Swim Fashion Week @ Sanctuary Cove (SFW) promises to unveil some treasures. Assia Benmedjdoub casts a spotlight on brands taking part in the New Generation parade.
Kooey
2009 is shaping up as 'The Year Of The Trade Show' for Kooey managing director Nikki Silverthorne. Fresh from brokering the brand's launch into the American market through G'Day USA in January, Silverthorne and her team of international agents are now preparing take on the Miami and London swim shows in July. The plan? "To grow stockists across Australia, the US and Europe over the next 12 months". Kooey will showcase its Kimberley and Ningaloo collections at SWF, with both taking inspiration from Australia's rugged landscapes and indigenous culture. Manufactured in Perth and priced from $80 for separates and $150 for full-pieces, the 12-piece collections feature clever cut-outs, frills and the brand's signature Aboriginal prints.
Sol Bellow
After a quiet launch into the market over spring/summer 2007/08, Sol Bellow is preparing to scream across Australia in 2009. Designer Sophie Daley, who hails from Avalon in Sydney's Northern Beaches, plans to unleash ten key pieces onto SFW catwalks and showcase her entire range to buyers at the event's Hyatt suite. While the focus is on bikinis and separates, full pieces will also feature in the collection with colours ranging from plum purples, charcoal greys offset with turquoise tones and bright watermelon reds and peaches. It is manufactured in Australia and priced from $140 to $165 per set.
Colin Heaney
There's reading the fine print and then there's creating it: textile designer and businessman Colin Heaney has got both covered. After establishing a strong domestic and international following for his printed silk resort and accessory collections, Heaney is now set to take on the swimwear market. The debut range features three styles - string bikini, strapless tankini and halter-neck tankini - which are co-ordinated back with 12 exotic kaftan designs. Priced from $175 to $220, select pieces have already found their way onto shop floors at Queensland's Coolum Hyatt. The next stop is Las Vegas, where the brand has secured a PR and distribution arrangement with casino and entertainment giant MGM.
April Marie Swimwear
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AguaClara
Since launching AguaClara in 1998, Spanish brother and sister team Jorge and Liliana Villalobos have taken their swimwear brand across the US, South America and Europe. Now it's Australia's turn. Distributor Plivae will showcase 10 looks from six ranges at SFW, with a range of scoop, tie, fuller brief and brazilian cut bikinis and triangle, halter and bandeau tops. Taking inspiration from their homeland of Peru, the Villalobos's have referenced wild animal prints and teamed them back with accessories made from natural materials and shells. Priced from $220, the range uses fabrics from Spain, Italy and Brazil and features detailing such as hand-made embroidery, metalised paillettes, beads and wooden rings covered in rustic lace.