Spring fever is here 🌡️☀️ Prep early for those not too hot and not too cold days by finding something you love ON SALE. SHOP THE SALE
Elegant and functional, Hakea is designed to inspire confidence with thoughtful shapes and styles that celebrate diversity of the female form. Created by graphic designer Casey Eastwell, after her own search for a modern update on sun protective swimwear that was flattering, supportive and versatile during her time as a surfer and traveler. The result is a line of function-forward swimsuits in earthy tones that you’ll never want to take off. Casey Eastwell takes us through a day in her life in Byron Bay, and her sustainability efforts with her beautiful brand!
My day always starts with coffee! Lately I’ve been making it a priority to get up early—while the streets are still empty, the birds are singing, and the day is peaceful—and leave the house to go for a nature walk, a surf, or to shoot some content at the beach. This little bit of time in nature is my version of self care and one of the reasons for starting Hakea: wanting to turn what I loved doing into my job.
It’s been almost four years since I took a risk and left my job in the city as a graphic designer. I left with the intention of starting Hakea after a long time searching, to no avail, for a swimwear brand with practical and comfortable sun protective swimwear that also reflected my style.
I wanted to make sure Hakea was inherently sustainable from the beginning by focusing on versatility, quality, and timeless cuts. It was important to design modern rash guards and one-pieces that can be worn under pants to go straight from the sea to carry on with the day.
Sustainable practices are important to me throughout the whole business from plastic free packaging, biodegradable hygienic liners and releasing new pieces as it feels necessary rather than fitting into the four collectsions a year and having pieces constantly go on sale. We have begun making our swimwear from regenerated nylon yarn, recycled from ocean plastics, and using natural fibres like Linen for our beach blankets. Recently we partnered with 1% For The Planet to donate 1% of our annual sales to non-profits that are doing good for our planet so where you spend your money can make a difference. You can read more about our sustainability efforts here.
I’ve been living in Byron Bay for the last two years and love the slower pace of life. After growing up in the country and living in the city for 10 years, I was in desperate need of a sea change. Work-wise my days vary so much—between designing, operations, and problem solving—but having a varied work life suits me well. I get to wear both my creative and organisational hats.
My ultimate intention with Hakea is to make swim and surfwear for real women’s bodies that they can rely on and feel confident wearing in all circumstances, so they’re free to focus on what matters. Whether that’s running around with the kids at the beach, not worrying about falling out in the surf, or building a full and adventurous life on your terms.
This was a fun project, each piece has a unique part of the print that was hand painted in collaboration with a good friend.
Sol shorts are my favourite new style that glide over your hips and don’t dig in to the waist or behind.
Elegant and functional, Hakea is designed to inspire confidence with thoughtful shapes and styles that celebrate diversity of the female form. Created by graphic designer Casey Eastwell, after her own search for a modern update on sun protective swimwear that was flattering, supportive and versatile during her time as a surfer and traveler. The result is a line of function-forward swimsuits in earthy tones that you’ll never want to take off.
