Neos and beach fashion: "You look better with our wetsuits than without" - Interview with fashion designer Kersy Strauss

The Kersy Strauss label is currently very present in the surf scene. You're back at boot and the German Windsurf Cup, among other things. How did the connection to water sports come about?

It's actually quite simple: I love water! It really is my central element, it gives me this feeling of freedom. I've always wanted to make beach & resort wear. I was at Engelbert Strauss for over 20 years, mainly in the functional sector. I could have said: Come on, I'll just make bikinis and swimming costumes. But the technical aspect is in my blood. I then got involved with wetsuits relatively quickly - actually out of swimming. I had a lot of friends who never go into cold water because it's too cold for them. And I thought: If you had a really cool wetsuit, would you go swimming? And they said: Yes, we would - but there's no such thing. And since we come from the fashion scene, I said: Okay, then we'll make a really cool wetsuit. And logically it ended up in surfing - which is of course what it was designed for!

Your colours immediately catch the eye, is that the main difference to conventional wetsuits?

Water sports are still relatively male-dominated, so I would like to get more women interested in water sports. And of course that works better if you're wearing something that also looks cool. It's not just the colour. We've taken a close look at women's bodies, which is why our wetsuits have a narrow waist, high-leg look and an incredible amount of seams that create a great figure. It makes you look better than when you're not wearing it. It enhances your figure - and that's important to us women. The colour comes with it, of course. We come from the fashion world: good mood, good energy, visibility. I was in Nazaré a fortnight ago, stood on top of the cliffs and watched Katrina, one of our surfers. I recognised her immediately in her pink wetsuit! You can be seen more quickly - and if in doubt, you can be rescued more quickly. Of course, we also have a black wetsuit. But even that looks different thanks to the white lines and the high-leg look. The shape is just completely different. You look great in it. I've tested a lot of wetsuits - and I can say: this is the most beautiful one on the market!

I read that you learnt to surf yourself in order to test the wetsuits.

Exactly, I had the beautiful wetsuit, one of our first prototypes and thought: crap, now I have to learn to surf. I was on Fuerteventura and had my first surf lesson there. It was really tough. After an hour, I was standing on the board - but the wetsuit was broken. The seams were torn, it was too tight and didn't fit at the front and back. I then changed everything and worked on it until it was perfect. There's no point in developing something that you don't try out yourself.

You've talked a lot about the shape and cut. What makes your wetsuits functional?

They are super comfortable to put on and take off and feel like a second skin. We have pockets at the back for keys, good knee protection and high-quality zips. The material is incredibly comfortable, there's a bit of stretch too - I love the wetsuits because they're easy to get in and out of. And the quality of our wetsuits is in no way inferior to a 500-euro model. They are also zero waste: our wetsuits are made from recycled old wetsuits.

You describe your collection as a "beach feeling to wear". What does that mean to you?

Our credo is "Beach please". We're here in the centre of Germany and the nearest beach is a long way away. But with our clothes, perfumes and sun protection products, you'll be on the beach in no time. Whether it's the office or everyday life, you put them on and feel better. You carry a piece of the place you long for with you and are in a good mood.

What is your personal favourite piece?

Clearly the pink Malibu wetsuit, with the sunrise over Point Dume as the design. It's even sold in Malibu, where we have our first shop. The wetsuit fits in perfectly there, it's a bit of a Barbie wetsuit, a statement: you can achieve anything.

Where else can I buy or try on your products?

Primarily via our online shop. We also have pop-ups every now and then: at boot in January, twice a year in Biebergemünd, at ISPO in Munich and at the German Windsurf Cup on Sylt. Once you've found your size, every model fits. We pay a lot of attention to that. Our target group is primarily active online and on social media.

You are now also launching sun protection products on the market. How did this come about?

This is a project close to my heart, the products will arrive in April. I was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, which meant I had to think very intensively about sun protection. I tested everything that was available - nothing was perfect. Too white, sticky, unpleasant - nobody actually likes sun cream, but it's fundamentally important to wear it! Our products save time and look good: a BB stick with SPF 50, body oil with a glow effect and SPF 30. You actually save on make-up, that's already included. Sun cream has to be fun! Australia already has a pretty good range, but I haven't found the ideal product there either. It's also been an issue in Asia for a long time, but many people here still think you can still go out in 26 degree sunshine without sun cream. I used to feel the same way, but better not!

Are the products also suitable for water sports and reef-friendly?

Yes, everything. We only use natural ingredients and the products simply work well too, plus they smell like our Beach Pleasure perfume.

Do you design everything yourself?

I have lots of creative ideas that I share with my team of six. The impetus often comes from me, but the development and realisation always happens together. As CEO and founder, I set the creative direction for the brand.

How did you get into fashion design?

My husband is Henning Strauss, CEO of Engelbert Strauss. I was there for over 20 years, building up workwear couture for women. At some point, we said: now we're going to do something of our own, beach & resort wear under the label Kersy, which is my nickname. That was a step out of the comfort zone.

Where is your focus - on water sports or "normal" fashion?

Water sports and beach at heart. But our community also wants everyday clothing: dresses, trousers, skirts, leggings and accessories. Even those who don't like water will find something here.

A look into the future: what are your plans for water sports?

We are constantly developing the wetsuits further, and we are also working on UV shirts that are sexy. And I am now developing a wetsuit that is designed to protect against shark bites. There are the first suppliers in Sydney - so far only for men. There's a lot of potential there, also with materials such as Kevlar, which we at Strauss know from cut protection! Some of it can also be used in wetsuits because it offers good freedom of movement!

That sounds exciting, thank you very much and good luck!

Prize draw: Win a wetsuit from Kersy Strauss!

Together with Kersy Strauss, we are giving away a "Good Vibes" wetsuit - Kersy's favourite model! The 2.5 mm wetsuit made of Limestone neoprene comes with sealed arm and leg cuffs and neck seal, knee padding and a comfortable zip on the front! As a long-sleeved wetsuit, it is suitable for water temperatures of around 17 to 20 degrees!

More info at kersystrauss.com