Those not familiar with the Hunza G, will probably be more familiar than they think. Originally born in 1984, the brand was responsible for Julia Robert’s iconic Pretty Woman mini dress (yes, that dress), and carved a name for itself with its crinkle fabric and leggy designs. Fast forward to 2015, and the brand was reborn, under the creative leadership of Georgiana Huddart, and a shiny new moniker, Hunza G.
Now created from a studio in London, the cult swimwear continues this legacy with one-size-fits-all 80s crinkle swimsuits, but more empowering silhouettes, a cool and contemporary twist and vivid, powerful hues – a must for any avid traveller and beachgoers. Based in London’s leafy Notting Hill, Georgiana Huddart reveals her ultimate chic London itinerary, the Hunza G pieces she can’t travel without and what’s next on her travel bucket list.
Where is home for you now?
Ladbroke grove, London!
Tell me your favourite thing about your home base. If someone wanted to visit, how would you sell it to them?
It’s a very calm space with lovely high ceilings – our garden looks out onto a huge plot of land that’s owned by a church and can never be sold, so our view is just trees, squirrels and birds – which is very rare in London.
If someone had 24 hours in your home base, where would you send them?
It would depend on what they were after – that’s what’s amazing about London; it sort of has every version of a city experience. If it was Friday – Portobello Road is wonderful for the market, food and just the overall energy and vibe. If it’s a sunny day – a walk down the river and then lunch at the River Café is probably my favourite version of a London day. And if you want to be more central, then Chiltern Firehouse for lunch outside and then a stroll around the shops.
What is a hotel you’ve stayed in recently that’s completely wowed you?
Claridge’s on my wedding night was amazing. It was really romantic, and we had just had a huge lunch with 18 family members at the River Café, and then left to go to Claridge’s at about 5pm. We ate oysters and drank some bubbly and just felt really lucky to be having such a special time. Both our children were at our wedding day too which made it even more magical.
Hunza G is all about making women feel powerful and confident. How do you achieve this through your designs?
I try and make sure there are a range of designs that work for varying body shapes – whether its support, coverage or different cuts. The goal is for as many women to feel that they can wear it and feel incredible in it.
Tell me about the one-size-fits-all philosophy for swimsuits. How do you make it work without making women feel alienated? Tell me about the garment tech.
From the very beginning, the aim was to be inclusive and that wasn’t just about sizing – it was about making all types of women feel like they were invited to wear and feel good in Hunza G. Some brands have an ethos of exclusivity or a target audience/core demographic or ideal customer – we never have. It’s always been about making women feel invited. We try to never be too fashion-orientated, or niche; just making sure we are making a product that actually works and does what we say it does.
What are the most important things for you when designing new swimwear/launching a new collection?
We always come up with a very strong genre or theme to each collection. Whether its architectural or a music movement – it gives our collections more depth and makes it more fun. We can then create a whole world around it. We have just done a Memphis movement-themed pop-up. Historically we have done a Muralla Roja-themed collection, a Northern soul collection, so yep! They always have a full world and thought process created around them…its not just pictures of women on a beach.
What are of your favourite pieces from Hunza G? Do you have a favourite piece you love for travel?
I am actually loving our classics! Gigi in black, Nadine in black and Patricia in stripe. Luckily, I get all the styles early so on my latest holiday I have been trying out a lot of the SS24 collection and I have to say I am very very excited.
What’s first in your suitcase when you’re packing?
Sunscreen, pyjamas, denim shorts and of course, Hunzas.
Tell us about you have an in-flight routine
Just watch as many movies as possible, as I never ever get to otherwise… oh and sometimes I remember to put those gel eye masks on too.
What’s in your handbag?
So many lip balms, I am addicted. The Nars O one is my fave. Airpods. A pen. Sunglasses and that’s about it!
Where’s on your travel list this year?
I just got back from Tuscany, which is my favourite place to go. I am going to the USA for work quite a lot too. I am planning a weekend in Rome with Gabriel, as I have never been so am quite excited for that too. I am quite badly travelled as I am one of six children my parents only ever took us to Cornwall and Ireland because it was just too expensive…so it’s quite fun that I have so many places to explore left! Japan is on our list too.
Where is a destination that you visited and fell in love with?
Tuscany. I am a real creature of habit, and it’s always been the place I am drawn to. My mum took me there when I was 11, and I never forgot it. I find it so romantic, so relaxing, and I love that it feels quite timeless – I am quite scared of technology, and I think most places in Tuscany feel about 30 years behind London in that sense. Food is all fresh, it’s not very digitised, there’s beautiful old architecture. Siena is absolutely wonderful.
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