Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Photographs: Courtesy of Swana The Label
Two years ago she graced the cover of Hi!! speaking on colourism. Since then Swarnaa Rajalingam, a Sri Lankan Australian has come a long way all due to her admirable work ethic which sees her achieve the goals she sets for herself. With over 200,000 supporters on her social media platforms, Swarnaa posts content on body image, representation and being a South Asian female. Four years in the making, her project to launch her new range of swimwear which champions the issues she is passionate about came to fruition when she launched her new swimwear collection Swana The Label.
Boasting bright and colourful prints in a variety of styles to flatter different sizes of the female body, Swana The Label is Australia’s first South Asian founded sustainable swimwear label. Marking another first, Swana The Label was invited to show at the prestigious Miami Swim Week in July 2023. She presented 16 different swimwear looks up to a 4XL size range modelled by a diverse range of brown females. Apart from showcasing her inclusive swimwear range her goal is also to normalise brown women feeling confident in swimwear whatever their shape and colour.
Why did you decide to launch a swimwear label?
I’m a busty, brown skin girl who always struggled to find swimwear pieces that were supportive, flattering and sometimes modest for my liking. I also never saw representation of women who looked like me in the swimwear category. The amalgamation of both these challenges led me to having that desire to launch a brand which served its purpose of providing South Asian inspired swimwear that had different pieces for varying body coverage.
What is the goal of this project?
Our mission is to merge culture, sustainability and body positivity, creating thoughtfully designed swimwear that celebrates individuality and embraces the vibrant stories of South Asia.
How would you describe the swimwear collection?
At Swana the Label, we believe that swimwear is more than just a fashion statement; it is an expression of one’s identity and a celebration of water. We draw inspiration from the rich history of South Asia, capturing the essence of its colours, patterns, and stories. Each of our designs is meticulously crafted to pay homage to this beautiful heritage, allowing you to wear a piece inspired by our story.
What inspired this collection?
Inspired by the vibrant mosaic of continental and aquatic landscapes, luscious plains, deltas of large rivers, inland lakes, tropical forests and the majestic creatures of Southeast Asia, we kicked off with the launch of our Tropics Collection.
