It is always a treat to see Karen Nielsen’s swimwear designs on parade. And although the same collection was presented earlier in the year, the pieces at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival made a splendid opening to the Splash event. Examining the vintage inspired one-pieces or the high-waisted black bikinis, it is clear that every woman, no-matter their size or shape, will be looking good in a design by Karen Nielsen.

In the only parade at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival that was totally dedicated to swimwear, the designs of Lisa Maree were sure to make an appearance. Lisa Maree is no stranger to the runways of Australian fashion weeks, but this label is not a fashion veteran yet. The design innovation in the colours and shapes of this swimwear demonstrates that Lisa Maree is a designer on the way up.

Daughter Of The Gods was third onto the runway, but it was the first time most members of the audience had heard of them. The bronzed models were adorned with feathers and fluros. The way the models strutted confidently reflects the mantra of the label. Daughter of The Gods was named after the movie made to tell the story of the first woman who demanded the right to wear comfortable and revealing swimwear.

Hotel Bondi Swim’s collections were oh-so-very Sydney. Within each piece the sights and sounds of Sydney’s world famous beachs and nightspots were echoed loudly.

While Hotel Bondi Swim echoed the sights and sounds of Sydney, Bond-Eye shouted them. The colourful prints on the Bond-Eye fabric sung praises of the hot and floral Australian Summer and the way it is celebrated in Bondi.

Sol Bellow is not a widely known about brand, but, with the way each piece has been designed to flatter every body shape, it will soon be a well known brand to beach-goers. Sol Below spreads design inspiration slink black one-pieces to micro-sized scorching red bikinis. The result of the different colours and shapes made a stimulating catwalk show that got the crowd excited for the Summer ahead.

On a boiling day, there is no better feeling than to drape the body with silk and rest poolside. Colin Heaney’s silk kaftans catored for this desire. There were rain-forrest greens and sunburnt reds flowing down the catwalk. For every different emotion evoked by Summer, Colin Heaney catored with a design.

After seeing the models strut the newest swimwear designs, it became clear that skimpy bikinis are the way to go. For Spring/Summer 2010, modesty comes in the form of a kaftan – to be stripped off in moments of heat. The look to-die-for this season is the same as every summer: a perfectly toned and tanned body with just a whisper of colour to complement the natural physique.

BLK1 Article: ELLEN CROSLEY BLK1 Photographer: www.petersollner.com

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2010. All Rights Reserved.

In sub-tropical Sanctuary Cove, on Wednesday 25th February, at the leisurely time of 2pm, Swim Fashion Week kicked off an explosive start with the Designers Suite display.

The Designer Suite display, held at the Park Hyatt Hotel was an exclusive event- accessible by appointment only- which showed off the cream of Australian Swimwear. The highly ranked list of designers showing their wares included: AmandaDarling, Anna & Boy, Beach Brasil, Ed Hardy & Christian Audiger, Hotel Bondi Swim, Jets, Lisa Blue and Zimmerman.

So many designers packed in to one venue created a hectic atmosphere; although the calibre of the event ensured that guests got the smooth-running afternoon that they expected.
Designer Suite’s and Designer Pavilions were held on every day of Swim Fashion Week. These events served as an exclusive preview of the new season trends before they were shown before the masses on the runways.

Zimmermann: Day 1, Swim Fashion Week

Day one was a frantic day for Zimmerman designers. After already putting on an impressive showcase at the Hyatt, Zimmermann impressed catwalk observers with their signature frills and quirky prints. The distinction of the 09’ Zimmerman design is the minimalism of the cruise collection- ruffled white fabrics offset by intricacies of blue and twists of earthy colours which are sure to be loved by consumers and maintain Zimmerman’s place at the top of the luxury swimwear list.

Day two, on Thursday 26th February, included shows from White Sands, Lisa Blue and Hotel Bondi Swim.
One of the reasons that Swim Fashion Week has been hailed as such a success in the fashion industry was the fact that all runway shows on each day had been confined to no more than one event on one day- putting a halt to frenzied sprints between events.

The catwalk looks on day two all held in common the relaxed, beachy vibe that is synonymous with Australian resort wear.

Seventh Wonderland: Day 2, Swim Fashion Week.

Seventh Wonderland is a brand famed for epitomizing youthful sass, and it stayed true to reputation at Swim Fashion Week. All the designs gave impressions of lazy Bondi afternoons or morning frolics on Manly beach. The patterns on the fine-quality fabric were bold and verging on psychedelic- a certain hit with wearers.

Hotel Bondi Swim: Day 2, Swim Fashion Week.

Hotel Bondi also trotted the runways on day two of Swim Fashion Week; the bikinis were minimal in composition- with patterns loud and extremely colourful, not unlike the view from any of the hip bars along the Bondi promenade.

Day three: Friday 27th February heralded the Watersun catwalk show which started at 4pm. Watersun designs were not as noisy as others seen during Swim Fashion Week. But that is not to say the designs could be described as simple. The mantra of the collection resonated on the catwalk: “designed for women who love being women- a collection of super sexy, seductive swimwear as a true celebration of the female form.”

Following the Watersun display Ed Hardy & Christian Audiger showed their trademark nautical nostalgia. This was sharply contrast by the modern, romantic splendour that Anna & Boy is known for. Amada Darling concluded day three- it was obvious in this collection the way the designers valued youth and fun in their creations.

Watersun: Day 3, Swim Fashion Week

Saturday 28th of February was the final day of Swim Fashion Week; it was also the final day of Summer. And while Summer was dying- New designers were celebrating their birth on to the swimwear fashion scene. The focus was on the “New Generation” with creations springing out of the local Gold Coast Beaches, Byron Bay and Brisbane.

Karen Neilsen’s (of Gold Coast locality) collection named At The Entrance was one of the highlights of the day, with each piece reminding audiences of celebrating Summer holidays on the Australian East Coast. Byron Bay locals, Iniki threaded nostalgic naturality of the Byron Bay of old through their collections, making viewers want to time-warp back to the days before high-rise hotels and day-spas.

The exclusive island location and the professional industry atmosphere at Swim Fashion week could be summed up as delightfully different from other similar events run by IMG: while there was plenty to see and a load of exciting trends on show, the catwalk presentations echoed a relaxed, oh-so-cool and sleek vibe- just the way swimwear and resort wear is intended to be seen.

Article: ELLEN CROSLEY 

Photographer: Six 6 Photography

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