The Ataya story
The idea for Ataya began on an ordinary day in the city. While shopping with her husband, a store staff member complimented Natalie’s outfit and asked if she worked in fashion. Natalie explained that she had once been a swimwear designer. The woman — petite and of Asian descent — sighed and said, “I wish you still did. I can’t find anything that fits me.”
Less than five minutes later, Natalie’s husband had planted the seed: What if she started a label designed with the modern Asian woman in mind?
Being petite herself, Natalie immediately recognised the challenge — and the opportunity. She began reimagining swimwear with adjustability at its core: strap lengths, leg lines, bust and back adjustments, and even multiple torso-length options in select one-pieces. Her focus was clear — to create beautiful swimwear that embraced a broader spectrum of body types, not just the thin, athletic, or larger silhouettes that often dominate the market.
And so, Ataya was born.
The name itself carries no specific meaning; for Natalie, it was all about aesthetic flow — how it looked as a logo, how it felt on the tongue, and how her design signature could give it life.
Drawing on luxury fabrics, timeless cuts, clever construction, and a kaleidoscope of colour, she poured her energy into building the first Ataya range. Meanwhile, her husband, Lyndon, became an integral part of the brand, focusing on the business side while supporting Natalie’s creative vision. When it came time for the themed photoshoot, Natalie knew exactly what she wanted — and Lyndon, along with their son Kye, brought it to life with their photography expertise.
The debut Ataya collection is truly a family creation — a blend of passion, design, craftsmanship, and heart.
About the designer
Natalie Hawkins has been designing since the late 90s, collaborating with surf, swimwear, and dance wear brands before launching her own label. Her lifelong passion for swimwear is rooted in summers spent on Australia’s iconic beaches, from Balmoral to Crescent Head and Sydney's Northern Beaches - her early 20s holidaying along the East Coast in a kombi van, chasing sun-soaked shores. European adventures further deepened her love of movement, fit, and freedom in swimwear.
After pausing her career to raise her family, Natalie returned to her passion with a focus on petite, fashion-forward designs, particularly wanting to include young Asian women embracing beach and resort lifestyles. Her collections celebrate femininity, adjustability, and individuality, offering mid-level luxury through exquisite fabrics, playful prints, and thoughtful details. Inspired by fashion history, colour, and the joy of movement, Natalie designs pieces that make women feel effortlessly glamorous, confident, and comfortable.
An old-school designer at heart, she begins each collection with pencil sketches and works with a variety of fabrics, blending her own print creations with artworks from talented artists. When she’s not designing, Natalie lives steps from the beach with her husband and sons, dedicating her time to Pilates, movement, and sun-drenched days on the water.
“Ataya, Luxury swimwear —feminine, adjustable, and unforgettable."
