New swimwear by ethical label Nisa. Image supplied.
Summer is in full swing and swimwear is certainly the item of clothing on everyone’s minds as Kiwis spend as much time as possible at the beach and by the pool. Over the past few years there have been more local swimwear labels launching to meet New Zealander’s love of swimwear, each with their own different offering that adds more options for shoppers. Although we’re big fans of other local labels like Moontide, Emma Ford and Lonely, we wanted to introduce you to some newer labels that are available this season.
Nisa
While ethical label Nisa actually debuted as an underwear label in late 2017, the brand launched their first swimwear range in November 2018. Founder Elisha Watson set up the brand as a social enterprise to offer work to refugee women who had moved to New Zealand and the label has grown significantly since its launch. The brand’s fans range from women in their twenties to sixties so in an effort to suit as many bodies as possible their first swimwear offering includes a full-piece classic cut to suit everyone, a tank bikini with a high-waisted brief that has a vintage appeal, and then a modern gathered-front bikini. We love what Nisa are doing and labels with a heart always get our vote.
Swimwear by Simma Studios.
Simma Studios
Designer Victoria Carran founded Simma Studios in 2016 with the aim of creating sleek swimwear that suited her personal style. She couldn’t find anything she liked in the market at the time that didn’t have frills and florals so set about designing flattering pieces from high quality fabrics. Simma Studios’ swimwear has a minimalist feel and the current collection offers one pieces and bikinis in beautiful hues. The new range offers up to a D cup in selected styles, as well as kaftans and beach towels to complete your beach outfit.
Swimwear by Saltysea.
Saltysea
Saltysea first caught our attention in the lead-in to New Zealand Fashion Week 2018 which was the brand’s official debut. Designer Stephanie Saxton was inspired by the spirit of adventure and her ethical values to create her lifestyle label which includes swimwear and activewear. The swimwear has a modern yet 90’s inspired feel with the plunging necklines and high-cut legs reminding us of the Baywatch looks that defined that era of swimwear. Saltysea’s successful debut has meant the brand is about to launch its second collection called ‘Lost on Matakana’ next month (preview image from the collection above).
Swimwear by AURAI SWIMWEAR on the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week 2018.
AURAI SWIMWEAR
The brainchild of designer Natalia Bertolo, AURAI SWIMWEAR was founded in 2016 on the value of sustainability and created to be environmentally friendly. Natalia designs her swimwear collections here in New Zealand and manufactures the pieces in her hometown in Southern Brazil. AURAI SWIMWEAR’s latest collection introduces AMNI SOUL ECO® to her range which continues Natalia’s environmental philosophy on design. It’s made from a polyamide with an improved formulation that accelerates biodegradation in the anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment, common in most landfills, with the fabric manufactured in Brazil. Her fun, timeless designs and ethical take on fashion have seen AURAI SWIMWEAR’s designs rise in popularity here in New Zealand.
Wetsuit by Gemma Lee.
Gemma Lee
Designer Gemma Cornish won the ‘Most Commercial’ prize at the iD Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards in 2018 with her colourful wetsuit label Gemma Lee. We were really impressed by the Wellington-based designer who officially launched her first wetsuit collection called Coastal POPS in September 2018. Each Gemma Lee piece is a limited edition and is ethically crafted from limestone-based neoprene in Australia. The colourful wetsuits are available in long sleeve and sleeveless styles and as jackets, and we absolutely love Gemma’s vibrant style.
Swimwear by ed&i swimwear.
ed&i swimwear
Created by designer Edna Swart in 2016, ed&i swimwear is inspired by Edna’s love of timeless design and sophisticated style. Each piece is designed to be classic so it can be worn season after season with her current collection available in hues of black, forest green and mulberry. With a range that includes everything from skimpy tie-side bikinis to one pieces that have actual bra straps for support there is a lot of offer shoppers this season. Edna also designs her swimwear to work easily in with your summer wardrobe so heading from the beach to a party is oh so easy.
Images supplied.