Summer 2025: Permanent Vacation Collection Available Now
Summer 2025: Permanent Vacation Collection 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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by Charlotta Linder June 19, 2025 1 min read
A short Q&A with Dana Hamann—surfer, retreat host, and co-creator of DanceLightly Surf & Awareness Retreats. We chat about what inspired her journey, life in Lombok, and her deep connection to the ocean.
by Charlotta Linder May 20, 2025 3 min read
Erika and Nat discuss the SEPTEMBER x Alaia Mentawai collaboration, sharing their creative journey and what inspired the collection.
by Charlotta Linder January 24, 2025 2 min read 1 Comment
Discover why winter waves are always worth it—our top tips for staying warm, making every chilly surf session unforgettable, and enjoying those post-surf moments. 🍵
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Stumbled across this suit at the Xanadu surf shop on Lombok and loved the green bean print! But ahh the fit is amazing. Truly one of the first surf bikinis that I feel confident wont fly off if I get hit by a big wave. I bought the same style in red too! So cute and *actually functional!
Ahh I'm obsessed. Truly one of the first surf bikinis that I can feel confident wont fly off! I have the matching top and bottom and cannot stop wearing them. I bought the same style in red too! So cute and functional!
The made of this bottom is just perfect…fabric felt soft and smooth while hugging the body perfectly. It’s a modest coverage but still had me feeling free and not restricted in the hips area while surfing! Love love love this:)
The cutting of the top is flattering and felt so secured during my surf session. The print is just perfect. 10/10
If you are extremely fair like me but spend hours in the sun this is your top for no more burns. Covering neck,chest and hands has been a game changer for me in the water. I even wear this top mountain biking! Highly recommend if you want a cute and flattering top but want to take care of your skin.
Amazing surf suit bottom that stays snug if you’re spending hours in the water- I’m always skeptical of lighter prints being see through but this pattern is not at all, it’s a thick material but feels light on the skin. Super happy with these bottoms and have already taken them in three surf trips!
i originally bought this because i had burned my bum pretty badly & not only did it prevent this from ever happening again but it stays on perfectly and doesn’t leave a hard tan line. big fan😍😍
heya guys, i recently bought this bikini and IM LOVING IT😍😍 i have a hard time finding a bikini that keeps everything inside the top, in general but especially for surfing and im sooo impressed with how safe the top is despite being super comfortable and light! thanks so much for making these 🫶🏼🫶🏼
This is officially my favorite suit to surf in! The Alaia Surf Suit keeps everything perfectly in place so I can focus on surfing without worrying about adjusting anything. I usually pair it with the Scorpion Rashguard, and together they make the perfect set functional, comfortable, and stylish.
I also love wearing it to the beach with my daughter. We can run around, play, and still feel super cute. The material is amazing you can really tell that Erika and the team at September know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to both performance and design.
This is now my summer staple. Feels very cool with the heat when it’s wet.
I’ve recently been surfing in this top and honestly can’t believe how comfortable a rashguard can be. I’m a redhead, so sun protection is super important and this top nails it. The thumb holes offer extra coverage on the backs of my hands, and the higher neckline gives great protection without feeling restrictive.
What really surprised me is how soft it is. So many rashguards feel rough or end up causing more of a rash, but this one is buttery soft and gentle on the skin, even after long sessions in the water. September really got everything right with this piece functional, protective, and super comfortable.
Suit fits true to size and feels perfect in the Honolulu summer ocean! I hope it lasts forever!
Love the print and the fabric. Perfect for diving !
Great top, fits well and true to size. Super soft material. The print is vibrant and detailed. I surfed in it the other day. It was comfortable the whole time and stayed in place.
Great surf top! Fits true to size and is secure. I am a 34C and the S fits my bust well. I do wish the straps had a bit more elastic for extra support but very pleased with the overall fit, comfort, and functionality!