When we started thinking about colours and patterns for our Island Crush Swimwear Collection it was a bit overwhelming. For a tween-focused line, we needed designs that were fresh and vibrant, steering clear of anything too cutesy or cliché. But what exactly would capture that perfect look?
I turned to my very good friend Carla for inspiration. Carla is a wonderfully talented, beach-loving artist who works out of the happy chaos that is her home studio. I've always loved her art, especially her use of colour. Even though we didn’t yet have a concrete vision for our swimwear patterns, I knew Carla would bring it to life.
Over a few glasses of wine, I shared our vision for Island Crush. Carla loved the idea and was eager to help us create something special. She embraced my loose direction to create “something fabulously painterly” with themes like “Blue Lagoon,” “Coral Cove,” “Emerald Swirl,” and “Pink Sunsets.”
Carla then painted a series of pieces inspired by the stunning sunrises and seascapes of Cronulla and her favorite beaches. Picture shades of turquoise, coral, and deep blue swirling together like ocean waves, with touches of pink, orange, and sunlit yellow adding warmth. We selected our favourite pieces in a range of colourways, which were then digitally transformed into seamless print patterns (thanks to my talented friend Ben and his decades of graphic design experience!).
Some digital mastery was required to make the repeat patterns look fluid, but the final patterns are true to Carla's original art, with visible brush strokes and beautiful combinations of colour:
The result? A collection that merges tween style with Carla’s artistic flair. Her painterly designs feature playful details like swirling waves, delicate seashells, and abstract marine life—bringing a hint of ocean magic to each piece, perfect for young girls who want to express their unique style.
We've designed the collection with mix-and-match flexibility in mind, so girls can choose tops and bottoms that reflect their own style. We love the idea that every girl is unique and special, and we think our prints are unique and special too...
