This article originally appeared on GrindTV.com.
Artist collaborations are nothing new, but this one's a doozy: Billabong's teamed up with Los Angeles-native Claire Oring for a summer collection of tops, tees and swimwear featuring hand-drawn illustrations by Oring (who also shot the lookbook) and modeled by team rider/artist/singer Lindsay Perry (who also designed graphics for the lookbook). It's talent overload up in here, so instead of grilling the girls on their work for the collection I let them do the talking for me. Here, Claire and Lindsay dish on their favorite pieces from the collection and their creative process:
Lindsay Perry: I love your style of work. Where do you usually begin with a piece?
Claire Oring: I start with lots of messy graphite scribbles testing out different compositions. I try all sorts of things and then combine my favorite parts of each one into one design.
LP: You're also a great photographer. How do you get ideas for your shoots?
CO: I love being swept away by a story, especially a story that's solely visual so you have to connect the dots yourself by finding clues from what's in front of you. I often draw inspiration from mythology and folklore and wonder how I can make it my own. Your two collages for the lookbook are incredible. Where they planned or an experiment?
LP: Funny you ask. A lot of times I start with one idea and by the time I'm finished, it's completely different. What inspired me with those two pieces was the overall vibe of your photos. The colors were soft and almost muted, so I wanted something that would accent the designs and feel of the location. The lighthouse was big inspiration as well. I've always been into collage making, and this was the most intricate piece I've made with that concept. What was your favorite piece from this collection?
CO: I love the one-piece sit because I think it's so cool that a Polaroid is now a swimsuit. Also, my mermaid skeleton illustration. What's yours?
LP: Definitely the one-piece bikini. I love the print and cut. As for the tees, I love the V-neck tee with the floral heart on it—delicate and simple.
CO: Does art influence your personal style?
LP: I definitely think so. I'm braver with my fashion because of it—I like to mix things up. I love fringe, fur coats, and high-tops. Do you think living in LA has an impact on your style?
CO: Yes! I'm such a proud Californian. I grew up in Manhattan Beach, and I loved growing up in a laidback beach town with one of the most culturally relevant cities in the world a short drive away. I love the trend-setting vibe of this city. Another bonus of LA is all the nature surrounding it. Nature is an important ingredient in my world so I appreciate its availability.
Thanks girls! Shop the line here.
