Control, ALT
Australian luxury swimwear label, ALT Swim, takes the Gold Coast global.
ALT Swim Lina Top — Leopard, $79; Bruni Bottoms — Leopard, $79
For the past ten years, Carlin Gordon has been designing whatever her heart desired. That desire: “booty” personalization. “It was in 2017 when the craze of personalization and ‘booty’ development trend was in its prime.” Gordon’s mention of this prime moment is the designer pinpointing Kardashian-influenced bodycon mini dresses and streetwear. “I was scrolling the internet and had a light bulb moment – why not combine the two! Personalization on your booty! I believe the best businesses have roots in areas you are passionate about and growing up in Australia on the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast, swimwear has always held a large place in my wardrobe. I did some research and couldn’t find competition in the [swimwear] market with this emphasis, so that’s when ALT was established.”
With more than 50,000 Instagram followers, ALT Swim has established itself as the one-stop-shop for influencers and the everyday woman. Unapologetically displaying barely-there pieces, bronzed curves, and carefree cheeky models, the label exudes confidence. With plenty to choose from — peach, orange, black and red laser-cut, peek-a-boo bandeaus and string bikinis — the Gold Coast is definitely on the radar. Differentiating from swimwear based brands in Europe and the United States, and with the brand’s focus on personalization, being different is not such a bad thing. “With the centralization of social media and the proliferation of online shopping, swim styles around the world are becoming more aligned. Since the beginning of this year, [ALT Swim] has shifted focus from personalization to more original designs and styles. I have spent the majority of my life in swimwear,” Shared Gordon. “I’ve always been passionate about fashion — like most girls I know — often dreamt of owning my own brand. Launching into swimwear was an obvious choice for me and we hope to continue to grow the brand on an international scale and keep producing showstopper suits that everybody loves.”
Raised on the beaches of Gold Coast, Australia — deemed by Gordon as the bikini capital of the world — the swim connoisseur is also an avid surfer. With a low-key, coastal upbringing, the woman knows first-hand the importance of minimalist pieces. Stitching the brand’s philosophy and mission into its signature style, the collection is all about the woman in the suit. “Alt swim is all about making women feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. All of our designs are minimalist, cheeky and designed to make you feel your best, whether you are strutting your stuff at the beach or lounging by the pool. I like to create designs that are simple yet unique and highlight the beauty of the human body.” Inspired by the very bona fide supermodel goddesses of the 90s — Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Yasmeen Ghauri — Gordon’s brand and personal muses stretch across several cultures and decades. Taking on cues from the 80s and 90s Italian Vogue, Gordon is prepared to reinvent this era.
Keeping her eye on the prize — securing trust within the clientele — Gordon keeps focus on the task at hand, standing out in the crowd and leaving a mark wherever you go with whatever you do. “The fashion industry is super competitive with new brands popping up daily. You really need to find your niche in the market and figure out how you are going to stand out.” With more and more brands opting for more sustainable processing, ALT Swim’s minimalist designs promise to become the staple in every woman’s closet – on the beach or layered in the streets. It was a quote by leading luxury designer Alexander Wang that has been engraved in Gordon’s memory, “Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing;” swiftly becoming the brand’s personal action statement. “I strongly believe in only designing things you would personally wear. If you don’t truly believe in something, then your pieces will lack true passion and this will ultimately reflect in your collection.” In fashion, there are no rules, no right or wrong. For Gordon and many female designers today, the ultimate way of expressing yourself is without having to say a word.
Gordon’s mantra for summer 2019: “Don’t be afraid to show some skin. Cheeky styles are more flattering than those with full coverage.” And like any female entrepreneur today, Gordon is doing her best to empower every woman — locally, nationally and globally. Taking on the everyday challenges of being her own boss, she strives to put out her creativity one day — and piece — at a time. “Give every day the chance to become the best day of your life.”
ALT Swim Sienna Suit — White, $139
