I bought my first home and where Silk Laundry started with my husband. It’s also where my kids were born.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The sunshine, beach walks, tropical fruits, lizards, Springbrook National Park, feeding the lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and some of my oldest and best friends are all there. I love my loved ones there the most of all.

What inspired you to start Silk Laundry?
Silk Laundry began from a combination of personal experiences and a desire to create wardrobe staples missing from my closet that were both comfortable and pragmatic. As a teenager, I developed a penchant for customising old slips sourced from second-hand shops. However, at the time, I struggled to find slips made from natural fibres, as most were made from environmentally harmful materials like polyester or nylon. Frustrated with what was available – I decided to create my own.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration is drawn from a range of sources that reflect my personal values and experiences. Growing up in a family with Eastern European roots instilled a sense of practicality and an aversion to wastefulness. Living in diverse climates—from the blistering cold of Canada to the heat and humidity of Australia, also shaped my approach to clothing design and has inspired the pieces that I design for Silk Laundry; making them functional for a multitude of landscapes.

Travel, books, advocacy work, a deep love for storytelling and a range of other random sources inspire my approach to fashion. Whether it’s drawing inspiration from my teenage years in the ’90s or considering the environmental impact of agricultural farming through the work of J Henry Fair like in our upcoming collection, every decision I make is rooted in a desire to create clothing that sparks conversations about the world around us. Fashion can be a visual way of expressing important messages and advocating for causes close to my heart, which through Silk Laundry, I hope to communicate.

Tell us about the process of creating a Silk Laundry collection.
With every collection, I hope the piece that I am creating will stand the test of time beyond trend cycles.  This typically corresponds to classic silhouettes that can be worn on rotation, stand-alone and complement an already established wardrobe.

Storytelling is one of the other main components behind all of our collections. Each collection is deeply rooted in a range of themes about our world that translates to the prints, styles and colourways. Through Silk Laundry, I’m creating pieces that hopefully make individuals feel good but also items that spark conversations and encourage people to engage with the world around them.

What’s your proudest business moment?
I have many!

• The launch of Project 166 with my husband and our businesses. We have purchased a 1200-acre plot of land that has been destroyed by traditional farming and logging and we will be regenerating the land and planting trees. We will be planting 166,000 trees as our first big goal.
• Our Monarch Butterfly campaign where we have sent out milkweed seeds throughout North America to be planted to help the migration of the Monarch butterfly.
• Our biodegradable garment bags.
• I am proud of the groundwork I have done working with wildlife in South Africa. I am proud of the land regeneration project and charity, Project 166 that my husband and I started together.
• Our first charity slip where we were able to donate $25,000 to Planet Bee Foundation.
• Most of all, I am proud that every day I wake up, keep going and don’t quit.

What kind of person wears Silk Laundry?
I think a lot of different kinds of people wear Silk Laundry. We have professional corporate workers wearing our pieces, creatives like musicians and artists and more men are even gravitating towards the brand now. I think the common thread between our customers is an innate care about the world around us. They see Silk Laundry as meticulously crafted, comfortable and luxurious clothing, but also resonates with our ethos. Our community is comprised of conscientious people endowed with a deep curiosity and a thirst for understanding the intricacies of the world. Through Silk Laundry, I hope to create a space, both online and offline, that reflects our dynamic customer base and fosters openness. Through this, we can embrace new experiences with our community and work towards building a better future.

What’s next for Silk Laundry?
I’m excited to continue my journey of learning and advocacy in the field of conservation. My experiences with Project 166 and my involvement in wildlife conservation efforts have deepened my commitment to protecting our planet. I’m also excited about exploring fresh creative possibilities at Silk Laundry, whether that involves collaborations supporting significant causes or showcasing the talents of local artisans and creators. Ultimately, my vision for the future is to create a more conscious world through fashion and environmental initiatives. I want to leave a positive legacy for future generations and believe fashion can be a powerful vehicle for positive change.

What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Good Day Coffee. I love the coffee, the toasties and their cookies are heaven.
Restaurant: So many places have changed recently that I don’t know anymore. But I do love going to Goccia Italian in Mermaid or Balboa in Palm Beach.
Bar: My home. I have an apartment with a private rooftop so I usually just invite my friends over. We get wines from Flor Grocer or Quince Cellar, some seafood from Tasman Star and just listen to music and play Mölkky
To do: Feeding the lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s the ultimate 8am joy!
Beach: Palm Beach as it’s in front of my home and easy to bring my beach umbrella, but I also love going to Tallebudgera Creek where it’s calm, and Bilinga and Kirra are still so special to me.
Place to stay: My apartment in Palm Beach. It is filled with many personal objects and memories from my years in Australia and my travels abroad. We rent it out when we aren’t in Australia on Airbnb. If you ever want to stay there, come find me!

