Olga Olsson / Brand Feature

Luxury, Ethics & Craftmanship are at the core of Olga Olsson's beliefs. Named after the founder, Ruth Ferguson's grandmother Olga, the brand is true to the Ruth's heart, and everything that true creation should be. Something I remember Katharine Hamnett mentioned to me in passing was that she 'never wants to make something that hurts someone else'. This ethic is something I think Ruth would certainly identify with. Olga Olsson is made in a small atelier in Rio de Janeiro by 8 very skilled women, who are all paid a fair wage with transport costs covered. In addition to this the fabric is hand painted, by young artisans who are part of an NGO founded by artist Ana Castro. Ana teaches hand painting for textiles, dying, tye dye, batik, silk screen, and dip-dye to apprentices with an aim to create new paths for their lives to take, away from the violent district of Complexo Maré in Rio.




Ruth having previously worked for Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Hackett and Harrods certainly knows the luxury market, here's hoping that we can put British (Brazilian) swimwear on the map in a similar way to women's ready to wear draws the crowds to London fashion week!
SS11 maybe the first season for Olga Olsson, I don't doubt we will see the brand and its creators blossom. Olga Olsson is by far the hottest swimwear brand I've seen in a long time (apart from Black Neon of course!!)
Meeting Ruth at last months Lingerie Collective has been a blessing in its self, not only is she a lovely girl, it's finally great to have someone in exactly the same boat, to bounce ideas around with!
SS11 will be available next spring online at Olga Olsson.

Katharine Hamnett X Yooxygen / Swimwear

Katharine Hamnett has joined up with Yoox.com to produce an eco friendly swimwear range. The 1950’s inspired ‘Save the Sea’ range created with sustainable fabrics and organic cotton will include 14 different styles and designs. The range has bright bold colours, patterns on one piece swimsuits, bikinis, tote bags and beach towels.
Talking to Vogue.co.uk about the new range, Katharine said: “I have called this collection SAVE THE SEA as the sea that we all love is dying due to the impact of human activities such as oil spill, sewage dumping, industrial pollution, chemical fertilizers and pesticide run-off, lack of fish stock management, over fishing, pirate fishing which can possibly lead to the extinction of species including the blue fin tuna.”
I'm sure Katharine will be infuriated by the BP oil disaster, on the few occasions I have met Katharine it amazes me how much passion and knowledge she has surrounding the earth. She inspires me to seek out information in an aim to educate myself further about the enviroment and our effects on it. A good place to start is the links page on Katharine's website.