British designer and author India Hicks has joined Bond-Eye Australia’s Sea Level swim brand to launch a new 20-piece range.
Over the course of nine months, the Sea Level design team worked closely with Hicks, according to Bond-Eye Australia CEO Steve Philpott.
“India’s personal style and unwavering attention to detail are evident in every element of the collection, from its proportions and colour choices to its carefully considered accents,” Philpott said. “The collection stands as a testament to India’s passion for the ocean, offering a curated selection of 20 exquisite swimwear pieces that capture both her love for the sea and her signature aesthetic.
The full collection uses the brand’s body-sculpting technology alongside SPF 50+ fabrics, in styles such as one pieces, bikinis and power suits. Key features include plunging necklines, higher leg lines and lower back lines.
Marketing material for the range was shot in The Bahamas, led by photographer David Gubert and videography by Amory Flintwood - who is also Hicks’ son.
“After finalizing the design process, we transitioned to marketing, which involved creating a brand identity, swing tags, and a logo,” Philpott said.
“During one of our many discussions, we talked about who would best represent this collection as the model. After that call, we pitched the idea to India that she should be the face of the collection herself - a suggestion she graciously agreed to.”
According to Hicks, she was involved in the collaboration from beginning to end, adding that she digs very deep when collaborating with a brand. Hicks is a designer across various disciplines, including home and lifestyle.
“This is the first time I have designed swimwear,” she said. “I wanted it to feel ageless and timeless, sexy, and adventurous. Swimwear for the modern James Bond woman.”
Hicks added that she is no expert on the swimwear space, but she believes that Australia leads the way in the space.
“I was on Bondi Beach two years ago watching those surfers perform their magic,” she said. “And I explored all those waterfront stores, touching and feeling the latest materials, trends and styles.
“What struck me most was that every piece was very wearable, not just a fashion statement.
“Inspired by this, I made sure that I could ride a horse and run around a pickleball court and buzz about town on a scooter whilst wearing my own Sea Level swimwear collection.”
The collaboration was initially struck after Philpott met with Hicks and her daughter at The Husk store opening Double Bay, where Hicks was signing copies of her newly released book. Philpott said they hit it off there and then.
"We sent her daughter Domino some more Bond-Eye and we sent India some Sea Level swimwear to their home in The Bahamas following. India loved the Sea Level pieces and we invited her to meet us at Miami Swim Week to discuss doing a collaboration with us.
"Sea Level was the perfect fit and the idea just made perfect sense. We worked some fabrications, artwork and samples together at our Soho House Suite where we were showing.
"There was a wonderful creative synergy and here we are about to deliver something amazing. The whole thing and every contact with India we have had since then has felt serendipitous."