I remember the first time I tried on a piece from Aussie-born brand Zulu and Zephyr.
It was a knitted top with tapered sleeves in a gorgeous cream colour and I wore it to work and beyond paired with jeans or sometimes even a floaty skirt.
One could safely say I’ve been a firm fan of the brand since, and have owned everything from a pair of Z&Z jeans to copious numbers of bikinis because it’s the sort of lifestyle brand that seamlessly fits into your wardrobe.
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Founders Candice Rose-O’Rourke and Karla Rose grew up in beachside Bondi and it’s here that the Zulu and Zephyr ethos was born — at a time where swim brands exclusively meant Billabong or Roxy.
“When we launched the business 12 years ago there were almost no independent swim brands,” the founders told Best Picks.
“It was our commitment to swim and resort wear that flipped this personal, unique and important category on its head to make way for Zulu & Zephyr.”
Zulu, which means leader and strong, and Zephyr, which means relaxed and floating, showcases the dualities of the brand that are perfectly balanced.
Earlier this month, Candice and Karla opened a retail store on Bondi’s Gould Street, a full circle moment.
“The opportunity fell into our lap, quite literally. After four years of success at our Byron Bay flagship store we knew that our customer loved to feel, touch and try on the product,” Candice said.
“Having our doors open in Bondi means we have the opportunity to care and connect.”
With just six weeks to fit out the store, it is already an incredible success story.
And it has been lovingly embraced by a shopping district which also features other Aussie favourites — SIR, Nude Lucy and DISSH included.
“As Bondi locals 12 years ago, we would walk this street and shop and explore. It has changed so much but still feels like quintessential Bondi — busy, buzzing and beachy,” Karla said.
One of the most exciting new additions to the Zulu and Zephyr collection has been in the sport category, led by director Karla.
Having designed the brand from the very beginning in her sunroom in Bondi, Karla and her team crafted the ultimate cross between activewear and swimwear, so you can go from “earth to ocean as soon as you have finished the Bondi to Bronte walk”.
With a firm focus on retail in the future, Candice and Karla plan on opening a store in Manly in 2025.
Before then, sustainability is at the forefront.
“In 2024, it is our sustainability goal that every garment holds at least one environmental credential in order to be regenerative to our environment,” Candice said.
“We also aim to launch our take-back program and become apart of the circular economy.
“In 2024, we hope to obtain our Carbon Neutral certification.”
There is certainly no slowing down for the pair of entrepreneurs.
And by the end of next year, Z&Z fans will have even more ways to connect with the brand than ever before.
To shop the latest collection, visit Zulu and Zephyr’s website here.
