Between them, Kay Howitt and Lynne Tramonte have more than 35 years’ experience working at some of Australia’s largest swimwear labels: Seafolly, Miléa and Isola by Megan Gale.
The women launched their own label, Sydney-based Monte & Lou, in 2018. It’s similarly accessible and aims to flatter and support all body shapes while remaining fashion forward. The label’s latest collection, Holiday at Home, exemplifies this approach. Alongside bralettes, crop tops and lower-cut briefs, it includes high leg-line maillots (one pieces), singlets and other silhouettes offering more coverage. Flowy dresses, sarongs and kaftans are also in the mix.
Bright, ’70s-inspired floral prints dominate the collection. The most striking places pink and yellow roses on Pantone Classic Blue (colour of the year for 2020) background. Then there’s white and orange carnations on black, and a riotous tropical pattern employing hibiscus, frangipani and palm leaves. A chocolate-y leopard print also appears across several styles (if you’re into pattern-clashing, it mixes and matches nicely with the rest of the collection).
In a first for Monte & Lou, the entire quick-dry swim collection is now made from 85 per cent recycled nylon and 15 per cent elastane (to ensure a comfy fit for cup sizes up to D). All packaging throughout the entire supply chain is also compostable and biodegradable.
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