Currently based in Wellington but soon to join the Christchurch craft scene, Annemiek Weterings opened her Felt shop, Swanwear, a year ago and her vintage inspired swimsuits have made a splash. With a new range of special one-off vintage-print cotton suits and 1950s-inspired two pieces on the way in the new year, Swanwear is a shop to keep your eye on.

What do you make?
I make swimwear inspired by the bathing costumes of the 1920s through to the 1950s. In those days the swimsuits were such beautiful, flattering, modest yet sexy shapes.

What inspires you?
I’ve always been inspired by the olden days. All the amazing handcrafts from the past, I’d like to keep learning about lace making, weaving and embroidery… all those tiny beautiful stitches.

I’ve always thought of myself as a bit of a Granny and now that I know how to bottle fruit there’s no turning back… I’m on a mission to put those old style stitching and cooking techniques into practice.

Walking in the bush has always been hugely inspiring for me too. I love the textures and colours of mosses and bark and insects… One day I hope to have some spare time and then I’ll make textiles.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could just have fun at the beach without needing to race out of the water and put on a towel to cover up? I see women at the pools wearing shorts over top of their togs and people pulling at their swimsuits because they are too low cut at the top or too high cut at the leg. I want to create a flattering comfortable swimsuit for everyone who likes to swim and play on the beach. (more…)