AMBRA FOSSATI 

NEW BIKINI BABE ON THE BLOCK 

Ambra, what’s going on girl?! Describe your current life adventure in one sentence…

My life has just gotten so crazy! It's been such a whirlwind, between shooting all my content, 24 hrs in bali every so often, organising everything for the launch party, designing next season, daydreaming and trying to keep sane - i'm just trying to ride this wave as best I can whilst keeping my feet on the ground!

 We met you in the midst of launching your new label Ambra Maddalena & preparing to take the beach babe scene by storm with your Italian summer inspired pieces. How did the AM journey begin?

I had just graduated from my broadcasting and journalism degree, but my heart wasn't in it. I had previously studied at the European Institute of Design in Milan but I felt guilty for loving fashion so much when the world faces such catastrophic challenges. But last year I had the toughest year of my life and I needed to be happy, so I decided to follow my dreams, and here I am.

Your swimwear line is made from 100% recycled nylon. Wooh, we love it! Why was this so important to you and what would your advice be to other brands wanting to embark down the ethically conscious road?

I have this saying that I tell myself when I'm unsure whether to pursue something or I’m thinking, “Oh, but what if no one likes it? What if I fail? What If people judge me?.”  I tell my self, “If not you, then who?”. I heard this at a university lecture and it just stuck with me. I needed to follow my goals and dreams before someone else followed theirs and it would be too late for me. I knew the world didn't need ANOTHER bikini label. There I was telling my self, “But Perth/Australia has already exported so many great swim labels.” I wasn't going to let this thought deter me, but I knew I my brand had to have a point of difference. 

I am so passionate about being a conscious consumer. I want people to just take a moment to think about what they are buying. Whether it be at the supermarket choosing a plastic covered vegetable or a non plastic covered vegetable, the product is the same but making the small decision to choose the vegetable not covered in unnecessary plastic can start to make a difference. I wanted people to be able to stay fashionably stylish and ‘eco friendly’ at the same time. 

What I would say to other brands? Do what you can with what you have available to you. Im not saying eradicate plastic 100%, that can be hard, but also really easy if you think about it. For example, when I have my stock shipped to Australia, I ask them to put it in one giant bag instead of individually wrapping 500 bikinis in plastic. Sure, it means more work for me when it lands but thats the price you have to pay to be a conscious consumer. 

You’re inspiring us on the reg with your talents in design, photography, event planning, running the business side of the label, as well as still fitting in your socialising and travels! How do you do it all on your own and where does your energy and motivation come from?

Thank you so much for saying it inspires you, that means so much and is part in part what does keep me going - that and reaching the end goal and dream. Slogging it out now means I can work towards having a life for my self that I can be proud of and have always wanted. A lot of my motivation comes from wanting to share my creativity, it just explodes from within me and I know people want to see it. I just have to trust in my vision and trust that people will love it.

 What’s next on the goals list for you with the label and where do you see it taking you in the future?

I have already designed next season (2018) and I just cant wait for everyone to see it! I hope I can show that collection at the Telstra Swim Show next year as part of my Never Ending Summer Campaign (so watch that space!). AMBRA MADDALENA has blown up, in more ways and faster than I could have ever dreamed of, although I believe in manifesting your own good fortune, I need to keep my feet on the ground for the Love Boat Collection. I don't want to get ahead of myself and take on more than what me and my label are capable of in its infancy, that was also the reason I declined to show at this years Miami Swim Show. 

Throw some of your top secret tips our way for keeping happy, healthy, wealthy & wise when you’re a boss babe running your own biz… Because we know it isn't always easy!

All I can say it, thank the lord for the Negroni! But in all seriousness - although I have thrown a few of my good habits out the window the last few month due the sheer amount of things to do (plus I’m still working at a restaurant at night) some things have kept me sane. I run or walk when I can fit it in, I practice transcendental meditation daily, and when I see the emails roll in and photoshoot requests pile up and my anxiety takes over - I just have to remember how far I have come and try to relax. Knowing I have my family and few good friends on speed dial helps me to realise this is all not a dream and they are there to help me when I need it.

*5 MINS WITH AMBRA * 

 

Starsign. 

AQUARIUS (and proud of it!!) 

Fav crystal.

ONYX

Right now I can’t live without…

BILLIE HOLIDAY

Best place in the world I’ve explored. 

THE ISLAND OF CAPRI, I feel that answer might seem so unoriginal given that the whole world seems to be there right now, but when I was there I was in love and I ate, and I had some hand made sandals made for me, we picked fruit from overhanging trees and it’s still the most beautiful place I've ever been. I just can't explain it… 

Most inspiring woman in my life is… 

My mother of course.  

I feel most beautiful when…

 I realise how self aware i am.

Magic is…

 Love at first sight.

  

FOLLOW AMBRA'S AMAZING JOURNEY & CREATIVE ESCAPADES

@AMFOSSATI | @AMBRAMADDALENA_COLLECTION | @OPHELIA__CREATIVE