Swim brand On The island relaunches for first post-pandemic season

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jul 12, 2022

Swim and resortwear brand On The Island is making a comeback for SS22 after a pause during the pandemic and in its immediate aftermath.

The label, which originally launched in 2017, was put on hold while the travel market was in disarray as a result of lockdowns and its comeback this season also sees it returning with an evolved design direction.

The company said it has a “different aesthetic with a palette derived from the work of contemporary artists”.

The London-based label’s new profile is described as "the most personal project yet from Sue Whiteley, who over the course of an unparalleled career has built a reputation as one of the most visionary and enterprising executives in the luxury fashion sector”.

The brand specialises in modern hot-weather and destination dressing, with “an emphasis on exclusive prints, refined silhouettes and a strong, sophisticated approach to colour. Collections offer a complete wardrobe for the contemporary traveller – from swimwear and elevated cover-ups, to silk dresses and chic shirt & trouser sets for dinner”.

It now comes with original prints that are “hand painted, abstract and subject to interpretation – engaging print-phobes and print-philes alike”. 

Ready-to-wear uses natural fabrics including silk habutai, cotton voile and poplin, while swimwear is made from technical fabrics “to enhance and support the wearer”.

The creative team includes designers who have worked at Dries Van Noten, Acne and Calvin Klein, among other brands.

The new offer comes in a palette of saffron and paprika, vivid pink and red, aubergine and fuchsia, with a new wave print (“both organic and psychedelic”) that we’re told “adds a sense of movement to sundresses, kaftans and silk trousers”.