Designer and director of high-end fashion label By Weave Collection, Weave Dibden Neck’s designs have been showcased on the runways of Australian Fashion Week and Hong Kong Fashion Week. Weave recently launched the latest collection of her sustainable lifestyle label Ukiyo Co on the Central Coast, which she has called home for the past decade. We chat to the accomplished local creative about why she loves the Central Coast lifestyle...   

You’re not originally from the Central Coast – what brought you here?

I'm originally from the Adelaide Hills in South Australia and moved to Sydney when I was 17 to follow my dreams of becoming a fashion designer. I found the Central Coast 10 years ago and called it home until my daughter grew up. I then spent some time in the United States, however I found my way back to the Central Coast during Covid lockdowns and have since settled back into coastal living.

What do you love most about living here?

I feel so lucky that I can run an independent business here, having the balance of pure nature and business rolled into one. The Central Coast allows for me to dip in and out of the two distinctively different energies. The Central Coast lifestyle really encompasses sun, surf and forest. There are so many great eateries and fantastic boutique bars. It's really come a long way in the 10 years I've been here. 

How would you describe the Central Coast style? 

There's a great mix of unique humans on the Central Coast and the majority are incredibly laidback. This brings a lovely essence of calm, so the style will often reflect that. I think being surrounded by such beauty often brings a relaxed style of clothing. 

The latest collection for Ukiyo Co was launched at The Cottage Gardens Studio in Terrigal – why did you choose this space?

The Cottage Gardens Studio is one of my favourite venues on the Central Coast. It is so beautifully curated for a stay with its yoga retreat on one side and the homestead on the other. The owner, Nicole, has a beautiful vision and has executed the property with such finesse and simplicity. The Ukiyo Co collection sits beautifully in that space as it exudes a similar concept. It’s designed for the woman who is happy to live a balanced life, that is strong in her belief system, and is conscious of her own footprint.

What are your favourite local spots to shop? 

I’m all about supporting local, so to me a community minded spirit is vital to the wellbeing of small towns. If you go to a small town it’s well worth doing your research and finding out where the real artists are showing their wares. I love Moochinside in Killcare as it has an eclectic array of fashion and art, and the lovely girls at Aryele The Label in Terrigal who have opened a boutique flagship with a very coastal aesthetic, and also have an independent label. The wonderful Avoca Beachside Markets are a treasure trove. You can also make an appointment to come and see the collections of both Ukiyo Co and By Weave Collection  via their websites.

Where is the first place you would take your guest when they visit the Coast? 

Straight to Avoca Beach rocks to have a picnic around the side where the rest of the world doesn't exist at sunset. 

Do you have a favourite café and/or restaurant? 

My absolute favourite cafe is Like Minds in Avoca as the owners pour their heart and soul into the food and coffee and you can taste that in every bite and sip. For dinner I head to Ettalong as the food and bar culture there is absolutely thriving with so many to choose from: Bar Toto is a fave, especially when they do the pop up with Rigatoni for Toni pasta nights, it’s a celebration of food, cocktails, music, friends and frivolity! 

The Central Coast is now an official ECO Destination – do you have local tips for travellers to consciously explore the region?

It's a well-deserved title as the people I spend time with here are fighting constantly to create awareness not just locally, but on a global scale. I’m thrilled to hear the work is recognised and has had impact. It really goes to show that one person, then another person, then another really can make a huge difference.

If you’re visiting explore our divine forests – they are so magical with the Angophora trees - stop and listen to the bird song. Find a trail and have a picnic in Patonga, then a refreshing glass of crisp white at The Boathouse Hotel. Camp at Tallow Beach with a fire and then dance under the moonlight!

The Central Coast is a really special place if you seek out the small, local champions. And wherever you go, leave only footprints. [You can follow the Central Coast Sustainability Pledge here].