Luxe swimwear shoot at iconic Sydney ocean pool

On location at our favourite Sydney ocean pool

Visiting a Sydney sea pool is like taking a micro holiday. The close proximity to the city makes for a fast urban getaway, any day of the week. A place to pause, reflect and unravel. Have a quick dip or a swim, safe from the wild waves on the beach. As a swimwear label, KIKO seeks to embody these moments with nature in a gentle refusal of stressful, cluttered living. That's why we chose stunning North Curl Curl ocean pool to showcase the Swim Up the Sun collection.

The dramatic beauty and rich heritage of North Curl Curl

North Curl Curl boasts a rich history and dramatic beauty. In high swells, massive waves boom-crash onto boulders in a show of grandeur to the calm of open skies and sea. It has long been a place significance, beginning with First Nations people. The Garigal clans lived in family groups and moved about these lands, enjoying the abundant seafood along the coast. Curl Curl is the indigenous name for the wider area of Manly, Freshwater, and Queenscliff, thought to be derived from the Dharug curial curial meaning river of life. The name likely draws inspiration from the narrow lagoon that flows into the sea on North Curl Curl beach.

North Curl Curl’s rock pool was first built in the 1930s following persistent lobbying by residents. It became a popular spot for locals to swim, relax and connect with nature. After being destroyed by a massive storm in 1947, the pool was eventually rebuilt onto the rock shelf at Dee Why Head and to this day remains a cherished place.

Here comes the sun

Katrina Lincoln - KIKO swimwear designer - teamed up with talented fashion photographer Jarred Stedman for the photoshoot. After endless days of La Niña rain the sun came back, delivering a beautiful, crisp spring morning. The crew assembled in the dark at 2am to be ready in time for the golden hour of sunrise light. The darkness, wind and sea spray were no match for the military precision of Chereine Waddell, makeup artist and hair stylist, She did an incredible job with our gorgeous models, Alyce Crawford and Christi Young - both a delight to work with. All smiles and laughter, they braved the chill through hours of prep, garment changes and poses. We gasped when the sun peered over the horizon and drenched us in glorious gold, making the early start all the more worthwhile. Jarred got to work, seamlessly directing and capturing KIKO’s Swim Up the Sun collection.

Timeless joy in nature

Shooting at North Curl Curl was a reminder of the universal connection between man and nature. The allure of the sea, the urban-meets-natural beauty of human built rock pools, and exploring the area’s indigenous history, made it a humbling and memorable experience. We hope you enjoy your glimpse behind the scenes with KIKO.