Swimwear with panache

New summer fashions to be previewed at Byron

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WHEN your typical "surfing fashionista" is cruising across the face of a wave, not only does she want to look good, she also wants her swimwear to stay where nature intended.

The fashionista may also want to step straight out of the surf into a cocktail party.

To meet this demand fashion label Muther of All Things (MOAT) co-founders Marisa Sidoti and Joceline Godfrey have designed a range of swimwear that proves that function and fashion don't have to be mutually exclusive.

"Women can feel confident and beautiful in the surf in our swimwear," said Ms Sidoti.

"There is so much to deal with when you are surfing, the last thing you want is your bikini flying off."

The MOAT Summer 2011- 2012 range will be previewed at Voyeur, Byron's Fashion Expose, in the Byron Theatre at the Community Centre next Friday, September 30.

Voyeur will showcase collections from 12 local designers and feature more than 20 models with awards for Designer of the Year and Outfit of the Night. One model will also be crowned Face of Voyeur 2011.

"This year's designs are feminine and fresh with lots of frills and soft colour. We drew inspiration from the colours of fairy bread and lollies. Its all about celebration and fun."

Ms Sidoti said that Byron Bay's surf bohemian lifestyle provided the catalyst for MOAT's inception.

"We'd both just started to get into surfing, and straight away saw our niche. With so many ladies out there these days we knew we were bound to make some of them happy."

Typical of the MOAT designs on show at Voyeur next week is the Lenny II, a long-sleeve leotard surf suit made to withstand the rigors of the ocean, yet graceful enough to wear dining out.

Designed and made in Australia, the label prides itself on the finer touches and its overall craftsmanship and quality, making MOAT the perfect beach costume de rigueur for surfers and fashionistas alike.

"This year's fabrics have improved flex and durability. It's enabled us to come up with a few new concepts and create something that all women can be a part of."