I offer this piece for the pure artistry of the fabric. It has been produced on a loom of the kind invented by Joseph Jacquard in 1804. This 1839 portrait of Joseph Jacquard, was woven in silk, with his machine.
Jacquard's use of serial cards (pianola rolls, of sorts) to guide mechanical weaving, was the inspiration for Charles Babbage's analytical engine, recognised as a precursor to the modern computer.
It is thanks to an aficionado and importer of fabric, who approached me when she saw I was tailoring swimwear, that I am able to bring such innovative stretch fabrics to you. As she rightly identified, my tailoring model makes it economically feasible to do so. Ultimately, it is thanks to you, my clients, that such fabric can ever make its way into a swimsuit.
Please note though, that while the fabric contributes some tension, it is not engineered for shape-control. Most of the tension in this garment is coming from the shape control lining (the lining used in my premium range.) Overall, the garment provides greater support than you will find in almost any mass-produced swimsuit, it is just not as heavy as other swimsuits from Pride.
Neckline
A subtle V-neck, bagged out for an elegant, seamless appearance.
Leg Line
I minimise gaping at the rear (a standard problem with boy-legs) by running tensioned rubber through the rear leg seam, then loosening the tension through the front leg for your comfort. Our boy-leg is slightly shorter than most, to do away with the need for any centre-back seam.
Features
- The leg line flatters any figure and is utterly modest.
- The elegant neckline is enhanced by the concealment of rubber, sandwiched between two equal weight layers of fabric.
- Figure control lining.
- Side darts have been added to allow for the bust and let the lining do its thing with regards to support.
- O-rings and 8-sliders are nylon coated steel, the most durable choice.
Constitution
- The fashion fabric consists of polyester and elastane made on a jacquard loom.
- The lining is 190gsm Vita from Carvico in Milan. It is 78% Recycled Nylon and 22% Xtra Life Lycra. (See technical data from the Australian importer).
- All threads are UV and chlorine resistant polyester.
- For elasticity and endurance, 0.63mm thick and 8mm wide treated latex has been used throughout, i.e., the straps, across the neck, around the legs and across the back seam.
Credits
- Made in Byron Bay Australia.
- Design and prototyping by Steven Fleming
About This Cut
Dolly Oakley of Wallsend, NSW, had 4 children and 10 grandchildren. One of those grandchildren now tailors luxury swimwear.
Ma didn't live to see this particular venture of mine, but would have bragged about it non-stop; she was indiscriminate in her praise for all our endeavours, no matter how grand or how trifling.
If she were alive, I know Ma would grin ear-to-ear at some of Pride's skimpier costumes. "That's what the young ones are wearing," she'd say. This style, Ma, with its modest leg line, and pretty V-neck, is in honour of you. If we thrived, it was from the love that you gave us.
Ma with my mum and my aunty, when she was a "young one" herself.