Whitstable Designer launches Bop by Billie Sustainable Swim 21 collection
Not only does it have her signature pink, eye-catching style, but it’s made from recycled plastics, writes Marijke Hall
Whitstable fashion designer Billie Jacobina is launching her new swimwear collection - and this time as well as being sassy, it’s all about being sustainable.
The respected Kent creative is unveiling her Bop by Billie (@bopbybillie) Swim 21 collection on Thursday, August 5th, and if you love something cute, colourful and kind to the planet, this is one for you.
Not only does it have her signature pink, eye-catching style, but it’s made from recycled plastics, something she says she really pushed for.
“People are thinking a lot about sustainability and buying clothes that will last longer,” she said. “You see it so much now. People are more into charity shopping and independent labels rather than going to shops like Primark or New Look.”
Billie, who also has a high end Jacobina fashion brand in addition to her “more accessible” Bop clothing, says everything she does involves pink, although she’s added to it for Swim 21.
“This year’s swimwear collection is my second and it has more pastels this time,” she explains.
“Gingham is very on trend this summer and I specialise in embroidery so I’ve incorporated that, too, with little sunflowers and strawberries.”
Billie graduated in 2016 from the University for Creative Arts in Rochester, which is known for its alumni of fashion icons such as high-street conqueror Karen Millen, jeweller Stephen Webster and designer Dame Zandra Rhodes.
She was then selected to show her collection at that year’s Graduate Fashion Week and given the British Council GFW Residency Award.
She received the Fashion Scouts ‘Ones To Watch’ accolade, which is highly regarded for up-and-coming designers, while also given a slot on the British Vogue website.
On top of that she has presented at several London Fashion Weeks and launched her own label.
Which brings us back to Bop.
“I did a lot of stuff with London Fashion Week and Graduate Fashion Week but I wanted to do something that was a bit more accessible for people to purchase and that’s where Bop comes in.
“The Jacobina brand is high fashion whereas Bop is accessible.”
See bopbybillie.com
