Hotel Bondi Swim: Locals Only
Australian fashion has been making inroads on the global retail scene. Among the promising designers emerging from the pack Down Under is the husband-and-wife team of Damion Fuller and Fern Levack. Some retailers may recall Fuller and Levack’s Kitten streetwear line, which was sold in name boutiques around the world, including Fred Segal and American Rag in California.
The designers are now trying their touch at swimwear with Hotel Bondi Swim, a new collection of suits that personify the laid-back atmosphere found at beach hamlets such as Bondi Beach, located near Sydney.
Life around Bondi is about surfing, wet dogs, guitars and jumping off the boat ramp for a swim, said Fuller, a seasoned surfer and former designer with Mambo. The centerpiece of that beach is the old Hotel Bondi, a landmark that has endured many seasons of change. The line made a splash during the recent Rosemount Fashion Week in Australia, and fashion powerhouse IMG invited the designers to show the line at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami in July.
What buyers will see are unique prints developed right on Bondi featuring retro ’70s graphics and a luxe appeal. The suits are made from nylon/Lycra. One print features the faces of members of the old Bondi Boardriders club while another showcases a map of the back streets of Bondi. The line features 25 styles for Summer and 25 for Cruise. Retail price points range from $20 to $100.
“[Our] customers are looking for a luxury, vibrant alternative to surf brands,” Fuller said.
For more information, contact damion@hotelbondiswim.com. —Robert McAllister
