Skippi bounces its way into swimwear
The Queensland-based duo, who are both in the process of launching a swimwear line for children and women respectively, said while they've enjoyed their venture into the backwaters of the industry, it's thrown up its fair share of challenges too.
"It's the everyday obstacles that are the most challenging," Giteau said. "Organising photo shoots, making sure products arrive on time from the production houses, waiting for replies from people we're working with. We've struggled with the little things."
That's not to say the venture hasn't already started offering some dividends. Although officially set to launch later this year, the children's line, dubbed Skippi Swimwear, has already attracted the attention of more than 40 swim schools nationwide. Priced at $50 for the girls range and $36 for boys, it is manufactured in Australia using 80 per cent nylon and 20 per cent Lycra for extra durability.
While the line is largely targeting schools both here and abroad, Giteau's own range 'Nikki and Skippi' will be sold online and through boutique stockists only, with the designer ruling out an approach to department stores.
A mix of Giteau's own designs as well as a selection of imports from Brazil, the first collection features everything from simple triangle bikinis in matte colours to hand-beaded and embroidered T-bar styles. Priced from $65 to $140, it will officially launch online in September with Giteau hoping to later secure a boutique base across the country.
"My long-term goal is to change people's perception about swimwear in Australia. When Geoff and I visited France this year, we saw lots of older women sipping margaritas, putting on their designer sunnies and flaunting what they didn't necessarily have.
"I'd love to see women here have that same amount of confidence."