INTERVIEW: Gypsea Paradise 14/15

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

'Dino': The minerals 

'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." 

'Mayan': Mayan feathers from rain forests of Mexico and the Mayan Ruins 

'Paradise Lost': Macaw Feathers from the Amazon  

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

Picture Source: http://www.gypsea.com.au

By Sharon Jiang 

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TRENDING: Wide Brimmed Hats

From Pharrell’s Canadian Mountie inspired Vivienne Westwood headpiece at the Grammy’s to the sartorial creations of Christopher Bailey, wide brimmed hats – and hats alike – have been creeping their way into the fashion spotlight.  Felt or suede, over-sized, floppy or structured, headwear of the calibre is just what the Australian summer calls for.

Whether you’re lounging on the beach basking in the warm summer rays, exploring the vast expanses of the Australian landscape or simply walking the high streets, brimmed hats are the go-to accessory for practicality and effortless cool. So with that in mind, it seems almost a sin not to jump on the band wagon.

Of course not everyone can afford the technicolour creations at Burberry. Or the luxurious pieces crafted at Lanvin. So I’ve found solace in the beautifully constructed pieces at Fallen Broken Street and Lack of Color. If anyone knows the who-is-who in wide brimmed hats, these two are truly a head above the rest (pardon the pun).

Picture Sources:

Jan Mercel // You Feelin It // Lack of Color

High Snobiety // Mike Kargee // Fallen Broken Street

From the streets of Byron Bay, Fallen Broken Street is the go-to for you stylish world travellers and crazy cool kids. Their hats have sat atop of some of the world biggest celebrities such as Cara Delevingne.  Their cutting edge pieces are made from excellent craftsmanship and some of the finest material money can buy. They also stock beanies, caps and gloves and now too, mini version of some of their best-selling pieces for children alike. I’m personally eyeing the Dingo in Wine or the Cove in Black - definitely a summer essential.

Channelling a more sophisticated approach to the humble headwear is Lack of Color - clean, minimal and exuding an understated class. These pieces are incredibly versatile for all you ladies out there – take it to the beach, wear it out with friends or even as the ultimate accessory to dress up an outfit on a night out. Made from the finest wool, they are perfectly trimmed with genuine leather or metallic gross-grain ribbon. 

I personally know that Sharon loves Montana Silver Haze. For a trans-seasonal piece with an understated sophistication, the creations at Lack of Color are seemingly impossible to pass by. 

By Marvic Casingal
Primed Men

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OUTFIT POST: Weave

Top: c/o MINKPINK (shop HERE)

Jeans: Topshop 

Cardigan: Comptoir Des Cotonniers 

Shoes: Ego & Greed 

Necklace: House of Harlow & The Mania Mania 

The sun was out yesterday to bid farewell to Sydney's 'bitter' winter. On this occasion, I visited Marvic's home in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

Rose Bay Wharf was pretty deserted apart from several families chilling on their private boats and a handful of teenagers procrastinating their HSC studies. That only means one thing: freedom to be our silly selves while shooting.

But my attempt to coerce Marvic into joining my happy dance backfired.

Me: "You'll never see these people again."

Him: "That's easy for you to say. I live here!"

Nevertheless, summer is creeping up; time to whip ourselves into shape, stock up on swimwear and get excited at the prospect of mangoes season. With that being said, the only form of dressing on my mind is trans-seasonal crops with cardigans and heaps of bright colours. I'm ready to spring clean the wardrobe and replace coats with lightweight knits, thermals with breezy silk tops and boots with open-toe sandals.

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Checkmate

Picture Source: http://finderskeepersthelabel.com.au/

There are two things at the top of my bucket list: shoot in a maze and (learn how to) play giant chess - none of which will be fulfilled anytime soon. So I will live vicariously through Finders Keepers's latest lookbook, Checkmate. Their vision of spring dressing consist of a modern twist on the floral and houndstooth print. The former being stripped off its cutesy stereotype and designed with an edgy ombre into stark white where the latter is updated with a pop of colour.

Yes, you're free to wear houndstooth stylishly come the warmer weather. It's no longer just reserved for the David Jones logo.

By Sharon Jiang 

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OUTFIT POST: Ash

 

 

Shirt: French Connection ... Pants: ASOS 

Shoes: Birkenstock ... Necklace: Market Vendor 

P&P goes to Darwin! One half of the newly developed, fun-loving duo at Primped and Primed has headed to the Territory’s Top End to escape Sydney’s winter chills.

To introduce myself, my name is Marvic Casingal. I am 18 years old and – despite being older than my other half/partner in crime – see myself as the younger ‘brother’ to the sophisticated Sharon.  I am also the official head of all things menswear and will be covering sartorial trends in male fashion, runway coverage and personal style.

So we’ve all heard of that expression “dress of the occasion”; whether you’re off to the beach, the races or a cute night out with a special someone, this good old saying rings true in almost all instances of planning your outfit. As much as we’d all love to wear our favourite pair of jeans and sneakers to our best friends wedding, the truth of the matter is you just can’t. To avoid looking like Miley Cyrus at the VMAs and sticking out like a sore thumb, it is essential to dress according to the event, the weather and your personal style.

This get-up is a great example of dressing accordingly – considering the 33 degree heat, the at-home dinner party etiquette and my go-to looks. What would typically call for jeans, a button-up shirt and some nice oxfords, in Darwin, calls for a clever mixture of comfort, class and effortless cool. The all-important 3 C’s.

My love for a monochrome colour palette and cropped trousers is paramount – so of course I had to dress according to my signature look. But to spice things up and opt for the added points in comfort, I swapped out the oxfords and button-ups for a good old pair of black Birkenstocks with a perforated tee.

As a look which a culmination of planning, thought and fashion know-how, this outfit is a display of my personal style, dressing for the occasion and navigating through the many problems we fashionistas/fashionistos face. #thefabulousfashionlife. So good luck all you beautiful individuals – think comfort, think classy and dress to kill. 

Primed men 

By Marvic Casingal 

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OUTFIT POST: Thrift

 

HER 

Top: Lucid @ Ambition Fashion (shop HERE)
Jeans: Cheap Monday
Jacket: UNIF
Shoes: Novo 

Collar Tips: Topshop
Sunglasses: Seafolly 

HIM 

Top: Neuw Denim (shop HERE)
Pants: Roger David
Jacket: Marcs
Shoes: Topman
Belt: Connor

Since winter is coming to an end, Marvic and I wanted to take advantage of the last few weeks of heavy outerwear and long pants. We came up with a 'modern vintage' aesthetic while thinking of a theme for this joint outfit post. It's a little bit thrifted but with a clean and minimal edge that's both wearable and street style appropriate. So we didn't dig out the decade old furs which reek of moth balls nor ill fitting neon shorts from the 80s. Instead we chose newly curated and purchased pieces that embody a retro vibe through the subdued colour palette and boxy shapes. 

We styled our outfits around neutral shades of tan, nude, black and blue. In an attempt to prevent the twinsie effect - that cringe worthy clash where you've both worn blue jeans, beige shirt and black coat -  Marvic and I coordinated this colour block the night before. To keep it modern, we also played around with similar patterns, shapes and textures opting for faux fur details and collared button up shirts.

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