Seafolly 'Hipster Ring Side' bikini

Maker Seafolly Pty Ltd

Date2009

Object numberV00046092

(not entered)Swimsuit

NameBikini

MediumNylon/Elastane

DimensionsClothing size: 10

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Seafolly Pty Ltd

Terms

DescriptionSeafolly is an established Australian swimwear label that has been successfully operating since 1975. This 'Hipster Ring Side' bikini was designed by Genelle Walkom for their 2009 collection. Using a sleek black fabric the bikini is dominated by a large orange hibiscus flower print used on both the bottom and the top. With a halterneck tie and ring embellishments on the bikini bottoms, the swimsuit is evidence of Seafolly's design direction for the 2009 season.HistorySeafolly has been at the centre of Australian fashion since 1975, and is one of the world's most recognised swimwear and beach lifestyle brands. Designer Genelle Walkom joined Seafolly in 1983, developing a casual weekend wear range before moving onto gym wear at the height of the eighties aerobics craze. Seafolly was the first company in Australia to design and produce gym wear and Walkom's designs earned Seafolly two Australian Fashion Industry Awards (FIA). Following this success, Walkom progressed to swimwear and quickly stamped her mark on the Seafolly brand. She has been instrumental in the success of Seafolly over the past twenty years, and her swimwear designs are now worn by millions of women all over the world. As Head Designer, Walkom is involved in every element of the design process. From developing concepts, to working with graphic artists to create the latest fashion forward prints and fabrications, all of which are unique to Seafolly and most importantly inspired by the Australian lifestyle. The style and fit of each swimsuit is also crucial and Walkom works closely with Seafolly's pattern makers to ensure a perfect fit for every 'body' is achieved. Walkom believes that the key to designing great swimwear is to fuse Australia’s love of the beach with international fashion trends, but more importantly to understand the customer needs. From the 19th century Australians wore homemade bathing costumes based on overseas pattern books, or ready-made mail order swimwear. Retailers soon provided the latest fashions from British and American companies. By the 1930s swimwear was being mass produced by local knitting mills with brand names that reflected the Australian lifestyle- Challenge Racer, Sunkist, Penguin, Golden Fleece, Kookaburra, Top Dog, Seagull and Speedo. Australia's relaxed attitude to fashion has enabled swimwear and beachwear to become a focus of the Australian fashion industry. Innovative local brands have gained international recognition. Australian designers blend high-end fashion and performance swimwear with a leisure market that demands the latest fabrics, colours and styles. In the early 20th century most swimsuits were produced in wool, in part due to its ability to reveal less of the body when wet. There was early experimentation with developing rib-like knits that were more elastic, followed by the use of Lastex, a rubber yarn that created a garment with less sag and drag. In the 21st century, advances in textile technology have resulted in the development of wool jersey fabrics with a high compression Lycra component. Wool was the most elastic fabric available until the invention of synthetic fibres in 1938. Rib knit technology gave woollen swimming costumes their stretch - the knit stitch provided strength and the purl stitch stretch. The tight rib knit used for jumper cuffs was first used for men's rowing suits in 1913. The elasticity of these woollen rowing suits was the inspiration for the male swimsuit. The growing popularity of swimming inspired new fashions, manufacturing techniques and fabric technologies. The linear stretch of elastic enabled manufacturers to mass-produce figurehugging fabrics that provided greater movement and improved swimming performance.SignificanceThis swimsuit shows the design emphases of Seafolly, one of Australia's oldest established swimwear brands, and is representative of the label's 2009 collection.