Primped and Primed: INTERVIEW: Gypsea Paradise 14/15

Gypsea Swimwear, Australian Label, Western Australia, nature, printed swimwear, Paradise Collection 2014/15, bikini, model

'Mayan': Mayan feathers from the rain-forests of Mexico & the Mayan Ruins

'Dino': The minerals

Gypsea Swimwear, Australian Label, Western Australia, nature, printed swimwear, Paradise Collection 2014/15, bikini, model, Misha Ashton Moore

'Zeepop': double exposed zebras and poppies

'Nicobar': Nicobar Pigeon from the Andomon Island & Malaysia

Known for their original and vibrant prints, Gypsea Swimwear's newest 2014/15 collection 'Paradise' showcases the brand's love of nature and design. This Western Australian label has come a long way since their runway debut at 2013 Australian Fashion Week by designing swimwear that's unique in print and cut yet flattering to the female form.

Zebra & Poppies Double Exposure by Misha Ashton Moore

But even after finding success designer Emma Jones and surf photographer Scott Bauer, who run this business together, has not strayed from their design DNA. Gypsea is still that label which merges swimwear with exquisite photography shot by Bauer and other talented photographers and artists.

Such is the importance of original photography that Gypsea has an artist program to support local and international talent. The idea is to accept artists to 'collaborate with Gypsea ... creating a unique piece of wearable art'. This collection features the work of Misha Ashton Moore, Darrell Gulin and Stan and Kaisa Breeden.

Previously I had the pleasure to interview Bauer after the label's debut. This time I catch up with him to talk about the new collection.
These are his thoughts:

On inspiration: "I'm very much an outdoors person, so nature is a big inspiration. This particular collection is very much inspired by my upbringing, from North Western Australia with the Karijini and Ningalo prints."

On the prints: "The minerals, I've always been amazed by at a young age, the textures and colours are so unique. The feather prints are inspired by amazing Rainforests; Paradise Lost is from the Amazon, Bird of Paradise is from Papua New Guinea, Nicobar is from around the Andamon Islands and Malaysia and Mayan is from the rainforests of Mexico where the Mayan Ruins are." (see photo captions for print information)

Mayan feather by Darrell Gulin

On designing new cuts: "We're constantly evolving and the ultimate goal is to produce new, contemporary swimwear that is very flattering but also have those staples that we are known for."

On challenges: "I think sometimes the biggest challenge is to narrow the range down enough so the collections aren't so big. We get so excited it's easy to get out of hand."

On partnership: "Emma and I work so well now and the design process we have so much fun with."