Image via Form and Fold
By Sonia Blair

Australian swimwear label Form and Fold recently launched their new collection, Oyster, catering to women with smaller backs and larger busts. The collection has been termed as a love letter to the beauty of the Australian environment, taking inspiration in the hues and rugged textures of the nature of our nation.

The brand, previously known as The Fold Swim, rebranded after a 2020 that took surprising and unforeseen turns, common across the Australian fashion industry during the pandemic. However, for the brand’s co-founders, Carly Warson and Stephanie Korn, this was an opportunity to regroup and focus on a new outlook for the company.

“Like everyone, we were completely thrown into a new way of being, both personally and professionally,” says brand co-founder Stephanie Korn. “Once we’d adjusted to a change in routine and shifted our expectations of what the year would look like, we found ourselves in a position where we could both spend a bit more time thinking about what we wanted next for ourselves and for the brand.”

Available in 26 sizes from 30E–38F, the new collection features Form and Fold’s classic one-piece, three signature bottoms and their four signature top styles, each of which is designed to fit and flatter the body like a comfy bra.

The brand also has a strong sense of environmental responsibility, with nearly 80 per cent of their Italian fabric made from recycled waste such as nylon fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastic from landfills and oceans. The brand also partners with Support the Girls to recycle unwanted or retired straps and bands. $1 from each sale is donated to Sister Works.

Form and Fold founders Carly Warson and Stephanie Korn.

We spoke to Carly and Steph about the rebrand, latest collection and just how each piece of swimwear is crafted thoughtfully and with the customer centre of mind.

Firstly, how was your 2020?
The past year has been filled with uncertainty, gratitude, frustration, and exploration – a wild assortment of moods. Living in Melbourne Australia we’ve experienced some of the most extreme living polarities in just a year. From living through one of the world's harshest lockdowns to now celebrating living in a country that's mostly been able to eliminate community transmission of the virus, we’ve never felt so lucky to be Australian.

Although we were stuck at home for so much of the year, we both spent time dreaming of when we might be able to travel again, be it in Australia or overseas. Part of that is dreaming about what you might wear to the beach, or poolside. There was a lot of ‘future-self’ preparation going on in our community, which was reflected in what they were purchasing too. It surprised us in the best possible way.

Tell me about the rebrand: What's in the name change, and how did it come about?
The rebrand felt like the next evolution of our ethos and our purpose as a swimwear label for D+ cup size women. We’ve always been driven to innovate beautiful and functional swimwear for women to feel supported and their best, and we wanted to ensure our name totally encapsulated our unique marriage of form and function.

You've described your latest collection, Oyster, as a 'love letter to the beauty of the Australian environment;' How did this come as a source of inspiration for the two of you?
Oyster is the result of both of us getting to slow down a bit during 2020; taking long walks, spending time by the sea and generally just reconnecting with nature. After going at such full pelt since we launched the label in 2017, it was so nice to become immersed in the beauty of Australia again.

The past year has made us both acutely aware of how fortunate we are to live in this country, where there is such an abundance of natural beauty across such varied landscapes. We also surveyed our community to see what colours they wanted to see, and it became clear to us that what we are craving right now is the chance to feel connected to nature. The burnished, textured orange provides a warm earthiness to our signature fits, while the forest green and oyster blue feel organic and soothing. The fact that the release of these new colourways dovetails with our new brand name makes this a very special and momentous collection for us.

Construction-wise, how much thought and precision are put into each piece of the collection?
The fit is everything. Our pieces are not designed just to look good and provide enough coverage, they also need to support, shape, provide comfort and have longevity, which requires complex construction techniques. Perfecting a style can take anywhere between 10 to 20 samples. Every detail counts—one millimetre can make all the difference between a well rounded shape and an unsupported, tear drop shape.

We spent three years developing our signature cuts with a team of expert D+ lingerie technicians, who understand the intricacies of how to create the perfect balance of form and function in our pieces. We still work with those experts to this day, and they have taught us a new language in the world of technical pattern making, grading and manufacturing.

Finally, what are your three key goals moving forward, both personally and professionally?
An important goal we’ve had from the very beginning is to create products that service women who are under catered for. Filling a hole in the market and producing styles that will make a difference to a woman's self esteem sits at the core of our design process. By supporting women who struggle with body issues we are personally servicing ourselves right back! Nothing feels better than reading reviews from women who say they’ve never felt better and more confident in their skin.

A new goal of ours is work life balance! We love working (sometimes as much as enjoying time off!) but this year we’ve made it a priority to switch off at night, enjoy a delicious meal, nurture important relationships and take a deep breath.

Check out Form and Fold online, here.

Form and Fold's Bold Take on Swimwear