Who loves a dirty martini? Ummm, we do! And we love any excuse to drink one… enter: International Gin Day. June 14 is basically our second birthday – okay, technically it’s gin’s, but we’re claiming it.

Luckily for us, the Gold Coast is shaking (and stirring) things up with a bunch of bars serving epic gin creations using top-shelf local spirits.

So in honour of the juniper juice we all know and love, here are the best spots to get your gin fix this Gin Day – or, let’s be honest, any day ending in “y”.

Happy sipping, gin lovers.

Panezski Artisan Distillery

Bringing a splash of Polish tradition to the Gold Coast, Panezski Artisan Distillery is a family-run gem crafting premium small-batch vodka and gin with heart, heritage and a whole lot of flavour. While vodka might traditionally be a northern hemisphere affair, Panezski is proving that Aussie soil can produce spirits with just as much soul. From their meticulous distilling process to their beautiful bottling, it’s clear this crew doesn’t cut corners. Drop in for a taste of Europe, GC-style.

Our pick: Northside Rickey – Panezski Gin, lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves and dry ginger ale. Cool, crisp and straight-up refreshing.
Where: Unit 2/2 Sierra Place, Upper Coomera

White Oat Distillery

Tucked away in an industrial shed near Harbour Town, this gin haven is serving up serious style (think festoon lights, a swoon-worthy pink vee-jay counter, and shiny copper stills that deserve their own Instagram account). Their gin spirits are stellar, and they taste even sweeter in the form of their cocktails.

Our pick: The Mango Weis Bar cocktail with mango gin, mango nectar, lemon juice, vanilla sugar and aquafaba does it for us!
Where: 211 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters

Granddad Jacks

If there’s one place that knows its way around a gin cocktail, it’s the OG of Gold Coast distilling – Granddad Jack’s. They’ve seriously upped the ante with their bold new cocktail menu inspired by the Seven Man-Made Wonders of the World. Each drink is a flavour-packed tribute to an architectural icon – think a dry martini-style nod to the Great Wall of China with bold mandarin and umami notes, or a silky, spiced number inspired by the Taj Mahal. There’s even a foamy, tart twist on Chicha Morada repping Machu Picchu. Honestly, it’s a round-the-world trip without leaving Miami (and without needing a passport – bonus!).

Our pick: The Seymour Street, made with their house Greenhouse Gin, fresh lime juice and a dash of eucalyptus. It’s like sipping on an Aussie summer in a glass.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Familiar Spirits

Far more than your standard distillery, Familiar Spirits focuses on crafting tailor-made spirits for cocktails, ensuring each drink is as smooth as a well-aged whiskey. Now we’re talking! Their signature cocktail menu rotates with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try.

Our pick: The Not So Familiar Negroni, with Macadamia Fat Washed Pudding Gin, Lemon Myrtle Campari and Rosso Vermouth is calling our name.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads

Wildflower Distillery

Meet the small-batch distillery that packs a big punch! Found on Scottsdale Drive in Varsity Lakes, Wildflower Distillery crafts exceptional and award-winning gin that can be deemed as ‘Burleigh in a bottle’. Crafted with locally grown botanicals, including cardamom, lemon myrtle and coriander, plus a little drop of honey from the owner’s very own Burleigh backyard, you can now understand why. It’s a very easy drinking drop, a little bit floral and paired perfectly with either tonic, solo over ice (tried and tested) or in their famous ‘Basil Fawlty’ cocktail- delish!

Our pick: The Basil Fawlty cocktail is worth the trip alone
Where: 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes

Burly Gin

If you’re chasing sleek, sophisticated and seriously sippable, Burly Gin in Currumbin is your go-to. This dreamy gin bar is packed with artisan bottles so pretty, you’ll be turning them into vases when they’re empty (because why not have flowers and gin on display?). The team behind Burly serves up their entire gin range in a lineup of dazzling cocktails, each one more Insta-worthy than the last. The space itself is chic, the vibes are chilled, and the drinks? Let’s just say you’ll want to try the entire menu twice.

