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AllSisters Responsible Swimwear
Based in Barcelona, AllSisters Responsible Swimwear is made from recycled Italian fabrics, making it one of the most eco-friendly and responsible brands on the market. But before you think this is for vegans only, think again. The slashed cut-outs make for overtly sexy negative space and will also make you reconsider how all your swimwear should be shaped. Available only in black or white, pairing up separates is kind of addictive.
By Julia Frank.
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Named after the strip of sand that is the final harbour beach in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Camp Cove Swim appeals to the current 70s feel in the air, from the mustard, brick brown and lilac prints (all designed in-house) to the high-rise briefs. Produced on the South Coast of New South Wales, this is the kind of swimwear that will make you nostalgic for the endless days of underwater handstands and Bubble O’Bills.
Camp Cove Swim spring/summer ‘15/’16
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Never mind the sun and salt, swimwear can start to go south due to sunscreen and chlorine too. Enter Ward Whillas. Ward Whillas has the technicality of performance wear combined with the aesthetic of its founders, New York-based Australians Rosie Ward Densen and Alicia Whillas, who between them have experience at Proenza Schouler, The Row and Marc Jacobs. Ward Whillas’s swimwear is resistant to lotions and chlorine and has in-built UV protection, while the seams are bonded using extreme heat and pressure and then reinforced.
Ward Whillas resort 2016
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Marysia, the brand responsible for those scalloped-edge swimsuits you’ve seen all over Instagram, was founded by Polish-born designer Maria Dobrzanska Reeves. Now in its sixth year, Marysia has carved a niche in poolside attire thanks to Reeves’s awareness of the body (she’s a former ballet dancer and keen surfer) and ability to think up what everyone wants to wear in the sun.
Marysia resort 2016
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Australian stylist Ilona Hamer launched her swimwear line Matteau Swim with her sister Peta Heinsen only this year and it’s already generating considerable buzz. While it may help that their friend Phoebe Tonkin was its first model, Matteau Swim stands up on its own for its clean cuts and quality fabrics. Before you know it, everyone at Icebergs will be wearing these minimalist designs.
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Australian friends Alyssa Carter and Bonnie O’Hare thought up Rye as a label of colour-clashing bikinis with striped elastic seams, sold as separates so you can mix and match as boldly as you wish. The Bronte and Clovelly locals stay close to the coastline to keep them inspired – right where their bikinis belong.
Rye resort 2016
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Saint Laurent alumnus Nicole Banning founded swimwear label Ephemera while still living in Paris. She later moved to Sydney but retained the French capital’s focus on high-quality fabrics and forward-thinking design.
Ephemera spring/summer ‘16
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Australia’s go-to basics label Bassike has taken the plunge into swimwear. Its first offering comprises three bikinis and two one-pieces all in black made from Italian chlorine-resistant fabric. A limited run is being sold through Bassike stores now so you may as well refill your T-shirt drawer at the same time.
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As a competitive swimmer growing up in Florida, Rochelle Sara Gan has worn her fair share of swimwear. After 10 years working in fashion in New York, Gan set up her own label Rochelle Sara. The line of streamlined silhouettes (the U-neck Laeti top is a favourite) features woven Italian fabric and neutral colours, such as black, burgundy, dusty blue and off white.
Rochelle Sara spring/summer ’16
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Starting life as an optical eyewear and sunglasses line, Prism has grown into an all-rounder with swimwear, bags, sandals and more on offer. The brand was established in 2009 by Londoner Anna Laub, a former model and editor, who was simply looking for functional but cool eyewear. All products are made in Europe, with the swimwear made in Italy from fabrics sourced on the continent.
Prism resort 2016