A collaborative photoshoot with For the Dreamers, Mattea McKinnon, Electric Avenue & Eco Minerals
There’s a lot of noise out there about sustainability. A lot. Now while It’s the word of the decade splashed across marketing copy, whispered in boardrooms, stitched into swing tags, its been at the core of our business from day 1. And yet, for all the conversation, many claiming to be "sustainable” are only skimming the surface. Environmental responsibility without economic and social consideration is only one corner of a much larger picture.
With more than 90% of CEOs agreeing that sustainability is essential to long-term success, and entirely new corporate roles like the Chief Sustainability Officer being created at a rapid pace, it’s clear society is starting to shift. But awareness alone doesn’t heal ecosystems. Buzzwords don’t pull plastic from oceans. Good intentions don’t regenerate fibers or uplift communities.
Real change requires emotional connection. People need to feel the impact before they act.
And that is exactly why we created and are relaunching our brand online.
A COLLABORATION ROOTED IN PURPOSE
For the Dreamers has always been unapologetic about why we exist. Sustainability isn’t a marketing tactic for us. It is the foundation, the non-negotiable, the heartbeat. Our swimwear is crafted from regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets and salvaged fabric scraps, materials once abandoned as waste, transformed into high-performing, long-lasting pieces designed for real bodies and real life.
So when we began planning our photoshoot, when the opportunity arose to collaborate with photographer Mattea McKinnon, Electric Avenue and Eco Minerals, brands equally grounded in conscious practice, it felt symbiotic.
We had one vision: to combine our love for the ocean with a celebration of sustainability. Something meaningful, inclusive, and deeply human.
THE WOMEN WHO BROUGHT IT TO LIFE
We gathered a group of women each unique in age, background, and story along with two bright, curious young girls who reminded us exactly who we are protecting the future for. Together, they formed the heart of this collaboration.
There were no professional models. No rigid choreography. No rehearsed expressions. Just women and girls showing up exactly as they are; joyful, thoughtful, powerful, gentle, proving that sustainability isn't just about materials; it’s about the people who wear them.
As the sun rose across the shoreline, the scene that unfolded was less of a photoshoot and more of a celebration. Women adjusting straps, tying and re-tying silhouettes, flipping reversible pieces inside out to create entirely new looks. Girls running around in the sand and playing with Ryder the brand's Chief Barketing Officer. New and old friends sharing quiet moments, women cheering one another on.
It was a reminder that clothing should adapt to us, not the other way around. Our unique styles, bodies and fashion. Read more about the dreamers from our shoot here.
DESIGNED FOR POSSIBILITY
One of the most powerful aspects of our regenerated nylon swimwear is its versatility. Adjustable straps. Reversible designs. Multiple ways to style each piece. Swimwear that encourages play, expression, and individuality.
Our pieces are designed not just for seasons, but for years. Not for one body type, or trend cycles, but for real life.
Watching these women and girls discover new ways to tie, twist, and restyle their swimwear reminded us exactly why we design the way we do: so they can dream big, move freely, and feel empowered.
SUSTAINABILITY, SHARED
Working alongside Electric Avenue Surfboards and Eco Minerals’ clean, skin-loving makeup brought the story full circle. Three brands, three different categories, one unified message: be conscious, intentional and choose sustainably.
This collaboration wasn’t just about showcasing products. It was about showing what’s possible when conscious businesses lift one another up and when women of all ages stand together to embody the change we want to see.
THE FUTURE WE CHOOSE
At For the Dreamers, sustainability is non-negotiable. Our regenerated nylon fibers give new life to what was once ocean waste. Our designs honour creativity, durability, and individuality. And our growing, powerful, diverse community is the reason we keep going.
This photoshoot wasn’t created to join the noise.
It was created to rise above it.
To remind people that sustainability isn’t a trend.
It’s a responsibility.
A choice.
A collective promise for the generations still learning to dream.
And with every collaboration, every shared story, every woman and child who steps into our swimwear, we take one more step toward the future we all deserve.
About Mattea McKinnon
Mattea McKinnon is a branding and lifestyle photographer known for her warm, natural approach to storytelling. With more than a decade of experience behind the camera, she has built a career centered on helping businesses and entrepreneurs communicate their values through authentic, meaningful imagery. Her focus is always on capturing the true essence of a brand while ensuring everyone she photographs feels relaxed, supported and genuinely themselves.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Mattea has lived abroad in New Zealand and Asia before settling in Australia, where the coastline and natural landscapes continue to inspire her work. As an outdoors enthusiast, she brings a sense of ease and connection to every shoot, especially those grounded in nature and coastal life.
Her photography and writing have been featured in publications such as Coast, The Independent, Hampshire Life, Dorset, Docu, Monster Children and Dumbo Feather. Mattea’s thoughtful eye and gentle presence made her the perfect photographer for our collaboration.
Website: https://www.matteamckinnon.com/
Instagram: @mattea.mckinnon
About Eco Minerals
Eco Minerals is a beauty brand founded on the belief that high-performance skincare can be both clean and kind. Their formulations use ethically sourced, pure minerals and botanicals, packaged thoughtfully to reduce environmental impact.
Their newly launched EcoUV Certified Organic Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection in a formula that is certified organic, vegan, and reef-safe. Key ingredients include nourishing botanicals like sunflower, sea buckthorn and Kakadu plum, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich vitamin C.
Not only does the EcoUV sunscreen protect your skin, but it also respects marine life as its free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other reef-harmful chemicals. With water resistance of up to 40 minutes and a gentle, non-greasy texture, it’s designed for everyday use on face and body whether you're in the ocean, on the trail, or just enjoying sunshine.
Website: https://www.ecominerals.com.au/
Instagram: @ecominerals
About Electric Avenue Surfboards
Electric Avenue Surfboards is a custom surfboard workshop located in Tweed Heads, New South Wales. The brand is led by James McRobert, who began shaping boards in 2017 and learned his craft under the mentorship of legendary shaper Richard Harvey.
James shapes each board by hand, combining skill and intention to create surfboards that are tailored to the rider’s style and the local waves. His commitment to craftsmanship means that every board from Electric Avenue is unique, made with care in their Tweed Heads workshop. James crafts each board for each individual in a unique way to fit their style, shape, and preference.
Website: https://www.electricavenuesurfboards.com/
Instagram: @electric__avenue_surfboards