Our pick: Italiano Spritz – Citrus Burly Gin, Sanbitter, Grapefruit, Rosemary Shrub & Prosecco. Bellissimo!
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Loborn

Bringing a taste of Italy with a distinctly Aussie twist, Loborn Distillery is shaking (and stirring) up Tamborine Mountain’s sip scene in the most delicious way. Tucked among the leafy charm of Main Street, this boutique distillery is the perfect pit stop for a tasting or a cheeky cocktail session. Whether you’re vibing an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine or settling in for something stronger, Loborn delivers the goods with style, flavour, and plenty of mountain magic.

Our pick: The Classic G&T – Loborn Original Gin, Indian tonic water and an orange twist. Simple. Timeless. Perfect.
Where: Shop 4, 46-48 Main Street, Mt Tamborine

Husk Farm Distillery

Home of the iconic colour-changing Ink Gin, Husk Farm Distillery is the ultimate gin-lover’s day trip destination. Set on a stunning working farm in North Tumbulgum, this spot is part cellar door, part bar, part café – and 100% worth the drive. While they’re also the brains behind Husk Virgin Cane Rum and Spiced Bam Bam, today we’re here for the gin (obviously). Expect garden-fresh vibes, paddock-to-glass pours, and cocktails that are as pretty as they are delicious.

Our pick: Ink Sloe Fizz – Ink Sloe & Berry Gin, lemon, soda. Light, bright, and berry delicious.
Where: Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

If there’s one thing we never grow tired of it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town.

Rosella’s
Rosella’s has been bringing all things Australiana to bustling Burleigh since January 2019, recently winning the coveted ‘Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland’ gong. And what’s more quintessentially 2024 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Our pick: Fantales. Our fave (discontinued) lolly in liquid form. Rosella’s Blend Bundaberg Rum, Mac. Daintree Dark Choc, Mushroom Garum Caramel, Wattleseed Butter – with their very own custom Fantales.
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh

Cantina
Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Our pick: Quattro Bianchi- A citrussy Italian take on the Long Island Ice Tea
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

The Cambus Wallace
If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Our pick: Maiden Voyage #2: Fresh muddled pineapple, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Brinley coconut rum,  Angostura white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and tiki bitters.
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Fig + Frankies
If artisanal cocktails and coastal-inspired tapas are your kryptonite, you need Fig + Frankies in your life. One of Broadbeach’s laneway treasures, the cocktail list is as impressive as the venue’s arch features, exposed brick, and charmingly textured interior. Phone a friend, your other half, or anyone who appreciates a killer cocktail and we’ll meet you there.
Our pick: Number 42 – Arette Blanco Tequila, Piel de Sapo Tea, Maidenii Classic Vermouth + Lychee Foam. Bitter + Sweet.
Where: 4/2707 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Six Tricks Distilling Co.
Hold onto your highball glasses Gold Coast because Six Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken not stirred in the best possible way.
Our Pick: Melon & Lime Highball: Lime Leaf Six-Tricks Vodka, Melon Liqueur, Fino Sherry, Lacto Honeydew, Carbonated.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Beach

The Exhibitionist Bar
Flirt with breathtaking views across the Gold Coast to the Hinterland – and a cracking array of cocktails – at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, its specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated using the major art exhibitions as the starting point to each creation. Changing with each new major exhibition, this means you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Our Pick: NAKED AND FAMOUS- #69  Rhubi Mistelle, Becherovka, Altos Tequila, Amores Mezcal, lime
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Granddad Jack’s
Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Our Pick: The Tainted Apple – Greenhouse Gin, Clear Apple Juice, Sour Coriander Cordial. Green Apple Slice, ‘Tainted’ Charcoal Drops.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Sandfire
Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner winner cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Our pick: FUTURE PIÑA- Spiced rum, toasted coconut, jasmine, lemon balm, plum, pineapple C02
Where: 293 The Esplanade, Miami

Bar Evelyn
You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980 – you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sough dough pizza, and freshly made pizza, but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With warm and cosy feels for days (particularly perf this time of year), Evelyn is especially epic on a cool winter’s night.
Our pick: Limoncello Margarita-  Altos bianco tequila, Limoncello, lemon, sugar. salt
Where: Shop 20, 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Destino
With inspo derived from Mediterranean islands where world class service, design and atmosphere collide to create an unforgettable destination – need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation within its first week as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Our Pick: Strawberry Fields- Peach liqueur, vodka, simple syrup, lime & house made strawberry puree
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Suga
With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Our pick: Not A ‘Colada- rum, coco, water, pineapple, lime, agave
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Veladora
Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana so take it from us; leave the car at home because you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Our pick: The Margarita! Herradura Plata, orange liqueur & fresh lime juice
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen