Australian “it brand” Suboo made its U.S. runway debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim on July 22 at The Raleigh hotel. Designer Sue Di Chio found inspiration for this collection in photographer Slim Aarons’ 2005 book, “Slim Aarons: A Place in the Sun,” which featured socialites and celebrities holidaying in beautiful resort destinations. “The imagery in the book is really light and fresh and everyone is relaxing and enjoying themselves and having a jet-set lifestyle. I think that’s where this range takes you,” Di Chio said. The Sydney-based company, which originally launched as a line of beach umbrellas five years ago, has quickly expanded into a fashion brand. The runway was the perfect way to showcase its swim and resortwear in silks and cottons, as well as a number of exclusive prints. The soft palette—in pale yellow, orange, pink and blue—was accented with edgy design lines and color blocking. Details such as pleating, a peplum on a dress and lace embroidery on a robe showcased exquisite workmanship. “There is a lot of detailing in our work,” Di Chio said. “We tried to include a lot of different fabrications, a lot of different things—just to keep it fresh.”

—N Jayne Seward

For a complete fashion slide show click here.