Splash! Lanuuk at the Design Museum

Last night, on 13 May 2025, I had the honour of speaking on a panel at the Design Museum in London as part of the public programme accompanying their new exhibition, Splash! A Century of Swimwear and Style. Curated by the brilliant Amber Butchart, with support from curator Tiya Dahyabhai, the exhibition dives into the style, politics, and cultural shifts that have shaped our relationship with swimming. It’s a celebration of inclusivity, innovation, and self-expression — from vintage suits to boundary-pushing designs of today. And we’re so proud that LANUUK is a part of it.

Exploring the Depths of Swimwear

The panel—On Swimwear Design: Gender, Politics, History—brought together a range of voices including Amber, Dr Shaun Cole, and myself. We each offered unique perspectives on swimwear's evolution and its intersection with society, politics, and identity. We discussed how swimwear is more than just functional attire; it's a reflection of societal norms, cultural shifts, and personal expression.

One of the key takeaways was the recognition of swimwear as a garment that often challenges societal boundaries. From the modest bathing suits of the early 20th century to today's diverse range of styles catering to various body types and cultural preferences, swimwear has continually evolved to reflect changing attitudes and inclusivity.

Why Swimwear Is Never Just Swimwear

Swimwear is one of the few garments designed for near-nudity in public, which makes it uniquely charged. What we choose to wear at the beach or pool says so much about our values, our comfort in our bodies, and how we want to be seen—or not seen. From the rise of the bikini to the banning of the burkini, swimwear has always reflected deeper societal tensions.

Lanuuk's Role in the Conversation

At Lanuuk, our mission has always been to design swimwear that empowers and respects individual choices. Being part of this exhibition and panel allowed us to share our journey in creating swimwear that blends modesty with modern design, catering to women who seek both style and coverage.

I spoke about how my own discomfort with swimwear as a teen eventually led me to co-found Lanuuk. Our brand is rooted in the belief that modesty and style can coexist—and that modest swimwear doesn’t have to be an afterthought. Our customers come from all walks of life—some wear our pieces for religious or cultural reasons, others for body confidence, sun protection, or simply because they want more options, and we design for all of them.

I also touched upon the challenges and responsibilities of sustainable swimwear production. Embracing materials like ECONYL® reflects our commitment to environmental consciousness, even as we navigate the complexities of sourcing and manufacturing.

Reframing Representation

Dr Shaun Cole spoke about how swimwear has historically reinforced gender roles. In response, I shared how Lanuuk prioritises representation; through our choice of models, our inclusive sizing, and the way we style and shoot our campaigns, we want women to see themselves reflected in our brand.

Why This Moment Matters

To be included in this exhibition—and to speak on a panel like this—is a major milestone for us and for modest swimwear more broadly. It signals that modesty is not a barrier to inclusion or innovation. It’s a growing, creative space within fashion that deserves recognition.

CLICK TO WATCH A SHORT REEL FROM THE EXHIBITION

Special thanks to: Amber Butchart for her curation, Tiya Dahyabhai for her support, and Dr Shaun Cole for his contributions on the night. I'm proud to have shared the stage and spotlighted the evolution of swimwear—past, present, and future - Ayesha ♡