Today I’m feeling totally inspired by Retro Synchronised Swimmers!
I have a long distance love affair with water, being a tragically weak swimmer and all-round scaredy-cat.
We had our first holiday abroad a few years ago, I got brave and boarded a donut float – my mermaid daughter dragged me into the middle of the pool and it felt like I was out at sea. I learned I can paddle very fast and effectively with my hands, and with a steely determination I sped back to the safety of the poolside like a wind-up bath toy. Centre pool is not my life.
To me, water is best enjoyed from the comfort of a lovely bit of furniture, safely planted on terra firma. I loved watching my gal not so elegantly galavant about the pool in her deathtrap mermaid tail, centre pool is absolutely her life.
To me, water is best enjoyed from the comfort of a lovely bit of furniture, safely planted on terra firma. I loved watching my gal not so elegantly galavant about the pool in her deathtrap mermaid tail, centre pool is absolutely her life.
But! It’s lovely to imagine sitting lazily by a pool, or having the grapefruits to dive in, swim and splash with joy and abandonment in the water. (Not in a Showgirls kinda way though..)
Waterside culture is so glamorous to me, the fashion and the fun.
Lets enjoy together some groovy cossies, extra swim caps, and live vicariously through those way braver than I – synchronised swimmers. God they’re cool.
Its so easy to be inspired by the colourful playful fashion but more so the dedication, creativity, talent and athleticism these women and men possess.
This clip culminates in a human version of a champagne pyramid. The shots from above are stunning and mesmeric, organic in movement and a bit creepy actually. I’d love to see the full film, apparently Quentin Tarantino has a personal copy.
If you can name anything more extra than 10 women leaping from 30 foot swings through clouds of coloured smoke into a gigantic pool, instantly taking formation.. well..I need to know. Also, I love the gorgeous shades of marigold and fiery red throughout this whole shebang.
In massive contrast, here we have a team of young ladies from good ol’ Blighty performing their sequence at a Butlins in the 60s. The clip feels like something Russel Brand would be talking about on Ponderland. I absolutely adore the red suits with ric-rac detail, and the pineapple caps to go with! Giving me flashbacks to the outdoor pool at my childhood caravan park though, brr!
Surprise Scarlett Johanson. Utilising the duo coloured suits here for colour changing effect. Also just from this clip – I NEED to see this film.
And finally, the clip that just embodies the whole vibe I’m loving to a T.. Austin Powers! Pink, floral, frilly and the soundtrack to get ready to every morning, the Bossa nova! Yeah baby!
My takeaway from these fabulous gals then from a designers perspective. The simple bold patterns – geometric and floral. Playful whimsical vibes and striking rich saturated colour.
Im itching to create something now, so here is my little moodboard of what I feel like Swimmie inspired design is to me, which I plan to incorporate into my 2020 projects!
My first thought is to go full Miss Vanjie
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but with a little creativity you can always find a way that suits you to pay homage to a style you love while not feeling too costumey and on the nose. I’ll probably make a bag.
How would you channel Synchronised Swimmer Chic?