Sun Conscious Summer with Giaan Rooney
Introducing our ‘Sun Conscious Summer’ campaign, starring Giaan Rooney: Olympian, Mama, Macadamia Farmer, Speaker, Muse.
We were so excited to shoot Giaan for our annual ‘Sun Conscious Summer’ campaign. This year's campaign was shot on the beautiful beaches of Noosa, and features our Original Sexie Rashie styles. We chatted to Giaan about her time on the shoot and what a having a Sun Conscious Summer means to her.
How did you first discover UNE PIECE and what drew you to the brand?
I discovered UNE PIECE by searching for attractive, sunsafe swimwear as I love the sun and the water but I have skin that only ever burns…
I bought my first Original Sexie Rashie suit - in leopard print - around 7 years ago and was immediately impressed by the quality and fit - I still wear this suit often!
What does a Sun Conscious Summer mean to you?
We love the outdoors in Australia, it is such an important part of our culture, but we also have the highest number of melanoma cases per capita in the world, so we must find ways to protect our skin without compromising on the lifestyle we love. A Sun Conscious Summer means respecting the power of the sun and actively making choices to minimise the risks of skin cancer every time you step outside.
Giaan wears the Original Sexie Rashie Cap Sleeve in black.
“now I won’t wear anything else except the Original Sexie Rashie!”
8 years ago UNE PIECE launched the Original Sexie Rashie - why do you think having ‘Sexie’ sun conscious options in swimwear is important?
I grew up on the beaches of the Gold Coast, and as an elite swimmer spent 7 hours a day in a pool. I so desperately wanted the tanned skin of my friends and training buddies but realised very early on that there was no safe way for me to tan so I was always very sun conscious with sunscreen, zinc and a hat. But even with all these precautions I still have freckles, sunspots, sun damaged skin as well as having had numerous biopsies and a BCC cut out on my collarbone.
Before I discovered UNE PIECE I was forced to choose ill fitting, unflattering, sunsafe swimwear that severely compromised on style - now I won’t wear anything else except the Original Sexie Rashie!
We had an absolutely wonderful time shooting our Sun Conscious Summer campaign in Noosa with you. What was your highlight of the shoot?
Where do I start! I will admit to being quite out of my comfort zone being in front of a camera in swimwear, which might sound strange given that my previous career was spent in togs! But as an elite athlete it was all about what my body could do, not what it looked like, so 18 years post swimming retirement and 2 kids later, I’m not actively looking to publicly hang out in my swimmers!
The difference is I trust & admire the UNE PIECE ethos - swimwear designed for women by a female founder, with an emphasis on championing women, body positivity and sun safety, so my highlight was working with the entire UNE PIECE team!!!
Photography: Ryan Heywood
Cinematographer: Tyson Lloyd
Hair and Makeup: Emma Chaisty