Ah, Egypt. What with your pyramids, precious jewels, milk baths and kiddie kings, you’re the quintessential formula of an alluringly laborious existence masked by wild exotica. The ruins of Egypt, whilst stark and barren, offer an exposed beauty, a sense of magnificent human power stripped to an original state of nonexistence and undirected vulnerability. It’s little wonder, then, why lover of the extraordinary and slightly off-centre Croatian come Australian fashion and swimwear designer Karla Špetić referenced such a land in her Spring Summer 2013/2014 collection for KŠ Swim.

The story of a contemporary queen reigning supreme over her fallen empire, the SS 13/14 collection from the 2012 launched swimwear label brings to the fore a juxtaposition of developed and ancient worlds – a perhaps subtle yet identifiable metaphor for a modern society split down the generational middle – in a Pirelli calendar meets Age of the Pharaoh’s clash. Špetić’s signature proportion experimentation, contrasting colour schemes and graphic prints that initiate double takes make appearances in the form of plunging V-neck one pieces, crop top and triangle bikinis, cotton basics and retro-inspired cover-ups conceived, printed and manufactured in Australia. So throw on an amulet two-piece or a vertical stripe V-neck and be on your royal way.

KŠ SWIM is available at selective stockists across Australia and online at the label’s e-boutique.

www.swim.karlaspetic.com

Words / Grace McBrierty