After the amazing response and success of the Women + Waves X H&M collaboration in June we’re so excited to announce that our sustainable surf and swimwear collection will now be launching in the Southern Hemisphere from the 30th of November 2020.
The collection will be available online and in stores in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Peru and Uraguay!
The Women + Waves X H&M collection features sustainable swimwear designs, with a subtle 1990s look and cuts for an active lifestyle. This collection is designed for active water-loving women, just in time for the Southern Hemisphere summer!
The whole collection is made from fabric blends with at least 50% sustainably sourced materials such as; recycled polyamide, recycled polyester and organic cotton. From modern swimwear styles and one-pieces to our rash guard and wetsuit made from Yulex, all the pieces are designed with practicality, style and confidence-boosting in mind.
It also includes apres-surf wear, a t-shirt, hoodie and accessories all emblazoned with the Women + Waves logo. Illustrated by Women + Waves member, Clara Jonas.
“We really wanted each piece not only to be practical but also reflect the strength and empowerment of women surfing together,” said Women + Waves founder, Rachel Murphy.
“I hope the H&M collaboration will inspire women to surf, plus raise awareness of keeping the oceans clean.”
Rachel chatted to the head of communications at H&M to discuss how she feels the collection will be received in Australia and New Zealand:
Does the Women + Waves community extend to Australia?
Yes definitely, Women + Waves is connecting women from all over the world. That’s the great thing about our surf community, it brings everyone together from all corners, no matter what your background is.
We have active members all over Australia and beyond. I lived on the Gold Coast for a year in 2019.
It was great to connect with the local surfers. It’s great to see the increase in female surfers and I hope this continues!
The collection is made of more sustainable materials, how important is sustainability to you?
Sustainability for this collection was really important to us, as it has been to H&M. It has been at the very core of the collection from materials to processes. Whether it’s planting trees for each of our surf trips, to beach cleans and ocean initiatives, it will always be a huge part of Women + Waves ethos. We’re the voices of our oceans and we need to do our best to protect and preserve it. It’s our playground and we must take care of it.
What was your vision for this collaboration and what did you hope to achieve?
My vision for this collaboration was to be able to offer women, sustainable, affordable, stylish, surf/swimwear for women to feel comfortable in and able to surf in. It’s important to me that the collection made everyone feel secure, resulting in feeling confident yet feminine. We had an incredible response in the Northern Hemisphere and I am confident the Southern Hem will love it too.
With the collection launching in Australia on the 30th of November, how do you feel this will resonate with Australian women?
Swim and surfwear is such an important part of your everyday life in Australia. I think with the passion for sustainability over there I hope it will be a popular choice for many surfers and ocean lovers. I can’t wait to see women out there surfing and enjoying it!
How important is female empowerment to you?
Empowering women and especially younger teenagers is so important to me. Women + Waves is all about creating an inclusive, open and prosperous space for girls and women to feel safe and confident in. In 2018 it was amazing to see the female athletes that compete in The World Surfing League (WSL) standing together for equality in equal pay prize money. Witnessing this movement from the outside was so inspiring to us. To see the top female surfers in the world come together and stand up for what they believe in, making big changes to the future of surfing was amazing! Seeing the female surf community grow drastically over the last 5 years has been incredibly inspiring and empowering.
Right from the start of Women + Waves, female empowerment has been the driver and is celebrated throughout every event, session and trip. It’s exciting to see this spread globally!
“Seeing how many women’s lives have changed for the better; whether it’s about confidence levels, lifestyle or mental health; feels like the biggest reward of all.”
Want to shop the collection? Take a look online HERE.
Want to see more clothing from Women + Waves? Take a look at our online shop HERE.
Women + Waves also offers UK and International surf coaching trips around the world. Visit the website for more info.
