Mother daughter duo creates 80s inspired swimwear line for all ages
- Written by Tess Sanders Lazarus
Gerrycan Active + Swim, the brainchild of Olga and Stephanie Harmat, is a new swimwear and active wear brand making waves across the world.
Designed with 80s styles and timeless elegance in mind, Gerrycan Active + Swim (Gerrycan) aims to create pieces that will last a lifetime for active women.
“I studied pattern making in the 80s, and I spent a lifetime doing personal training and designing activewear for a new generation of active, stylish women,” Olga Harmat said today.
Stephanie is a recent university design graduate, and says, “I spent my childhood at the beach doing nippers and enjoying the beachside lifestyle. It’s a lifetime of fascination that has led to the creation of Gerrycan swimwear.”
The duo says their inspiration comes from the big, dramatic styles of the 80s and from elegant, flattering shapes.
“It can be a delicate balance to strike, but by hand making all of our pieces in high quality material we can create really flattering shapes that look good on women of any age and shape,” Stephanie Harmat added.
“The 80s was a decade of really strong iconic bold styles, colours and shapes. It was an era of adventurous yet enduring fashion with style. We have wrapped up all of this into stunning, comfortable swim and active wear.”
All Gerrycan Swim pieces are made from the brand’s signature quick-dry compression lycra, and much of the Active line is made from Advanced Recycled Vita Power, an ethically and sustainably made material designed to hug and flatter the body. Where possible, the business seeks to use this fabric out of respect for the environment.
“The name Gerrycan comes from my mum, Olga’s late father, my grandfather, Gerry, who lived a hardworking life rewarded with carefree summer holidays in Yamba on the far north coast,” Stephanie Harmat added.
“All our clothes are inspired by his philosophy, and we strive to make honest Australian pieces for women and girls all over the world.
“From early sketches, to seeing our pieces on sweaty legs and beachside buns, we are surrounded by inspiration and passion.
“It doesn’t matter what age you are, every one loves the enduring styles and lines of the 80s. We are giving women the opportunity to enjoy the iconic fashion trends of the 80s in a modern and functional way – and our products are flying off the shelves.”
Scott Morrison
