INTERVIEW with Cheeki Bum || Designer for Q Style Swim Sunshine Coast 2026

SD: Hi, for my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?

LMP: I’m Lennita Madonna Perrie, founder of Cheeki Bum. I’m an Australian mum and designer with a deep family history in fashion design and garment manufacturing. Cheeki Bum was created from a desire to make women feel genuinely comfortable, confident and a little cheeky — without compromising on fit, inclusivity or sustainability. Everything we do is designed to celebrate real bodies and real life.

SD: How do you define success and what are the keys to success?

LMP: For me, success is building something that feels true to who you are, supports your values, and positively impacts others along the way.

The biggest keys to success, in my experience, are resilience, patience and staying connected to your “why.” There will always be challenges, but if you stay adaptable and grounded in your 'why' the rest will follow.

SD: Have you always loved fashion?

LMP: I grew up in the Fashion Industry, watching my mother create designs and pieces for fashion awards & grow a national brand. It was such a special time in my life [and a sanctuary away from the harder things I faced] & I remember being in awe of my mother & all she was achieving & felt the call to design and create myself ever since...Life has taken me in so many amazing directions but finally I have the space with an incredibly supportive partner, to create my dream. And my daughter gets to watch me. I hope to leave a legacy for her and right down to her children’s children’s children.

SD: Can you share any memorable pieces you’ve worn and what you loved about them?

LMP: Some of my most memorable pieces aren’t about labels — they’re the ones that made me feel comfortable, confident and completely myself. Pieces that fit well, moved with my body and didn’t require constant adjustment.

Those experiences as well as watching my mothers experiences, heavily influenced Cheeki Bum — I want to create garments that women forget they’re wearing, while still feeling great in them.

Whilst Cheeki Bum is starting with Comfortable Underwear, the plan is to add Dresses, Leggings, Tops & Nighties ~ all with the same ethos as the underwear. Comfortable, Sustainable, Easy to wear pieces that flatter all shapes and sizes.

SD: What would be your dream fashion gig right now?

LMP: My dream fashion gig is exactly what I’m building — a brand that supports women through different seasons of their lives, while staying ethical, sustainable and family-run, as well as Australian Made & Designed. Growing up in the Australian Fashion Industry, I am so passionate about re-invigorating the industry right here at home. My Brother has recently purchased a local manufacturing business in Brisbane, and my Mother with over 45 years in the industry is managing the business. I am so excited to be manufacturing locally with my family.

That said, showcasing Cheeki Bum on platforms like Q Style Swim, where creativity, inclusivity and Australian designers are celebrated, is incredibly meaningful and feels like a natural next step as well.

SD: What excites you most about Q Style Swim Sunshine Coast 2026 this year?

LMP: Q Style Swim Sunshine Coast represents more than just a runway — it’s a celebration of diversity, creativity and community. I’m especially excited to show Cheeki Bum on the day I will launch my brand nationally, in a space that embraces confidence and individuality..

Being part of an event that supports emerging designers and champions Australian talent makes it even more special.

 Tickets are going fast. Go and buy tickets to see Cheeki Bum designs in Q Style Swim Sunshine Coast here

Q Style Runway Website: https://qstylerunway.au/
Q Style Runway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/q_style_runway/
Q Style Runway Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/QStyle-Runway-61576992351866/
Q Style Runway Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576863388212

 Cheeki Bum:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheeki_bum/

Photo Credits:

First and second photo: Models Paris Ravest, Hayley James, Stef di Maria Ware, Christine wearing Cheeki Bum and photographed by Sophie Bandera