Queensland label Shade Swim is shining a light on talent in the sunshine state by working with a range of local, female-led businesses to launch its stunning new range of stylish and sun-safe swimsuits. Brisbane’s Alyshia Morris launched Shade Swim in 2018 after struggling to find a fashionable, sun-safe one piece. After launching the successful label last year, Alyshia has now collaborated with Brisbane textile designer Britt La Spina to release the label’s new spring/summer range Endless Summer.
“Launching a business, growing it and keeping on-trend is always a daunting task, but working with a range of supportive and inspiring women has been a joy,” Alyshia said. “I started the label to ensure there were fashionable, sun-safe and Australian swimsuits available.” The Endless Summer collection features a range of flattering and fashion-forward sleeve lengths, colours and hand-designed prints from Britt La Spina. Britt, a Brisbane based homewares and textile designer, said she loved designing prints for Shade Swim. “Alyshia came to me wanting to add some gorgeous designs to her range, so we worked together to create the classic, yet trendy leopard and the feminine Rosita print,” Britt said. “I hand drew the patterns, then we printed and tested them on the swimsuit designs to make sure the prints were flattering and would suit all body shapes. It’s always nice to see the prints come to life and it’s even better working with a local Brisbane business.”
Alyshia works hard to keeps it local when she can. “I’m passionate about supporting local businesses and work with a Brisbane based manufacturer, who makes all the swimsuits. I have a Brisbane based PR and marketing team, I use Gold Coast based models and photographers and love working with other small, creative businesses, like Britt,” Alyshia said. The mother of three also emphasises the importance of sun safety. “I was diagnosed with two stage one melanomas in 2013, which played a huge role in inspiring me to launch Shade Swim. Fortunately, they were successfully removed and I was extremely lucky.” Alyshia now wants to encourage and empower everyone to protect themselves from our harsh Aussie sun.
Readers also enjoyed our feature story about Shade Swim.
