With the summer time sun starting to shine down on the glorious Aussie beaches, our usual bikini-clad girls are looking to our staple fashion icons for inspiration. GC Mag had the opportunity of speaking to the creative director of SEAFOLLY, Australia’s number one swimwear label and the “go-to” for all things beach fashion. Seafolly has released their new season styles gorgeously hugging the envious body of Gigi Hadid. Genelle Walkom, creative director and head designer for Seafolly, shares her insider view of what’s to come with summer 16 and handy tips and tricks on how to rock the bikini this summer
Who is the “Seafolly Girl”?
The Seafolly Girl spans life stages; but common to her nature, whether she is 16 or 60; she believes life is for living to the fullest. She is the classic Australian ‘girl next door’. She is a natural beauty, embracing a healthy, nature-inspired lifestyle. She dreams of her favourite Australian beach, and all the sensory adventures that go with that – the colours, the sounds, the tastes – the moments and memories. She is fashion forward but with her confident fashionability.
What was the inspiration behind SEAFOLLYS Summer 15/16 campaign?
The latest SEAFOLLY campaign inspired by the global Seafolly Girl and the luxe gypset aesthetic and style that SEAFOLLY’s swimwear has become known for!
How has swim fashion changed since SEAFOLLY began in 1975?
In 1975, swimwear was unstructured with no real support for the Australian woman.While the essence of the brand has remained the same, we are now focused on enhancing all body shapes while being on trend with the latest styles & prints.
Summer 15/16 seems to be all about “being bold”, is there a message for modern women here?
I think the message is about being confident and enjoying the freedom of choice Seafolly gives to a women’s summer lifestyle– an ageless look!
Gigi is the new cover girl for Seafolly, what attracted you to her?
Gigi is such a natural fit for us in so many ways. Most obvious is her natural beauty but it’s what belies that, that makes us a perfect match. A strong, confident woman who has embraced her love of the outdoors, sports and fashion in many different ways. Seafolly has always focused on providing the best experiences for women with and through our product because of our focus on fit, innovation, fabrics and materials; balanced with fashionability and bringing to life the natural confidence within one’s self. Gigi shines through in today’s world with her natural beauty and charisma. While she may be known for the catwalks of the world, she also was extremely successful in her sporting endeavours across show jumping and volleyball.
What can we expect from Summer 16 swim fashion, in general, and what trends should we keep an eye out for?
In Summer, 16 looks for more athleisure inspired pieces in bright multicolour prints and florals inspired by exotic holiday destinations like Mexico & Morocco. Monochromatic prints– while still key, take a less important place in the range as
Seafolly’s focus in on colour and innovative trims & detailing for next season.
SEAFOLLY’s designs seem to be stepping away from the popular ‘micro-kini’, what influenced this transition?
In bikini tops, we are seeing less of this, with new bra shapes offering better coverage & support and styles such as high neck tanks and bralette shapes being very strong this season.
For bottoms, the Brazilian trend is still very important, and you will see lot more of this in the 15/16 season.
Give us a quick rundown on how to dress to best show off our womanly features and differing body types.
Accentuate your best features with flattering cuts and styles and use plain colours or cover-ups to shift attention to those places you aren’t comfortable with.
What is your best piece of advice to rocking a bikini?
Have confidence!
Seafolly is becoming a full blown beach lifestyle brand, so what’s next on the horizon for Australian favourite swimmers?
We have prided ourselves on how we understand and appreciate a woman’s body, as well as her fashion sense – fit and fashion, are key to which we are. Our focus on our fashionability and fit is now growing from our well known supportive swimwear into non-swim. We are evolving with our customer. We are being asked to take a larger role in her day, not just at the beach or the pool, but in the myriad of other activities our Seafolly Girl is active in. Every growth element stays true to our heritage, maintaining our link to the Australian Beach way of life; while acting as a key driver in our goal to be the world’s most iconic swimwear and beach lifestyle brand by 2020.
Thanks to Genelle for her time. The bold patterns donned on Seafolly an athletic style bikinis are sure to be a staple for this summer season. The GC beaches will be looking like high fashion runways with the girls decked out in Seafolly, and we can’t wait!”
