Gold Coast designer Miss Maneater creates risqué bikinis

An Australian swimwear designer, whose latest collection uses non-traditional swimwear fabrics, says her passion is to push the boundaries of design.

Gold Coast-based Renay Wells, 42, the designer behind Australian swimwear brand Miss Maneater is set to launch her summer range – one that features pieces using leather, suede and velvet.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Ms Wells who has previously designed for top brands, including 2chillies and Hot Tuna, says she has always embraced the edgier side of fashion.

She revealed her brand, launched in 2008, was primarily built on her love of creating swimwear that gives women the confidence to feel good about their bodies.

Swimwear designer Renay Wells says she loves fashion that pushes the boundaries of design

Some years before starting her label, Ms Wells shared how in 2004, as an adventurous 27-year-old fashion graduate, she was named as a top finalist in the National Retail Awards in Australia for her student entry.

Creating to the brief: Retro to Futurism, the aspiring designer entered three swimwear garments made out of silver foil.

‘I guess that’s where my love of creating swimwear pieces in completely different fabrications came from,’ she says. 

‘I always pushed the boundaries a little bit more.’

The Gold Coast designer revealed her passion for creating unique swimwear was sparked after being named a finalist in a national design competition as a fashion school graduate

The Gold Coast designer revealed her passion for creating unique swimwear was sparked after being named a finalist in a national design competition as a fashion school graduate

While Ms Wells has an impressive design CV and experience as a commercial swimwear designer that spans the both US and China, she says having her own label was always her dream.

The designer explains that in 2008 she had returned from a job in Los Angeles and begun creating swimwear from her home on the Gold Coast.

While she laughs about the timing – ‘The Global Financial Crisis had just hit when I started the label’ – she says there seemed to be a market for her unique pieces.

‘It was pretty much a natural progression. Although the economy wasn’t there, the demand for my creations was.’ 

The Australian brand Miss Maneater was created by Ms Wells in 2008 'just as the GFC [Global Financial Crisis] hit,' she said

The Australian brand Miss Maneater was created by Ms Wells in 2008 ‘just as the GFC [Global Financial Crisis] hit,’ she said

Ms Wells says business progressed quickly and by 2010 she was regularly featured on magazine covers with more models and designers wanting to collaborate.

‘It first started with me creating some swimsuit pieces for Fashion TV and I actually hand-made these with wooden beads and fringing – they were very boho styles.

‘Since then social media has taken over, and magazines are no more – everything is internet-based. Someone posts a photo and the next minute it goes viral.’

While business progressed naturally, it was clear from the outset she was a favourite among models and stylists

While business progressed naturally, it was clear from the outset she was a favourite among models and stylists

The designer believes her swimsuits, as revealing as they are, allow women to take a more empowered stance toward their sexuality

The designer believes her swimsuits, as revealing as they are, allow women to take a more empowered stance toward their sexuality

While Ms Wells’ designs are quite revealing, this is something she believes allows women to take a more empowered stance, especially towards their bodies.

She credits Baywatch – circa 1992 – as having sparked her interest creating swimwear that embodied an idea of ‘being strong within yourself.’

‘It’s all about having the maneater attitude,’ Ms Wells says.

‘I want women to feel empowered and love the skin they’re in and know that each person is unique.

Her key design inspiration? The television show Baywatch - circa 1992

Her key design inspiration? The television show Baywatch – circa 1992

‘Everyone has curves, even those who have their flaws air-brushed. 

‘My brand’s mantra is: Girls are curvy, more often than not.’

Her latest swimwear collection, made out of suede, velvet and leather, embraces her fashion-forward spirit while guaranteeing to make a statement this summer.

Her latest range has been created in using non-traditional though water-resistant fabrics

Her latest range has been created in using non-traditional though water-resistant fabrics

Miss Maneater's new collection does double duty as both as swimwear or as a fashion garment

Miss Maneater’s new collection does double duty as both as swimwear or as a fashion garment

The Brazilian-cut range is as versatile as it is sexy and can be worn both on the beach or by the pool.

Ms Wells said Australian women seemed to love wearing revealing swimwear

Ms Wells said Australian women seemed to love wearing revealing swimwear

While the fabrics she’s used in creating this collection might not seem as though they would withstand a dip in the sea, Ms Wells says the high-tech swimsuit fabrics have a Lycra and Spandex competent which makes them water resistant.

The 42-year-old says her swimwear is a huge hit among Australian women as they seemed to be the most outgoing when it came to wearing revealing swimwear.

‘I have found there is that market for girls who want to spend that money to have a truly unique piece,’ she explains.

‘There’s nothing really out there like them. The designs are an expression of my individuality,’ she says.

‘It gives girls something that can really bring out their femininity in a positive way.’



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk