Smuggling Studio Design Competition Winner

Introducing the winning design 'Smuggler Down Under' and a chat with the designer Sophie Smith.

In September last year we opened the inaugural Smuggling Studio where we put the call out for your designs for us to put on our swimwear. We were bowled over by the response!

Allow us to introduce you to Bondi local Sophie Smith who took the W with this epic Aussie design. We threw it out to you on our Instagram to help us name the pair and Sophie chose the winning title:

SMUGGLER DOWN UNDER

We love how this design uniquely captures the spirit of Budgy Smuggler and an Aussie Summer! Here's what Sophie had to say 👇

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I'm 25, and at the moment I'm based in Sydney. I'm a bit of an outdoorsy girl, I love to surf, hike and just spend time outside, there's so much cool stuff to see, and always new places to explore. I'm trained as an Exercise Physiologist, but currently working in a surf shop for a little change of scenery, which has been nice to reboot my creativity.

How did you get into design/art?

I've always been pretty creative, but I don't think I really got into art until the last few years. I'm mostly inspired by my friends and family, and love creating pieces for them that are quirky and have some personal meaning! It's the best way to disconnect from everything and express myself. I love letting my creativity flow and seeing what cool things I can create!

What was the inspo/process behind your design?

I wanted to create a design that matched the budgy smugglers energy, with an Aussie twist. I honestly can't remember how I came up with the idea, I just remember thinking how iconic it would be to have Aussie slang on some swimmers! From there I thought of a few of the most popular slang words, and hand drew the design, before making it digital. I was overseas at the time and didn't have anything but my phone, so I did the whole thing on there!

What's your favourite Smuggling memory/experience?

I think it would have to be a surf session up in Byron. I was wearing a budgy once piece at The Pass, scored some epic waves and a girl paddled over to ask where the suit was from. She said she loved seeing the bright colours out in the lineup, and I couldn't agree more. Beats the black wetties, that's for sure!