This Swimsuit Style Has Been 'In' For Over 30 Years

Seafolly’s new Flashback collection has just launched, and it’s full of retro-cool pieces. The nine piece collection, all in vibrant colours and shiny material, was inspired by Seafolly archives from the '80s. While it’s no surprise that retro-style swimwear is having a moment, it's fun to see how Seafolly has reimagined past styles for today. To get some more insight into the process of recreating old Seafolly designs in a way that works today, we interviewed the brand’s head designer, Genelle Walkom.

Keep reading to find out how Seafolly took swimsuits from the '80s and transformed them for its new collection.

Who What Wear Australia: What is one swimwear classic that never goes out of style?

Genelle Walkom: With Seafolly being in the swimwear business for 43 years it’s amazing how many swimsuit styles come and go, but since the '80s I’ve noticed that a classic tri-bra and hipster have always been in demand. There’s nothing better than a clean cut functional design, making this set a summer wardrobe must have for women all around the globe.

WWW: How do you take an old collection and revamp it for the modern day?

GW: It was so natural for us to go back to our archives and bring the '80s back to life. We’re taking the original silhouettes and modernising them with high sheen fabrics and an updated fit. It’s so exciting reviving an era that shaped a generation and that I personally love .

WWW: When shopping for a swimsuit, what’s the most important thing for shoppers to keep in mind?

GW: All women should know what shape works for their body. It’s important to remember that you can feel great in a one piece that enhances your figure. Seafolly has always been known for offering women around the world well-cut, feminine swimwear that caters from an A to a F cup.

WWW: Where do you get inspiration for your designs?

GW: I was influenced by athletic styling and bold '80s colours. This sets the tone for the Flashback collection. The styles haven’t evolved too much, we’ve updated the fits to our '80s favourites and most styles in the collection are replicates of the original shapes.

WWW: Do you aim to focus more on looks or practicality when it comes to swimwear?

GW: Both go hand in hand... Our main objective has always been to provide women with well-fitting swimwear that doesn’t sacrifice the essentials of style. The Flashback collection boasts both, with premium quality ,high sheen fabric and on-trend silhouettes in bold primary colours.

WWW: Bright coloured swimwear is beginning to replace the classic black bikinis of days gone by. Do you think that bright-coloured trend is here to stay?

GW: Definitely! There’s no doubt black is a swimwear staple but injecting colour into your bikini collection allows you to make a bold statement. We’re loving canary yellow as the colour of the moment.

WWW: What is one swimwear essential everyone should have?

GW: A statement black maillot there is nothing more feminine than a one piece that flatters your body!