Moontide..a brief history!
- June 10, 2020
- 4:45 am
The beginnings
Moontide swimwear launched its very first collection in Auckland, New Zealand for the summer of 1980.
The brainchild of Tony Hart, a young designer from Wellington, the son of the minister of trade, inspired by the beautiful beaches of New Zealand felt he could change the face of modern swimwear.
Over the next 40 years Moontide would gain a global reputation for innovation, fit and style, gathering numerous design awards for its unique take on swimwear.
“Swimwear is the least amount of clothing a woman wears in public, it has to fit and flatter”
From day one Tony set a mantra, and from this came the Moontide slogan “Beach Confidence”. He wanted to give women the confidence to throw on their swimwear and feel confident and secure, be it walking down the beach or lazing around the pool in some 5 star hotel.
Tony Hart.
“Swimwear is the least amount of clothing a woman wears in public, it has to fit and flatter”
From day one Tony set a mantra, and from this came the Moontide slogan “Beach Confidence”. He wanted to give women the confidence to throw on their swimwear and feel confident and secure, be it walking down the beach or lazing around the pool in some 5 star hotel.
Tony Hart.
Evolution of the Industry
The late 70s and early 80s were a time for the New Zealand and Australian swimwear labels to make their mark and change the face of swimwear around the world.
Labels like Seafolly, Expozay emerged around the same time as Moontide and were soon distributing their mix and match products globally. In 1986 Moontide signed a European Distribution agreement with a British businessman Dr Robert Bright, this was a business partnership that was to endure for the next twenty plus years, until Tony Hart’s death in 2008 at which point Bright purchased the company in total from Tony Hart’s estate and in whose ownership the Company still remains.
Innovative Design
Over its 40 year history Moontide never ceased its innovative approach to Women’s Swimwear with a constant flow of new arrivals, it has became one of the first Companies to integrate underwire and moulded cups into swimwear, it was the first company to develop moontide reversible swimwear for which it became famous around the globe.
The many benefits of this revolution included seamless bikini bottoms, reversible one piece swimsuits and famously well fitting bikini tops.
New Zealand and Australia found themselves leading the way in the swimwear fashion market.
Piha and Quayside Swimwear
Never standing still in 1998 Moontide launched its second label Quayside, a range for the more mature lady, incorporating body contouring, tummy control and innovative bust support for the larger bust without wires. In 2009 a third label was added to the companies offering, Piha, named after the world famous Piha surf beach in New Zealand Piha was designed the appeal to the modern fashion driven girls from 16-25, girls who wanted the latest trends and pick up on the looks of the moment and the ”Piha girl” was born.
Moontide, Quayside and Piha are now sold in 43 countries worldwide including New Zealand and Australia.
The group is one of the only if not the only company that manufactures all of its women’s swimwear in its own wholly owned factories, guaranteeing its customers consistent quality and fit.
Women’s Swimwear Into the 21st Century
Moontide, Quayside and Piha are now sold in 43 countries worldwide, the group is one of the only if not the only company that manufactures all of its women’s swimwear in its own wholly owned factories, guaranteeing its customers consistent quality and fit.
The rise of the internet has enabled Moontide to reach out to even more retailers and customers worldwide, featuring an online shop on the website open 24/7 and featuring the latest products as well as a sale store of past season stock.
MOONTIDE HAS BECOME AN ICONIC SWIMWEAR BRAND
One of the only fashion brands to emerge from New Zealand and gain global recognition, the Auckland Fashion Museum even has a space displaying Moontide though the years as recognition of the brands success.
With thanks to:
New Zealand Fashion Museum.
http://www.nzfashionmuseum.org.nz/moontide/
Underlines Magazine
https://underlinesmagazine.com/
Apparel Magazine