Suited up for summer

Words Melinda Burton | Photos Paul Broben

Growing up in the water, Bianca Elouise turned her love of swimwear into a fashionable and flourishing label that celebrates and flaunts the feminine figure.

Barefoot, donning a kelly-green pant suit, the most in-fashion shade of the year, Bianca Elouise is completely at ease on her home turf, the beach.

Against the backdrop of one of her most recent milestones, a custom build 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, Bianca takes to the photoshoot the same way she takes to business, with determination and poise.

The capable off-roader spells sophisticated luxury coupled with recreational adventure and has long been one of Bianca’s ambitions.

Turning heads and drawing lingering looks from locals, the V8 bi turbo engine roared to life once it met the sand at Currumbin.

“It’s such an iconic model and has this reputation behind it as a high fashion car, there’s a reason they don’t change the shape,” says Bianca.

“My dad owned a few Mercedes-Benz’ throughout my childhood, and I have always loved their shape, structure and design.

“I’m a Mercedes girl through and through, I’ve owned a few different models, but the G-Wagon is my dream car.”

Spending her youth in wetsuits and swimwear, the self-taught style icon has always shared an affinity with the ocean, starting when her Dad encouraged her onto a surfboard and into the waves at Greenmount Beach.

 

I love being out in nature and in the water and taking colours and inspiration from where I’ve been and what I’ve experienced.

Since then, Bianca has dived headfirst into a fast-paced career, competing on the Longboard World Surf League circuit, establishing a premium swimwear label and featuring on the 2020 Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Launching in 2013, her self-financed brand Myra Swim has garnered an international audience and caught the eye of several high-profile celebrities including Margot Robbie, Chrissy Teigen, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and more.

With few boutique swimwear brands to contend with at the time, the size-inclusive luxe label found a niche within a market offering ample opportunity.

“It was difficult to find stylish swimwear that accentuated my curves which led me to designing and making my own,” says Bianca.

Myra Swim represents my love of the ocean and high fashion while fostering a body positive brand that women can feel confident and sexy wearing.

“My designs emphasise areas most women try to cover up.

“I’ve found a lot of inspiration from the figure highlighting minimalistic silhouettes of 70s, 80s and 90s swim fashion.

“I’ve always thought the swimwear across those eras perfectly complemented a women’s body.

“When I first launched, I think that was missing from the market, so I decided to bring back the minimal coverage look that highlighted a womanly figure.

“I focus on the outline of a garment and where it sits on the body.”

Known for flattering cuts, seamless finishes, high cut legs and lightweight blend fabrics that mould to the body, the stylish swimwear label has earnt its place within the global fashion space.

Available in high-end international retailers such as SSENSE, Nat-a-Porter and Selfridges London, Myra Swim has become synonymous with neutral basics and signature silhouettes.

It was when Bianca hired her parents, her first two employees, that she knew she found success.

“Being able to offer both my parents a salary was a huge moment and a personal goal for me,” she says.

“They were able to quit their jobs and are now semi-retired and living a much happier life, Dad and I are even able to sneak away from the office for an occasional surf.”

Sleek and sophisticated, the brand is what Bianca describes as entry level designer, slow fashion.

“We’re not a fast fashion label, where trends come and go monthly,” says Bianca.

“Myra Swim is very much slow fashion and I try to create garments that you can mix and match with other trends.

“All my designs are non-seasonal, so they carry through and don’t outdate.”

The Elle one-piece, a swimwear staple and one of the first in the collection, is still a top seller, as are the Cindy and Mia bottoms.

“These are classic minimal swimwear designs I nailed on the head and they’re still in demand,” says Bianca.

“While staying true to my minimalist aesthetic, I’ve tried to create a timeless collection.”

However enduring Bianca’s designs have been, when it comes to the fashion industry, the style trailblazer understands staying relevant and on-trend is key.

“Getting to the top is one thing but staying on top is another,” she says.

“You’ve always got to be on the ball with creativity and keeping the customer’s interest.

“I’m constantly sketching and taking notice of everything in the fashion world and looking ahead to the next season.

“Finding inspiration in the everyday and drawing design elements from my surroundings is how I operate and I’m very much in my own head most of the time.

“I love being out in nature and in the water and taking colours and inspiration from where I’ve been and what I’ve experienced.”

Contact details
https://myraswim.com.au/
info@myraswim.com