Designer Rose Ackland in her own top from Beach Knickers.
Summer may be about to fade but one of the hottest labels to come from this season is Rose Ackland’s Beach Knickers which has gained traction on Instagram. A recent AUT graduate, Rose makes the pieces to order and models the range herself with the help of some of her friends. The label has quickly gained followers for its vintage-inspired appeal and although there are just a handful of styles at the moment Rose has been amazed at their popularity. The bikinis are made from seersucker cotton in solid colours, plaids and gingham with soft ruching which perfectly suits their retro feel.
We chatted to Rose to find out more about her label, what inspires her and where she sees Beach Knickers going.
How did you first get involved in fashion?
I have always loved fashion and getting dressed everyday, it’s never been a hassle for me. Deciding what to wear in the morning is something I wake up and love doing.
What was the best thing about studying fashion design and how have you applied the knowledge to what you’re doing now?
The best thing about studying fashion design is probably the amazing friends I have made, you work in a very close studio environment and learn heaps about one another. You work long days and all night and get up to some pretty fun things. All my sewing and patterning skills I earnt I apply to my Beach Knickers design process.
Where did the idea for Beach Knickers come from?
The idea sprouted one night when I was trying to get to sleep and I was needing a job for the summer, i just needed to do something and keep making and creating, after making and learning everyday at uni for three years.
What has the response been like so far?
The response has been amazing, so much support from friends and girls from all over NZ, even Australia. I love when girls email me saying they love their togs or send me photos of them rocking their cute bikinis. Makes all the sewing worth it.
Instead of a website you’re basing your label on Instagram at the moment which is a smart idea, what made you decide to do that?
I am working on getting a proper website up and running for next summer but I just wanted to see how Beach Knickers went and what response I got before I invested a lot into a site, everything I have made I am putting back into Beach Knickers.
How would you describe your personal style and how it influences your products and brand?
I dress very feminine, always colourful and different. I buy mostly second-hand and usually vintage clothing. The girly aspect of my style influences my Beach Knickers and the vintage qualities too, I use seersucker and gingham which are common vintage fabrics.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by movies and women from the past. I love the movie and styling in Lolita, and Brigitte Bardot’s cute yet sexiness is something that inspires my Beach Knickers.
What are your plans for Beach Knickers at the moment and where do you see it going?
I plan to work on a small range for next summer, of Beach Knickers, nighties and pj sets. Hopefully a website and a few stockists also.
To order email [email protected].
Images from Beach Knickers Instagram.