RAPHAELE REPONTY, ABYSSE
Founded by a mother-daughter duo, Abysse is all about the feminine power of nature and nurturing. Born from a search for eco-conscious wetsuits, Raphaele Reponty launched Abysse nine years ago in California with her daughter Hanalei. Now settled into Habitat, the sustainable wetsuit and swimwear brand is ready to thrive in the ocean-obsessed Byron community. We chatted with the co-founder about her island life in Tahiti, inspirations, business tips, plus how Elle Macpherson came to visit their new store.
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Welcome to the neighbourhood! Tell us about Abysse and what makes it more than just another wetsuit/swimswear brand?
Abysse was born from the idea of producing less. To produce well and to align fashion with function. We aim to create a garment made out of the highest sustainable materials that will follow our ocean journey, while causing less harm to our planet.
What was your inspiration when starting the business?
We started nine years ago as a mother/daughter business in California. We just created a capsule of sustainable wetsuits for us to use, because we weren't satisfied by what we were finding in the market, in terms of design and sustainability. My daughter Hanalei had just finished her commerce degree at Sydney Uni and was surfing and modelling everywhere in the world. And I've always been involved in businesses, so we decided to start Abysse together. We wanted to create a brand with purpose to give back to what brings us joy, which is Mother Ocean.
So sustainability has always been important?
Our path on sustainability started on day one. It was so difficult to find the right companies to work with back then, but it has always been in our DNA. Our dedication to Mother Earth has dictated our choices. Growing up on an island shapes you and the ethos of Abysse is coming from our journey back home in Tahiti, French Polynesia.
What attracted you to Habitat?
First, the amazing community. Also, how it's really committed to sustainability. The beauty of this place and the way it's been designed with elegance and function. It was all we were hoping for Abysse.
You lived in Tahiti before moving to Australia. Tell us about how that's informed your approach to life and creativity?
Living on an island shapes you. You are drawn to what really matters and being present. The nature is humbles you. Less wi-fi but more connection. We moved to Australia in 2009 and we've lived in Broken Head since 2017. We love to arrive quietly in a community, but it was time for Abysse to start its Australian journey. The lifestyle here is perfect for an ocean brand.
What’s the most rewarding part of the job?
The amazing ocean community we've created around Abysse.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
In Broken Head at the beach or frolicking in the ocean.
If you could hang out at the beach with someone for the day, living or from the past, which beach would you choose, who would it be and why?
Elle Macpherson, because she's always been an inspiration. Of course, she's a beautiful woman, but also an amazing entrepreneur who's really into wellness and natural ingredients.
Like Abysse, her business reflects what she really believes in everyday and not just a marketing story. She's been very supportive of Abysse since day one and we were so happy to welcome her to Habitat at the shop last month.
Best business tip and best health tip you’ve ever been given?
Be passionate, find something you love, and really care about. And don’t be afraid, go for it!
Plans for Abysse now you’re settled in here?
We've been in love with Australia since we made the move from Tahiti. This is home for us now and we really found our people here in Byron Bay. I'm sure Abysse will thrive in this environment. Hanalei lives between Hawaii and California, but she often comes to visit our beautiful shire.
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Visit Abysse at Shop 50, open six days a week (except Sundays) from 10am–4pm. Catch their latest collections and designs on the website or Instagram.