Bolde Wetsuits: Perth shark biologist Amanda Elizabeth’s surf brand on show at Miami Swim Week

A Perth shark biologist is adding a splash of colour to swimwear.

Amanda Elizabeth’s Bolde Wetsuits were paraded on the catwalk at Miami Swim Week recently, with her two collections drawing inspiration from the ocean’s vibrant colours.

“We live on such an incredibly diverse coastline — there is never any shortage of inspiration,” Elizabeth said.

“Sharing a piece of Perth with an American audience is not just about geography — it’s about showcasing the natural beauty of our marine environment and wildlife through my designs.”

She said she had got fed up wearing boring black wetsuits that made divers look like a seal to predators, so set about designing something a bit more exciting from eco-friendly Japanese limestone neoprene.

“Designing this collection was about more than aesthetics—it was about empowering women to feel strong, confident, and bold in and out of the water, to inspire them to pursue water activities that have previously been dominated by men,” Elizabeth said.

Since Bolde made its debut in Miami, Elizabeth has received supportive feedback about how her pieces have made women feel more comfortable, powerful and confident.

“That kind of reaction is exactly why I do what I do. It is so important to me that women know there is a wetsuit that is specifically for them,” she said.

The show highlighted the brand’s current Luminescent Collection, along with a preview of the upcoming Honu Collection — named after the Hawaiian word for sea turtle.

Bolde has recently expanded the brand’s size range to include sizes 6-20.

The range includes 3mm and 5mm steamers, bikini-cut and short-leg spring suits, wetsuit jackets, and accessories like silicone snorkel sets and fins.