Speedo x From Somewhere unveil ‘UNITY’ dress
04
Aug
Speedo has teamed up with sustainable designers, From Somewhere to create the ‘Unity’ dress – a stunning one-off couture ball gown produced using surplus fabric from Speedo’s Fastskin3 Super Elite Swimsuit.
Made using off-cuts from special edition versions of suit in the colours of Speedo sponsored swimming teams from the USA, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Spain, Japan, Canada, Netherlands and Israel, the dress is influenced by sunsets, sea and waves for a look that reflects the oceans which connect the competing nations at this summer’s global event.
From Somewhere’s Orsola de Castro said, “I think our dress speaks about water, and water is life. It’s about the environment, and preserving water which should be a priority for all humankind.”
The project saw From Somewhere team up with Rebecca Jayne Taylor, a graduate from Falmouth University, who worked closely with designers to create the innovative concept piece.
On creating the unique fusion of formalwear and swimwear, Orsola de Castro continued: “We wanted to really concentrate on the idea of having a traditional evening gown that totally mimics sportswear design techniques. The sewing, finishes and details were constructed as if the dress would also have to withstand swimming, which presented an exciting challenge.”
The dress is the latest collaboration between Speedo and From Somewhere, and follows the inaugural collection of stylish dresses which launched at the Esthetica exhibition of sustainable fashion at London Fashion Week in 2011, fashioned using surplus stocks of the Speedo LZR Racer Elite following a change in FINA regulations regarding competitive swimwear in 2010.
Great to see such collaborations in place and also emphasising once again how vibrant and joyous swimming can be! Check out the actual dress below:
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