Australian Model Elyse Knowles Predicts a 2019 Swimsuit Trend

Summer is edging closer and closer and swimwear is at the top of our shopping lists. While it can be hard to imagine sitting by the pool in a bikini during the depths of winter, it won't be long until that's the reality, so it's time to get prepared.

When it comes to seeking out the latest swimwear trends, there's one brand every Australian fashion girl goes to first: Seafolly. Apart from being known for its catalogue of supermodel ambassadors (think Miranda Kerr and Gigi Hadid), Seafolly is iconic for its universally flattering cuts and for leading the pack when it comes to on-trend colours and prints. This season their body positive "Fit Is a Feeling" campaign highlights their swimwear is indeed for every body, with shapes and styles to suit everyone. 

Local model Elyse Knowles is Seafolly's newest official ambassador, fronting a dreamy campaign shot on the sands of Bondi Beach in Sydney. Since Knowles spends most of her days in bikinis, we thought she'd be the perfect person to outline the most flattering and most popular styles for the upcoming season. Read on to see what Knowles had to say, and spy some exclusive behind-the-scenes shots of Seafolly's latest campaign. 

What do you think is the most flattering swimsuit style?

It all depends on your body shape. Everyone is completely different. For my particular body shape, I love to wear swim pieces that are thin around the hips (ties on the side works well for me), while still wanting comfort and practicality as I am super active. For my top, I love pieces that have support and give me ample coverage while still being a little sexy. Again, it needs to be secure enough for an active lifestyle, while still making me feel feminine.

What swimsuit style would you wear for a European summer?

I can never go past the triangle and bralette shape. Perfect for no tan lines! As for style, Seafolly always have a few amazing statement patterns each season. It’s great to know that if I am wearing these pieces, I'm going to be on trend all summer long.

What’s a really popular swimwear style that you think will still be trending into 2019?

I think high-waisted '70s florals are going be a big hit. Everyone feels comfortable in this style and it's a perfect base for a super cute beach outfit!

What does it mean to you to be working with Seafolly?

As a young aspiring model, this was literally the dream. I always wore the brand, looked out for and adored the campaigns each season and truly admired the models featured. And for it now to be me is, well, overwhelming! I still pinch myself to think I have joined the company of models such as Gigi Hadid, Miranda Kerr and Jessica Hart in shooting for Seafolly. For me to represent Australia’s most iconic swimwear brand is an incredible honour and a true career highlight so far.

What are your earliest memories of the brand?

I was probably in my mid-teens and all I wanted for Christmas was this particular set of Seafolly swimwear. I remember Jess Hart had shot the campaign and there was this amazing image of her in a white and pink patterned boob-tube style bikini, looking incredible and just pure happiness and smiles. I had to have it! I wore it all that summer and for a few more summers after that. 

Where do you think the fashion industry (as a whole) is heading in 2018?

What I love is that it feels like we are embracing the individual more than ever before. Style can be whatever you make of it and more and more designers appear to be providing for and celebrating this. Everyone wants fashion to allow them to feel confident and express their own unique flair and I think if the industry is accommodating consumers to do this then we are in a great place.