New cossies to make a big splash for summer

BRISBANE:Whoever said manufacturers only work behind the scenes haven?t met the type employed by Marcia Pilkington.
Since launching her womenswear label jamjam into the Australian market four years ago, Pilkington said her Chinese based manufacturers have urged her to enter the plus-size swimwear category. Some eight seasons on, and with a formidable stockist presence already in tow, the designer is finally heeding their call.
The manufacturers, who produce lines for two large swimwear companies in England and America, are working away on Pilkington's first swimwear brand 'Le Mere'.

Aimed at the younger swimwear market, the designer's first collection includes over 25 individual pieces with sizes ranging from 10 to 22. Styles include both full-piece and two-piece swimsuits as well as seperates.
Pilkington said although the brand can be worn by women of all ages, she specifically launched it after noticing a gap for younger, trendier swimwear designs.

"What's on offer for larger size women [is] more for the mature market like Ada and Palazzi so together with a great patternmaker, we designed a range for ladies that was still young in design and patterns but offered sizes 10 to 22."
Priced from $79 to $99, Pilkington said the most successful piece from her collection was a paisley red and aqua dress ? a strapless fullpiece swimsuit with a "dress over the top that hides those imperfections".
"It is a great swimsuit to wear in front of guests or walking on the beach if you don't feel confident wearing a swimsuit."
Sourcing her design inspiration from regular trips to Europe and Asia, the thirty four year old designer said cutting-edge trends would continue to play a central role in the development of her collections.
"I base my designs on the fact a woman be any size or shape and [still] feel a million dollars."
Pilkington confirmed the first delivery of swimsuits would hit stores in July.