Myraswim

Classic with bringing back Myraswim

In an effort to create what could not be found, Bianca Elouise — self-proclaimed creative, adventurer and giver of wit — took it upon herself to fill a flattering gap, re-introducing the simplest aspects of swimwear back into the market. Meet Myraswim, Aussie label nestled on the Gold Coast and the product of years of gathered ideas coming together to combine high fashion, insight into the ocean and a flattering ode to surfing.

By Heather Marie Combs

Acoined “water baby” now the “Amphitrite” of swimwear — Greek mythology’s “Goddess of the Sea” — Bianca Elouise is bringing the classics back to summer’s favorite uniform through her Aussie label Myraswim. Named after her grandmother, Elouise is no novice to the creative outlet found through design. “My mum always had me in art classes when I was little. All I wanted to do was craft, draw and paint as a child. When I got into my teens, I started sewing. Home economics was my favorite subject at school, I would spend my lunch breaks sewing clothes in the class room. I never believed in fashion school’s or being taught creativity, this I believe comes from within,” reminisces the designer. “I grew up spending time with [Myra] by the ocean. My childhood memories with my grandmother will always be so special. She would wear the most fantastic swimming caps and swimsuits. It was only right to name my company after her.”

Competitively surfing for most of her young adult life, Elouise lived in swimwear, noticing first hand the scarcity of bikinis unique or suiting to her specific body type. “It got to the point where the only bikinis on the market were really Roxy or Billabong, all surfer kind style bikinis,” shares the designer with a shake of her head. “What I wanted to buy wasn’t for sale. I made a few patterns, some of which did not turn out at all. It took me about 1.5 years to get two bikinis and a one piece to a standard I liked. My whole marketing aim of my swimwear was to create what I couldn’t find and believe it or not it was the simplest things — high cuts, solid colors and seamless finishes.” Intentional to steer away from what is “trending” it has always been about the classic and the timeless for Myraswim. “I’ve always wanted to have a consistent range of pieces that can be mixed and matched every season. [Lately] I have been working on a relaxed resort range, which is a day to night, resort ready-to-wear collection, but still based on the traditional Myra aesthetic,” reveals the creative director.

A movement sparked from a desire to customize her swimwear, Elouise continues to design with herself in mind. “I am the Myra woman,” beams the designer. “I’m thirty, curvy and confident. I want women to wear my garments with the confidence that they know they look amazing. With an emphasis on not only looking good, but feeling good, however cliché as that sounds. I was a twenty-three year old female who had hips, thighs and a bust that wanted some dope swimwear that fit right and could highlight these areas, and that is what I created.” That she did. Designing pieces that highlight the areas most women try to cover up, Myraswim stands out from the sea of bikinis with minimalistic views, seamless finishes, and sexy high cut designs constructed from lightweight silky nylon/spandex blend fabrics.

From her signature asymmetrical, one-shoulder detailing to her range of perfectly minimal color palettes and form flattering cuts, Myraswim is offering a beautiful take on effortless femininity to withstand the tides of time. So what are the swimwear faux pas, we had to ask? “I don’t think there is a specific ‘do’ or ‘don’t’ when it comes to fashion as I think there is honestly a market for EVERYTHING these days. A couple of personal pet peeves would be thick seams and I have never been a fan of a regular stitch and overlock finish, it does nothing for the shape or fit on a woman’s body to me. Neoprene swimwear triggers me also,” states the designer with a cheeky laugh. “I wear wetsuits surfing and I see the purpose of that, but as a bikini? I have never understood.”

While patterns can slate attention from time to time, this designer is loyal to the classic allure of a solid motif. “My first collection had prints and I HATED it so much. It sold, but I just wasn’t happy with it. The second collection I did was solids and I loved it, so I just continued from there. Most of my inspiration comes from the 80s to 90s swim fashion. They had the most classic cuts, I really wanted to bring that all back,” shared Elouise. “My personal holy grail is the ‘Yris’ bottom. I live in them,” continues the designer. “I can give myself a pat on the back for this garment, I perfected it. I alternate tops with this bottom constantly, but at the moment it’s my fave! Mid to high rise front with a thong back, just a classic piece and it sits so right.” Testing the waters in her upcoming collection drops, Elouise has two exciting collaborations coming to the fore in the next 12 months. “One with Selfridges and another with a fellow Aussie label, which I’ll keep secret for now,” teases the designer. “Other than that, I have a lot of expansion happening — beach towels, custom Myraswim surf boards in the works, fun stuff.”

As we stock up on swimwear, we are now fully equipped to take on these warmer days in not only flattering pieces, but in carefully constructed garments able to withstand the roughest of waves, but how about to take on the professional industry? “I have two [pieces of advice] I always think are keepers and are on different ends of the business scale. First, don’t follow trends or try keep up with the next person,” encourages Elouise. “Second, don’t let your money sit there, make it work for you. You can look at them how you please and interpret them however, but being true to your own vision is something that has always worked for me and learning how to invest right for my future is something I’ve learnt along the way and knowledge I’ll keep to hand onto my kids.” As if that was not enough, here is one more tidbit to take with you: “If you’re an entrepreneur — stay true to your vision and ideas, don’t be influenced by others. Something I think has for sure got me to where I am now would be staying focused on what I want to do and showcase as a creative. To my customers and loyal supporters — I just launched men’s, boy’s and mini’s also, so I have the whole family covered now!”

BEAUTY

Photographer and Stylist: Lucas St. Grima Model: Hope Ellen with Vivien’s Model Management Makeup: Kahlii Morrison Hair: Ryan Brown Dress: Rotate Earrings: Fendi