At the age of 13, India Hicks became arguably the most famous bridesmaid in the world when she was part of the bridal party for the royal wedding of then Lady Diana Spencer to the Prince of Wales, now King Charles.
It was a momentous occasion to be part of, and another chapter in her family’s duty to the British royals. Her mother is Lady Pamela Hicks, bridesmaid and lady-in-waiting to her third cousin, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her grandfather was Lord Mountbatten, assassinated in 1979 when the IRA planted a bomb on his fishing boat.
Now 57, India Hicks has designed her first swimwear collection in collaboration with Aussie swimwear brand Sea Level and become part of the growing movement redefining how society sees and values “older” women.
“I am going to be 58 this year, and I have never felt happier, healthier or more excited about the future,” she tells WHO. “It’s exciting to see that there is a spotlight being shone on older women. Pamela Anderson and [model] Paulina Porizkova lead the way with their brave bare-faced beauty, and my wonderful friend Brooke Shields has recently published a book about being allowed to grow old.”
Hicks wanted to create a range of swimwear that reflects the exciting stage of life in which she finds herself – and front the campaign herself.
Importantly, she wanted to be able to ride a horse, run around a pickleball court and buzz about town on a scooter in the swimwear – all things she regularly does on her day-to-day at her home of more than 30 years in the Bahamas.
“I wanted more than just a swimsuit or bikini that could hold me in place,” she tells WHO. “I wanted swimwear that was designed for life and could make me feel like I was part of a James Bond story. “I wanted swimwear that could make me feel like the modern Bond woman – pivotal to a mission, fighting the villain, ready for action and espionage, giving everyone a run for their money.”
Mission accomplished!
Dive into these favourites from the collection:
01
Sea Level x India Hicks Border Plunge Bralette and Bikini Pant
from $229.90 for both at The Iconic
Sizes: 8 – 16
Colour: Coconut with black trim.
Materials: 85% Recycled Nylon, 15% Elastane
Key features:
- Minimal bikini cut
- Back gold logo clasp
- Plunge neckline
- Printed logo inside/outside back waist
02
Sea Level X India Hicks Bound Zip Front Crop Top
from $149.95 at The Iconic
Sizes: 8 – 16
Colours: Black with white trim.
Materials: 85% Recycled Nylon, 15% Elastane
Key features:
- UPF 50+
- Long sleeves
- Internal shelf bra with removable soft cup
- Front powermesh lining for support
03
Sea Level x India Hicks Lace Cover-Up Dress
from $ 249.95 at The Iconic
Sizes: S, M, L
Colours: Black
Materials: 95% Nylon 5% Elastane.
Key features:
- Sheer lace fabric
- Reversible neckline
- Long sleeves
- Maxi length
- Side leg split
04
Sea Level X India Hicks Lattice One Piece
from $239.95 at The Iconic
Sizes: 8 – 16
Colours: Coconut, Black
Materials: 75% Recycled Nylon, 25% Elastane
Key features:
- Plunge lattice front neckline
- Removable belt with gold logo clasp
- High leg line
- Internal shelf bra with removable soft cups
- Front powermesh support
05
Sea Level X India Hicks Piper Short Sleeve One Piece
from $249.95 at The Iconic
Sizes: 8 – 16.
Colours: Black
Materials: 85% Recycled Nylon, 15% Elastane
Key features:
- Plunge neckline
- Fine gold piping detail
- Removable belt with gold logo clasp
- High leg line
- Short sleeves
