The Beach Journal

Coffee with Sally Burgess - 'Kopper & Zink'

Fashion designer and quintessential beach babe 'Sally Burgess' is hands down the girl to watch this season. With already a sell out first collection Sally is already set to release her second high demand range and it's only been 12 months! Watch out Seafolly, Sally's 'fushion of modern, edgy, strappy silhouettes with vibrant prints and solids' are sure to be the next big thing.

We met over 6 years ago where I actually had the pleasure of modelling her very first collection straight from fashion college; It was then I knew we wouldn't see the last of her. For a university graduate her designs were not like anything i'd ever seen before- they were outstanding.

Years later after keeping in touch I discover Sally's been living in fashion capital of the world- NYC where she gained some of of the best experiences of her life- working as head designer for American swimwear labels and of course travelling the world gaining 'inspiration'.

She has now moved back to Sydney where she has been living in Sydney's Northern beaches for the past two years designing new bikinis, taking trips to her factory in China, skyping her American affiliates who are desperate for a piece and of course running a self made business all on her own. 

Her aim: 'to produce swimsuits that are fashion forward, pushes boundaries and most importantly flatters the female body'.

I sat down with Sally for a coffee in Sydney's eastern suburbs to find out how on earth she juggles an international swimwear business at the age of 26... She arrived bearing bikini gifts (I love her already).

What is 'Kopper and Zink' all about?

Kopper & Zink is contemporary swimwear brand. Swimsuits are not necessarily purely for tanning in these days. Its about making a statement thus Kopepr and ZInk aims to engineer multipurpose fashionable pieces that can also be worn away from the pool or beach.

What is your 'go-to' swim style?

We love one pieces, there is more space for us to create something different and refreshing. A one piece can be just as striking if not more, than a bikini.

What is your secret to great swimwear?

I can't tell you that! hahah kidding, just trying to create unique silhouettes, with unexpected details from all angles, and to ensure great quality and fits.

What is your inspiration?

I love just playing with line work and looking at vintage lingerie for inspiration of different shapes and angles. It is like creative problem solving to me - trying to create different lines that will work with the tensions of stretch fabric whilst also being flattering to the figure. I try to not follow trends so much and just go with my gut as to what is working and what isn't thus the suit will have a longer lifespan.

Celebrities spotted in it..

We are slowly building our presence in the market, we have had features with Tash Oakley and Tiffany Watson from made in Chelsea, not to mention our social media presence with Brooke Hogan, Michaela Wain Madi Edwards and Gabby Epstein. We are excited for the second collection to arrive as we have a few things in the pipe line.