interview: Kate McPherson, Founder and Chief Designer of Belicious Swimwear

Most women I know hate buying bathers, and for good reason – most of the time it is a traumatic experience of feeling flesh pushed and prodded in the wrong direction, squeezing into bikinis that are labeled your size yet resemble a handkerchief amongst your flesh, or being lost in a sea of unflattering designs and unattractive fabrics.

However, Kate McPherson the Founder and Chief Designer of Belicious Swimwear made a move to turn that experience around when she created her very own swimwear brand targeted not at a rigid sizing system, but at real women of all shapes and sizes. The brand was launched in 2009 but already is well loved and respected by those who know about it. Kate made a promise to herself to use only the best quality fabric, and it paid off. The designs are gorgeous, the fabrics durable and the latest range has just been launched.

While top-notch fabrics are often very expensive, Kate has managed to keep costs down without compromising on quality. She has designed her bather range as a normal wardrobe designer would design a summer or autumn collection – in capsules. The latest range called Happy Hour Beach Capsules was recently launched in Sydney and has been designed to grace the world’s most exclusive resorts. Each piece is named after a signature cocktail or famous pool bar from locations all over the world. The capsule has been designed so that many pieces match but can also be worn and styled to work on their own. In the same way, the collection is not exclusively for curvy or slim women, but has pieces to flatter every woman – no matter what shape or size.

Lip was so inspired by Belicious – be delicious – that we simply had to find out more about what made Kate take the plunge, (and thank her for it)!

Why did you start Belicious Swimwear?
I was complaining to my husband one day about how I went out shopping for new swimmers, yet all I could find were cheapies that I could see straight through the fabric, or more stylish designs that were upwards of $200. He basically said (as all supportive husbands do…) ‘stop whinging and do something about it,” I tested designs on over 200 women to find a fit that reflects the shape of today’s modern woman, committed at the outset to only use the highest quality fabrics and came up with some innovative construction techniques. In short, I really still believe that women are under-served when it comes to great swimwear at an affordable price

Can you explain your latest range: Happy Hour Belicious Beach Capsules?
All young women should be taught the rules of constructing a great clothing capsule when they’re young; choose timeless clothing that can be mixed with colors, seasonal pieces and accessories to mix up the styles each season. Happy Hour Belicious Beach Capsules give the same idea to women who want a variety of hot looks by the pool or beach, without having to fill a suitcase with swimwear.  Belicious Beach Capsule can be customised and personalised to include; triangle tankini and bikini tops, rushed and side tie bottoms, elegant full-pieces, bold colors and original resort wear and cover-up patterns.

Why is it important that women wear bathers that fit properly?
I know some women who refuse to wear anything but designer labels, yet are happy to pay next to nothing for a pair of swimmers that aren’t lined, or lose their shape after one wash. I’m driven by the belief that Australian women can feel sexy and confident when they often feel their most vulnerable –by the beach or pool – with affordable swimwear that fits, flatters and flaunts. The 2011 Shape Shifters report by Triumph showed that only 42 per cent of Australian women are satisfied with their appearance – the lowest number globally. This statistic should be seen as a national tragedy.

Is there a particular age group that the bathers are targeted at?
My motto is ‘style is not a size, it’s an attitude.’ There is no age in the Belicious world! I’ve had teenagers in the Tankinis and grandmothers flaunt the tie-sides. I just honestly believe a lot of women are starting to look at the low-grade swimwear and want more to communicate their own personal shape & style.

On your website you sell things like shoes, bag hooks and jewellery. Do you believe bathers should be accessorised? If so, do you have any tips to share with our readers?
Every occasion by the pool or beach is an opportunity to look good and feel great about who you are and represent it through how you look. Accessorising helps you to accentuate areas that you want onlookers to focus on. My top swimwear accessories tips are; wide brimmed hats, amazing sunnies, leather-soled beach sandals, one chunky bracelet (Bali love charms being a current fave) and loads of attitude.

Any other comments?
I spent three years designing the different swimmers, resort wear and accessories to work beautifully together. To get this same versatility and top quality fabrics from other swimwear brands is just not affordable. That’s why we believe the Belicious range Australian women is well overdue.

For more information and to buy online, please visit www.belicious.me. To locate a stockist, please email [email protected].