As Seen In Vogue

This year’s iteration of Australian Fashion Week was an uncharacteristically chilly one. Taking place just a few weeks after its traditional mid-May timings meant that it went ahead as we entered the first week of winter—so naturally, many showgoers were already yearning for warmer months. And with this yearning of course comes much forward planning.

Those who were already looking ahead to their spring and summer getaways were fortunately met with a schedule that was brimming with resort shows, many of which offered not only ready-to-wear options to those already mentally packing their suitcases, but also swim pieces.

From Bondi Born and Rumer, to Aqua Blu, Camilla, White Sands, and the swimwear designers that presented as part of the Indigenous Fashion Projects show, 2021’s take on swim and resortwear ran the gamut when it came to colour and cut, with each designer’s distinct take on the category seeing something created for every single sartorial preference imaginable.

For those who favour flat, yet eye-catching, colours, Bondi Born was the label to look to. Sticking to a strict colour palette of tangerine, fuschia (a popular hue at AAFW 2021), buttercream and black, free-flowing silhouettes that flattered the form and featured well-placed cut-outs were practically begging all those in attendance at the label’s Sydney Harbour-hosted show to lock in a long weekend away at a tropical location. Similarly reserved in colour, but not in cut, was Rumer—its own resort collection favouring one-shoulder one pieces, high-cut bottoms and simply-designed tops—and White Sands, that sent us back to the ’70s with its halterneck styles and hints of velour.

Here, Vogue rounds up the best swim and resortwear looks from Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021.