SUMMER DROP: Permanent Vacation Available Now
SUMMER DROP: Permanent Vacation Available Now
by Caitlyn Roux April 11, 2022 3 min read
Inspired by a story of hope and comfort amidst a time of prolonged conflict comes a beautiful design that's derived from this historical event five decades later. Lauren, from W'MENSWEAR drew creative inspiration from the stories told of a small group of US soldiers who found solace in surfing during the Vietnam War.
Paris One Piece Sea Foam Camo Print and Kiyo Top & Collin Bottom Sea Foam Camo Print
Often there's a story behind what inspired the design of prints, but none quite like this one. We got the opportunity to collaborate with the talented Lauren from W'MENSWEAR to create a special hand-painted print, one that no other swimwear brand will ever have.
Our collaboration features the:
Scorpion Sun Crop Olive & Lucky Bottom Sea Foam Camo Print and Paris One Piece Sea Foam Camo Print
We interviewed Lauren to get to know her a bit more and to gain deeper insight into her distinctive Sea Foam Camouflage print, as part of our collaboration for the new SS22 - Collection Nº6.
Tell us a bit about your surfing journey, how you got into it and what you love about the sport?
Although I’d been a volunteer surf lifesaver on Long Reef beach since 16, I only got into surfing at about 21 when I was at University. I had a boyfriend at the time who was a great surfer, and we would go up to Palm Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches a lot. I really loved the way it felt to fly on the water, and I know it’s cliche but honestly the connection to nature that surfing provided.
How did your W’MENSWEAR brand come to life, and what is the main differentiator from other clothing brands?
A good friend and mentor of mine, Nigel Cabourn, encouraged me to start making clothes back in 2014. Having his own brand for over 50 years, and world-renowned for his incredible outerwear, Nigel showed me the ropes when it came to designing clothes and running a fashion business. I would say that W’MENSWEARwas a word that I used to describe my sense of style that was ‘borrowed from the boys’ per-se.
Your collaboration with SEPTEMBER features a unique hand-painted camouflage design, tell us your inspiration behind this?
I was inspired by the story of a group of US soldiers who were surfing on their R&R trips to Da Nang during the Vietnam war. Surfing became a safe space for these GIʼs, many of whom were far from home and questioning their purpose in the face of conflict. These stories deeply resonated with me. The resilience, creativity, and playful spirit displayed by these young GIʼs felt true to the surfing ethos. I began to paint different variations of camouflages with the very sea foam hues that gave respite to the soldiers in my research. As these GI’s had fashioned their own surfboards from found objects and boating repair supplies, I too wanted to make something new using my own resourcefulness.
Lauren surfing in the Kiyo Top & Lucky Bottom Sea Foam Camo Print
Your podcast, the Ponytail Show, love all the interesting people you have on it! Tell us how it started and your inspiration behind it?
I started the podcast because I was missing all of my friends whom I regularly see on my travels! It was a covid podcast if you will.
What does a day in the life of Lauren look like?
Most days are spent in my studio working on ideas for new projects, otherwise, I’m visiting the wonderful makers who turn my ideas into beautiful objects! And a lot of green tea.
If you could share one message with the world, what would it be?
Be curious: ask questions people are not asking.
Kiyo Top & Collin Bottom Sea Foam Camo Print
"Todayʼs blossoming female surf scene is growing, pushing boundaries, and expanding all of our expectations in the best ways possible. Itʼs so exciting to see the new generation of women fly, and I am stoked to be able to play my bit." - Lauren Yates
Get to know Lauren more through her website or Instagram account - @ponytailjournal. Also, keep a lookout for what she will be getting up to next, it could quite possibly be another mesmerizing design!
X Erika + SEPTEMBER
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Exactly that I was looking for for my trip to Indo, stylish, functional, high quality sun protection. Highly recommend!
Can not get enough of the high neck for hawaii and tight fitting torso for surfing north shore
I love that instead of two removable pads like in most bikinis, this has one long thin padding insert that doesn’t move around. Great design & quality! Perfect for surfing.TTS.
I’ve been wearing the Atoll Bikini Top lounging in the sun and staying active at the beach—it’s quickly become my go-to. The fit is true to size and feels super supportive thanks to the molded elastic under the bust and adjustable straps. I love how soft the fabric is, and it is such a flattering fit without feeling restrictive.
As someone who’s in and out of the ocean all the time, I appreciate that it holds up well in saltwater and sun—and the UPF 50+ protection is a huge bonus. Plus, the fact that it’s made from regenerated materials like ghost nets and ocean plastic makes me feel good about wearing it!
As a minimal, stylish piece that fits well & feels good, I'd highly recommend!
I have never felt more supported and hugged by a suit. The fabric is the top notch quality. I’m heavy on the chest so it is normally such a struggle to find a surf suit that fits perfect. I can surf in this suit without it moving at all! Couldn’t suggest this suit more!! Also side note.. FAV pilates and yoga outfit as well!! Will be wearing this suit all day everyday this summer!!
I've been wearing my September Atoll Top and Lucky bottoms to the pool and the beach and just love the classic fit. It's super elegant and functional, so I can lounge in it or be active and take it out to the surf! The Lagoon Green Stripe print is super fun too and makes me feel like I'm surfing in the 60s which is such a vibe.
This bikini supports good and stays in place while surfing this was exactly what I needed! I can not believe how comfortable with this bottom, highly recommend 🙌🙌🙌
This is one of my favorite one pieces to surf in! The material is soooo silky smooth and it fits snug but comfy. The back detail is cute and it doesn’t move around even in big surf! If it’s a sunny day I like to throw a cropped rash guard over it.
I’m 5’3” and am wearing XS (My usual size AU6) it fits me perfect. The print and color is super cute and standing out in the water. This suit is also so comfortable and You don't need to worry anything while surfing. Defiantly recommend!!
I purchased this item few months ago, I enjoyed it very much.
I believe this is the prettiest bikini I ever had. The fit is very flattering, the fabric is simply beautiful and really well made. I'm in awe. Needed to exchange for a different size (only the top) and the whole process was easy. I cannot wait for my second purchase!
Great colour and design
Love how the material feels and the color!
Great piece
Love this green and white pattern and the easy fit!