The reason why I am so heavily into the surf girl culture this week is a) not just because I am up here at the Roxy Pro seeing it all live but because the recent European Spring Summer catwalks made this trend come alive. Proenza Schouler, Prada, Versace. BCBG Max Azria and Emilio Pucci all sent ultra sexy surf style prints on silks down the catwalk along with bright panelled neoprene skirts and tops (that’s the fabric that wetsuits are made of). Technically if Australia sees a trend on the Spring Summer 2010 catwalk, it gets to us the following year, so that’s next summer as we’re a season behind – but what are we waiting for really? Why not start cranking this hot trend out right now this summer. Roxy is already onto it with its neoprene collaboration, Cynthia Rowley for ROXY, due to hit David Jones and Roxy retail stores in April. Think zip up one-piece swimsuits, pastel neoprene pants, bustiers and zip up long sleeve all in ones. Surfer girls are going to love neoprene for the water but for everyone else, the trick to wearing it is to just wear one piece as a statement and to layer – a bustier under a cool shirt or jacket, a neoprene skirt with a plain trusty t-shirt, the neoprene swimsuit worn as a bodysuit with shorts or jeans. That’s how to wear it ‘real way’ down the street. Last week I saw one of Sydney’s most influential PR’s wearing a neoprene zip up skirt with a black tank and heels at our local coffee shop.
Another cool Roxy innovation is the Keep-A-Breast-Foundation, a non profit breast cancer awareness campaign. Some of the world’s top surfers have immortalized themselves in plaster for the cause and then artists customize the casts before they are auctioned with the proceeds going to charity. I didn’t get a chance to get my own breasts done for the auction but I did see some of the finished artwork of the girls that volunteered for it this time around. They’ve also created “I Love Boobies!” t-shirts which I have been seeing lots of guys sporting around the event, along with wrist bands and canvas totes.
The women’s pro-surfers have the best bodies I have ever seen – toned in every area. I had to interview a few of them on how they keep in shape, see below:
Philippa Anderson, Merewether, Newcastle.
Best fitness tip: Always train with a friend. Activities you do to keep fit: I play indoor soccer, go for runs and gym sessions with a trainer, aside from surfing that is, and I surf everyday through the week and a few times each day on the weekends. Best healthy eating tip: Have a good brekky, drink water and treat yourself once in a while.
Laura Enever, North Narrabeen, Sydney.
Best fitness tip: Try to mix it up and have as much fun as possible. If you are doing something that you actually like and it also keeps you fit, it makes you want to keep on doing it. Have a good music playlist whilst running as it makes you go faster. Activities you do to keep fit: Touch football, bike riding and running and pilates. I’ve also just started going to the gym at the Sydney Academy of Sport (they have an elite surfing program). I surf once or twice a day but if the surf is good, even more! Best healthy eating tip: Eating 5 small meals a day. I do try to eat healthily as it makes me feel good but I am still trying to figure out what foods are best for my body. I drink a lot of water but I do love my chocolate and nothing stops me from nailing chocolate!
Roxy’s Kat with her Keep A Breast Cast
Another Keep A Breast artistic creation
Cynthia Rowley for ROXY neoprene collection
Fashion on the sand