AURAI Swimwear on the runway. Image by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images.
With summer fast approaching, the swim and activewear showcase was the perfect way to get us in the mood for warmer weather. Bright colours and high energy music set the scene, with some models practically dancing down the runway.
Eco and ethical swimwear brand AURAI SWIMWEAR opened the show, with pieces in classic nautical navy and white alongside bold colours that shout summer including oranges, reds and pinks. The collection was inspired by Brazilian icon Carmen Miranda, which was evident in the banana leaf prints featured on some of the swimwear and accessories featuring sparkling fruit motifs. Swimwear styles varied from the briefest of briefs to high waisted bottoms and we saw the first of many long sleeved one pieces this season, which seem to be gaining popularity as we become more conscious of sun protection. No beach outfit is complete without a cute coverup, and crisp white ruffles were the order of the day, with the models wearing knotted head scarves. The catwalk closed with twice breast cancer survivor Karin Horen, who collaborated with AURAI SWIMWEAR designer Natalia Bertolo to make their swimwear mastectomy-friendly.
Ethically made range Saltysea was up next with their very daring swimwear featuring plunging v necklines and high cut legs with very cheeky thong backs. In the activewear collection, we saw loose tanks in wine, indigo and military green with low cut backs and relaxed arm holes worn over crop tops and paired with high waisted leggings. There were also a number of pieces with visible Saltysea branding including some of the cropped tops and leggings.
Australian label Heaven Swimwear closed the showcase with a collection of vibrant and playful with bright prints, bold pops of colour and contrasting mesh panels. The swimwear styles ranged from brief two pieces to more structured pieces for the more active beachgoer including front zip one pieces and cropped rash guards. The collection was youthful and fun, and a great reminder that fashion can be for any occasion – even when you’re hitting the waves.
Beauty notes: Leading the makeup look for Swim and Activewear was Kristen Stewart and her team from Kristen Stewart school of make-up perfecting a very bronzy look, with tanned skin and contoured cheekbones, darkened eyebrows and a slight smokey eye with brown hues, finished with a soft pink lip. The hair team from Dharma lead by lead hairstylist Sara Allsop, completed this beachy look with mid-parted loose curls, with some of the models sporting braids at the back of their hair. (Beauty Notes by Nina Franklin).
Soundtrack: A fun mix with a summer beach day vibe including Black Betty, Summertime Sadness, Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Pumped Up Kicks.
Memorable Moment: Four men in turquoise swim briefs carrying out Imogen Anthony on a surfboard for Heaven Swimwear – what a way to make an entrance!
Images by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images.