Different shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds were celebrated as THE ICONIC launched its Swim 2018 collection on the spectacular foreshores of Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney.
In its most body-positive, inclusive and empowering show to date, THE ICONIC’s Swim 2018 runway featured Australia’s first ‘Synchronised Swimwear’ team – trios of models, each a different body shape and size, walking the runway wearing the exact same look – because all bodies deserve to be celebrated.
Leading the ‘Synchronised Swimwear’ team was body-positivity champion and internationally-renowned supermodel, Robyn Lawley, who recently campaigned for better representation of all body types on the runway – a cause THE ICONIC proudly supports.
In addition to its eclectic cast of models, including famous faces such as Montana Cox, Weah Bangura, Christian Wilkins, Josh Heuston and Tahnee Atkinson, this year’s runway also featured the world’s first plussize male model1, Zach Miko, who is in Australia to launch THE ICONIC’s Big & Tall2 product assortment for men – available on site now, with the collection set to grow in 2019.
Zach Miko is the world’s first plus-size male model to be signed to a major modelling network.
THE ICONIC chief category management officer Mareile Osthus said: “We are incredibly proud of this year’s Swim show – our most body-positive, inclusive and liberating runway show to date.
“Showcasing and celebrating bodies of different shapes, sizes, ages, genders and ethnicities, both on and off the runway is incredibly important to our customers, and something THE ICONIC has, and always will, champion.
“From Australia’s first ‘Synchronised Swimwear’ team led by supermodel Robyn Lawley, to the launch of our Big & Tall product assortment for men, if there’s one takeaway from this year’s show it’s that no matter your body-type, THE ICONIC believes everybody deserves the freedom to look and feel their best this summer.”
Robyn Lawley added: “It’s truly empowering to see THE ICONIC representing a diverse range of body types on the runway – anyone who knows me knows that this is a cause I am extremely passionate about.
“While the industry still has a long way to go, I applaud THE ICONIC for taking such a progressive step forward this year.”
Zach Miko added: “Body-positivity means celebrating every curve, shape and imperfection – all the things that make us who we are.
“That means men too – for too long, Big & Tall guys like myself have been overlooked by the fashion industry, so it’s amazing to see a major online retailer like THE ICONIC taking such a big step forward.
“I’m proud to be part of it.”
Celebrity faces including Tim Robards, Anna Heinrich, Matty J, Laura Byrne, Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins, Cassie Wood, Sammy Robinson, Ellie Cole and Noni Janur enjoyed espresso martinis, margaritas and a waterfront seat to the foreshore runway, overlooking Sydney’s glistening harbour.
THE ICONIC’s 2018 Endless Summer runway featured over 50 leading local and international designers including Tommy Hilfiger, Rayban, Birkenstock, Calvin Klein, Superga, Seafolly, Roxy, Jets, Camilla, Love Stories, Scotch and Soda, Hurley, Kate Spade, Le Specs, Saint Laurent eyewear and Michael Kors Swim.