Making A Stance In Sustainability: Peony's Narrative Collection

We’re all about the strive to help the environment, so when we hear of brands taking positive steps forward to embody and implement sustainable practices, there’s always reason to celebrate. Whether it’s opting for new, friendlier materials, or making changes to the factories and processes behind a products development, each little step makes the world of difference when it comes to the global impact of manufacturing.

It’s true, one voice can make a difference, and that’s where the team at Peony, a favourite on our list of boutique swim labels, have come into play, hitting shelves is the brands latest collection, Narrative.

With key focus on and sustainable products and inspiration drawn on the right processes, it’s been turning heads since first leaving the design studio in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, the subtle feel good messages aligned with it transforming the way we all look at swimwear. The result of the finished products truly do speak for themselves - stronger, more durable fabrics with increased shape retention and longevity, all while ticking the eye catching aesthetics the brand is so well known for.

“Our recycled and sustainable Italian fabrics are made by regenerating discarded materials, such as fishing nets recovered from the bottom of the ocean. This process results in cleaner oceans and swimwear that’s good for your soul.”

To learn more about the brand’s new drop of sustainable styles and cuts for the summer ahead, we caught up with Director, Becky Morton. Read on and take a positive step forward!

We love that you gave up a high stress, high demand job as a criminal lawyer that wasn’t making you happy and then started peony, a swimwear brand based in Burleigh Heads, Queensland. How has this reassessment on pursuing happiness impacted your life and business?
Deciding to follow my passion has totally transformed my life. I genuinely believe that peony is exactly where I am meant to be and I feel very grateful to enjoy my work on a daily basis. In saying that, having a double degree in law and business has given me a strong foundation for running a business so if I had my chance again I would do it all the same. In regards to leaving behind the high stress, I wish that was the case! The truth is running my own business is equally if not more stressful but the stresses are different and there is a freedom there which I cherish.

Since launching in 2012 peony has continued to gained momentum, what sets Peony Swim apart from other swimwear brands?
I never set out to make peony an overnight success. We’re here for the long haul. Over the last 5 years we have grown with our customer, we’re not just creating a product, we are creating a world that she is a part of. We have a very clear understanding of who our girl is, we don’t deviate from this, and I believe this is why she comes back to us, despite all the noise, season on season.

Tell us about your new sustainable fabric that’s launching this season. How is it made, what is it made from, and how does it compare to regular swimsuit material?
Sure! Our new sustainable fabric is made by regenerating discarded materials, such as fishing net recovered from the ocean floor. The process stars with nylon waste rescue, the waste is then regenerated by Econyl through depolymerisation and then transformed into textile yarn which is woven or knitted into fabric in Italy. Our new sustainable fabrics are stronger, more durable, with increased shape retention and longevity, bringing you superior quality swimwear that’s good for your soul.

What encouraged you to make the switch and start incorporate sustainable fabric into the collection and DNA of Peony Swim? This transition is a very natural progression for our boutique brand. It’s been in the pipeline for over 12 months and stemmed from a genuine care and love for the natural environment. We want to feel good about what we do every day and once we started talking to our customers we knew it was something they wanted too.

Only a part of the collection is using this new fabric, is the goal one day to make the entire collection from this fabric?
Our spring collection is made up of 50% recycled and sustainable swimwear styles. Beyond this, we are also proud that 80% of our fabrications meet Standard 100 by Oeko Tex (in short this means that the fabrics are much more gentle on the environment). We feel this is a very strong place to start from. In the long term, we aim to transition entirely to sustainable fabrications.

What is your favourite beach in Australia and what do you love about it?
I feel very emotionally connected to Wategos in Byron and Little Cove in Noosa. Growing up, my family holidayed here regularly and I have so many memories of my three sisters and I running from beach to pool endlessly during summer holidays, while our parents watched on, drink in hand. What does being Undone mean to you? To me, being undone means being true to yourself and listening to your own unique sensibilities.