Diana Auria understands that when shopping for swimwear, sustainability is rarely a woman’s top priority. That’s why her bathing-suit line, AURIA, focuses instead on providing a great fit and fun prints, with the ethics of her materials acting as an added bonus. Launched three years ago with artist Margot Bowman, the brand was the first to use revolutionary material Econyl which is a fibre spun from used industrial fishing nets.

This January, the London College of Fashion graduate was chosen as one of Selfridge’s "Bright New Things". The competition put a spotlight on innovative designers who kept environmental responsibility at the heart of their brands. Fittingly, her SS16 collection “Talking About the Weather Again” is a statement about global warming. In addition to strappy swimsuits, Auria has partnered with knitwear brand Unmade to create stormy sweaters and scarves. For this season, she’s also collaborated with NEWGEN fashion designer Ashley Williams on an insect-heavy, monochrome collection.

 

We’ve asked the innovative swimwear designer to share her London to-do list for the week.

Romulo, Kensington:

This is one of the very few Filipino restaurants in London (my mother is Filipino so it is my favourite food by default). They do amazing sharing plates of popular Filipino dishes such as Adobo and Kare Kare. And they even have my favourite dessert, "Halo Halo" (which translates to "mix mix"). It is literally a big mix of purple ube ice cream, jackfruit and leche flan with crushed ice. Wash it all down with a watermelon martini. Delicious!

The Oval Space, Cambridge Heath:

I have seen some great bands play here, including Hot Chip. They also hold Morning Gloryville here, which is a sober rave that starts at 6am and ends at noon. People go just before work, dressed up as unicorns and with glitter on their faces! It’s a pretty insane experience – you have to go at least once in your life!

Knit with Attitude, Stoke Newington:

I have just started to learn how to crochet. My mum is amazing at it and is gradually teaching me. Knit with attitude is an independent knitting shop in Stoke Newington that specialises in ethical and sustainable yarn.

The Body Studio at Selfridges, Oxford Street:

My favourite department store in London has recently opened their new Body Studio, which combines swimwear, lingerie and leisurewear (all my favourite things) into one, brand new area in Selfridges.

Missoni Art Colour at Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey:

This giant pink and orange building is probably the best in London. The museum is owned by Zandra Rhodes and is also where she works and lives in a beautiful, rainbow penthouse. I came here in 2004 for my first ever work experience, and then returned to do a sample sale last year with fellow designers Kitty Joseph and Piers Atkinson. They currently have a Missoni exhibition that I am dying to see.

Hello Kitty Secret Garden Afternoon Tea at Cutter and Squidge, Soho:

The other day I was invited to the opening of the Cutter and Squidge afternoon tea – it was Hello Kitty themed! As a big fan of Hello Kitty/any cute Japanese things, and cake, tea and Prosecco- this was probably the closest thing to heaven that I have experienced. The cakes were absolutely divine and all shaped like Hello Kitty. Dreamy!

Brockwell Lido, Dulwich:

I am a devoted East Londoner and have been living there for the last nine years. However, I have been doing some exploring down south of the river and it turns out it is pretty great too. Brockwell Lido is a beautiful, art deco, outdoor swimming pool – and, when it is sunny in London, is the perfect place to wear your AURIA swimwear. :)

For more details on AURIA swimwear and the AURIA x Ashley Williams collaboration, visit AURIA online.

By Rachel Cohen