Garwood and Grace is the up-and-coming young designer swimwear label that has until now been known to just a handful of style, sun and beach loving Capetonians. The s/s14 range of tailored, quality swim shorts has a distinct St. Tropez just- stepped-off-my-yacht appeal, which is not surprising given founding partner Tiphaine Alston’s credentials: a BA Hons from the UK’s Ravensbourne College, a Masters at the Royal College of Art in London and work experience and commissions from Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Roksanda Ilincic and Victoria’s Secret. But why men’s swimwear? Alston explains:
When Simon, my husband and “the business brain behind the brand”, and I moved to Cape Town two years ago, we noticed that most men are wearing baggy, unflattering board shorts. As a result, Garwood & Grace came about because I wanted to introduce a tailored, European sensibility to South Africa’s beaches with swim shorts that will be equally at home at a beach bar or restaurant.The Summer 2014 prints were inspired by plant textures found in and around Cape Town, by the indigenous fauna found in the North of the country and by rock art observed in the mountain and nature of Cederberg. Shop the collection online here.
