Swimwear: Blowing in the wind

By Duvindi Illankoon

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We are Handsome

Swim Week Colombo-billed as the first fashion week in Asia dedicated to swimwear-got off to a breezy start at the ETC Terminal of the Colombo Port on Friday, June 24. Several top Sri Lankan and international designers took to the ramp, against the stark backdrop of the port, showcasing swimwear collections that drew inspiration from classic silhouettes with a nod to trends on the international runways.

On Saturday, June 25, eight more designers played to their strengths with collections that took care to cater to different body shapes. This was a point that had been heavily emphasised at TrendSwim earlier that day, when David Abraham, creative director of Abraham & Takore, touched upon India’s untapped potential in swimwear. Western collections rarely cater to the often wider-hipped, more busty shapes of South Asian women, he noted, pointing out that paying special attention to the cultural sensitivities of these women may also prove to be a unique selling point in catering to a regional market.

On day 2 labels such as Amante and Buddhi Batiks in particular recognised this potential, presenting collections that could cater to an international market but also to a more conventional Asian one. Homegrown label Rum Punch packed a punch- keeping to its name- with a vibrant, fun collection that melded fashion and pop art, instantly brightening the mood on the runway.

Other Sri Lankan labels on the ramp included Arugam Bay, brain child of Swim Week Colombo founder Ajai Vir Singh, and MAUS, presenting its first ever swimwear collection. Earlier that day at TrendSwim Ajai was joined by Swim Week co-partner and CEO and Managing Director of Linea Aqua, Sarinda Unamboowe for a session on sustainability. At the show ArugamBay stuck to classic neutrals in white, black and navy blue, anchoring its collection with the Breton Stripe-first worn by French sailors in the 19th century. MAUS was classy, elegant and classic on the ramp, embodying its minimalist design ethos.

Setting a trend for the region: Ajai Singh

The three international labels presented different synergies at the show; Prasad Bidapa brought a formidable grouping of models to the ramp for a print heavy collection with AVIVA, a collection presented in association with Linea Aqua. UK label Heidi Klein brought a nod to the 70s and a Honolulu-inspired story to its runway, changing classic swimwear silhouettes with scalloped necklines and contrast-binding techniques. The label’s co-founder Heidi Gosman and its CEO Eric Koby also spoke at TrendSwim earlier that day; the duo were on a panel that was focused on swimwear trends although rather confusingly, Gosman noted that her label was not trend-forward but more classic in style. Gosman and Koby did share that research and storytelling was crucial to the success of their collections, also noting an emerging market of older consumers with disposable income.

The showstopper for the evening was also the grand finale. Australian label We Are Handsome strode on to the runway with no apologies, ending the season with a show of bright, bold colours and well cut silhouettes.