Activewear vs. Swimwear as Australian Fashion Week 2016 Hits Day Four: Our Wrap-Up

An action packed day with a heavy focus on a blend of activewear vs. swimwear saw the likes of colourful bikini prints, detailed wetsuits and matching yoga outfits that could make anyone want to work out.

Bondi Bather Runway 2016 / Photo: Ashley Mar

Beach life hit the runway as Bondi Bather launched its vibrant and versatile “high tide” summer collection. With a “swim to gym” inspired theme designer Kerry Cusack wanted to reflect a label that promoted healthy minds and bodies synonymous with Bondi’s beachside lifestyle.

With over 60 pieces featured in the collection, viewers were treated with colours and tones that represented the ocean with soft aqua pastels layered with hand drawn illustrations commissioned via talented Bondi photographer Shaun Tunny.

Bondi Bather Runway 2016 / Photo: Ashley Mar

Unlike any other fashion show, Bondi Bather aimed at setting a relaxing beach mood with a healthy inspirational kick. Starting off the show was a yoga teacher, who instructed everyone to take deep breaths. The models selected were fit and healthy which really captured the idea of active-wear for healthy minded people. The show had a few extra surprises and treats for everyone to enjoy, be it from protein bars, to designer donughts and even a daushaund dog being carried fashionably down the runway. 

Duskii Runway 2016 / Photo: Ashley Mar

Australian Luxe Wet Active brand, duskii, presented their Resort Collection “Paradis” in SWIM. The style was inspired by the cultural mix that inhabits the North African kingdom of Morocco. The runway transported viewers to a world of Arabic Africa and bohemian glamour. The models were draped in elegant black and white robes, while a focus of navy and white colours were thrown into the mix.

With cute matching backpacks appropriate for day trips including exploration, beach, sand and fun as well as oversized towels that prove to be both practical and fashionable there’s little doubt that Duskii will make everyone want to become a swim star just to wear the label. “Paradis” is an adventurous collection encapsulating the essence of duskii – strength, glamour and femininity.

Swim Runway 2016 / Photo: Ashley Mar

Aqua Blu has been an Australian Swimwear icon for over a decade. Designed and styled in Australia with the world in mind, Aqua Blu dominates the beach and pool scene worldwide with stylish and sophisticated collections. The collection featured lush fabrics with designs and prints signature to the label. Chic and sensual and unmistakably Australian filled the room as models featured in colourful prints, bold blues and edgy outfits. Style, modernity and a strong sense of femininity were key elements throughout designer Kristian Chase’s collection.

Chase’s craftsmanship was evident throughout the show with his closing piece winning best outfit of fashion week so far. A layered blue skirt with over 700 meters of tulle and a hand sewed Swarovski jeweled bodysuit that took over 3 months to create and will set you broke in the bank. The grand spectacular finale featured this breathtaking garment, with the model strutting down the catwalk showing off a truly remarkable piece.

Towards the end of the runway the tulle puffy skirt came loose to reveal the spectacular bodysuit that glistened bright like diamonds. This piece is for all the women who want to be seen looking fabulous while day lounging by oceanic views. This was the perfect ending to a brilliant swim show.

Cynthia Rowley Runway 2016 / Photo: Ashley Mar

All the way from New York City, to the city of Sydney, Cynthia Rowley showcased her Resort Collection comprised of ready-to-wear, swimwear and her signature wetsuits for the first time ever. The U.S. designer is renowned for her sporty silhouettes and artistic patterns which featured throughout her show. The collection was quirky yet polished with a definite feminine style.

The inspiration was based on adventure and travel, which is ideal for an international designer, to bring a fresh perspective of colour, style and technique. The show was aimed for the girl’s girl, with delicate patterns and detailed floral finishing, even the wetsuits looked glamourous enough to wear on the red carpet. Brimming with energy, Cynthia Rowley imbues a sense of adventure in her projects, be it wetsuits or her ready-to-wear and we can’t wait to see what she has to bring down under in the future.

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Follow our ongoing coverage of Australian Fashion Week 2016 here.

Street Styles Day Four

Photos: Ashley Mar for theFashionSpot Australia.