FIONA RYN OF BOWER SWIMWEAR
Launched in 2015, Bower is a luxury ethical and sustainable British swimwear brand. Founded by Rupert Tapper and Fiona Ryn and influenced by childhoods spent by the sea at Sydney’s Fairy Bower. Rupert and Fiona now split their time between London, Biarritz and Amsterdam, creating a label that responds to a need for modern and beautifully constructed swimwear that retains functionality and ease of wear.
Bower's aim is to create design-led swimwear with a focus on the now with a nod to the past.
The designs utilise luxury Italian fabrics, partnered with complex construction and considered details. With components sourced from Italy and France, the final product is constructed at a small, specialised factory in Italy.
Bower’s swimwear is created from fabrics produced with ECONYL®, a yarn created from post consumer plastic waste including discarded fishing nets.
The clothing is 100% vegan and only produced to order. Bower strives to produce as little waste as possible, with quantities limited in order to minimise dead stock and wastage.
Bower Swimwear donates 5% of any order vale to Healthy Seas Org.
We spoke to Co-Founder of Bower Swimwear, Fiona Ryn about the brand and their designs, Rupert and Fiona’s experience in shaping Bower together, and their creative focus right now.
How did it all begin FOR BOWER?
Rupert and I met in London back in 2012. We couldn’t believe that two kids from Manly, Sydney met on the other side of the world. We both had very separate careers but in 2014 we realised we had the knowledge to create something that we believed in, and Bower was born.
We did a lot of talking about the brand and how we wanted to approach the market. Finally, we launched in Summer 2015 with our first collection.
Describe yourself and BOWER TO US?
Rupert is the Creative Director and Fashion Photographer with over 20 years experience in the industry. I have been working in fashion both in sales and PR for more than 10 years. Bower is a creative collaboration between the two of us. Our designs are an extension of our own style and taste, minimal with a twist – bold colours, loud prints and a belief in ethical and sustainable living.
What is A VERY SPECIAL MOMENT IN BUILDING THE BOWER BRAND?
It is hard to pick just one! On a day to day level we always feel so proud when people notice us for our ethical and sustainable efforts.
Another – our first piece of press ever was in British Vogue with Gisele shot by Mario Testino, that moment made us realised we really had a brand that had potential.
What creative work has you excited right now?
We have just finalised all designs for Resort 20. We have been working with some amazing friends to create really unique prints - we try to change things up every season.
Not only does this keep us super excited but it brings a whole new feel to the brand and our collections. We have been focusing on growing our RTW and mens lines. We’ve designed a full range of RTW for women, which has been so much fun and it’s really exciting to be able to play with different fabrications.
What advice do you have for emerging designers?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. If it isn’t going to matter in five years so don’t let it worry you today. And get your finances sorted from the start!
What do you love to do when you’re not working?
We both find that exercise is the best way to clear our minds. It gives us time to just focus on ourselves. We also love being by the ocean and any chance we get you will find us there.
For further information email info@bowerswimwear.com