We were so pleased when Summer Stuczyk, creator and leader of bespoke label Sun Club, reached out to us with an idea...to help source old or unused towels to repurpose into garments for sunny beach days. It just so happened that we were looking for ways to start repurposing our dead stock and previous seasons samples, in a way that was consciously sustainable. We finally had the perfect way to give these towels a second life, without adding further waste into the environment. 

Inspired by Summer's journey, we quizzed her further about what's fuelling her, the album that's on repeat, and what Sun Club means to her...read on to find out more.

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Can you tell us a bit about how Sun Club began — what inspired you to start the label and what does the name “Sun Club” represent to you?

Sun club started after I left work during Covid. With time on my hands and some creative passion, I dusted off my old screen printing press from high school and cranked up my sewing machine. I started making graphic tees for local businesses and events - drawing the prints, illustrating, burning the screens, the whole process. It wasn't until my partner & I were getting ready for a holiday up north, where we’d be spending 2 weeks boating and camping on the beach, that I wanted a piece I could wear day in and day out over my bikinis. So I bought a vintage towel from the op shop and created the first Shacket. I wore it daily over the next 2 weeks and returned with inspiration and ways to make it better - shorter sleeves, pockets and extra length. Little did I know that this piece would develop Sun Club into what it is today.

I knew I wanted a name that resonated with my lifestyle and what I wanted to create. I remember I was walking on the beach one day and it just popped into my head - Sun Club. I didn’t really have any other ideas to compare it with and it felt like a good fit straight away. A name that represents our community - people who prioritise time in the sun and by the water.

Your pieces have such a relaxed, sun-soaked feel. How do you translate that effortless Australian coastal vibe into your designs?

I design my pieces to complement my lifestyle — and those who prioritise time in nature and by the water. Explained beautifully by my friend Connie, “Our day starts with a swim. Without this, we’re foggy. We can’t help it; salty skin fuels us. So does sisterhood. We welcome early mornings on the sand, laughter, and a strong cuppa. For the kind of quiet that lets us hear flowing water, or the whistle of a whipbird.”

Sun Club is about creating pieces that reflect the need for functionality, fun and freedom. It’s easy to communicate that message while living in such a naturally beautiful location, along with awesome friends who are always eager to join in on Sun Club adventures.

What was your creative process like when working with the Mayde towel fabrics and samples? Did the materials themselves inspire new ideas?

We were organising this collab over the period I had a break from Sun Club. During that time I had a few ideas of new items I wanted to create (there's quite an extensive list). I knew I definitely wanted to bring to life a new pair of summer shorts, but different. I’ve seen plenty of versions of towel shorts and have been holding back, until, the Mayde towels! I really loved the lighter cotton and Turkish towels, and thought they’d be perfect for a pair of bloomers.

Sylvia also mentioned bags at the start of our conversations and I’ve been loving all the shoulder/ sling bags trending lately. I’m a sucker for an across-shoulder bag, since I’m always carrying my water bottle and a bunch of random things. I wanted something stylish, spacious (with pockets of course), and comfortable to carry. I thought the checkered and striped towel would look really 'vibey' together, contrasting further with a curved, teardrop shape. Also being reversible so you can change the bag to your style that day.

Sustainability is a big part of this collaboration — what does creating consciously mean to you and to Sun Club?

Creating consciously, that's a great phrase! Sustainability is thrown around a lot in this industry, so much so that I believe people are becoming numb to it. Everyone slaps sustainability on their branding but I don’t think it's the right, or only, label to be using in fashion. We should be aiming to create conservatively, for the good of the planet. Minimising our waste - that includes packaging, swing tags, remnants and the number of pieces we create in themselves, as 15-40% of new clothes are never sold.

With Sun Club I always aim to reuse materials where possible. Our pieces and packaging are made from pre-existing fabrics, swing tags and care cards are kept to a minimum. Remnants are used to create smaller items and accessories, our collections are small and thoughtfully curated, and we prefer to create customs rather than mass-producing. My aim is to create pieces that can span generations, those special items that you hold onto for as long as possible, and pass along to someone you care about because you can’t bear to part with it.

I’m always trying to think of ways to improve our footprint in an industry dominated by wasteful creation.

Out of the new Mayde x Sun Club pieces, do you have a favourite? What makes it special?

Oooh this is a really difficult question to answer, but I really love the bloomers because, personal rant incoming… I hate shorts! I find I can never find a good pair of shorts in the summer. Denim shorts don’t do it for me and I hate wearing cotton shorts to the beach. You put them on over swimmers, then the fabric sticks to you and rides up in the crutch! Just me? Anyway, the bloomers are just so comfy. The bubble shape is really flattering and being elastic just makes them so easy to wear. The legs with their elastic casing are great because you don’t fear flashing anyone! I’ve spent many days in my pair and can confirm, they are really great for all activities - riding, walking, doing yoga and just stretching out on the couch.

How would you describe your personal style in three words?

Op shop (my whole wardrobe!), fun, comfortable.

If Sun Club were a cocktail (or mocktail), what would it be and why?

Love this question! I think I would have to go with a Pina Colada. Fruity, icy cold and I just visualise drinking it on a lounge chair at the beach.

What song or album is on repeat in your studio right now?

This one is a bit off-brand but I’ve been obsessed with Pink Floyd’s, The Dark Side of the Moon, specifically the song Breathe (in the air). For me, it has such a grounding rhythm and lyrics, great to start the day with. My partner and I have just got back into collecting CD’s and I’ve been listening to more whole albums rather than individual songs. I really vibe with this album, easy listening mixed with some epic ballads such as The Great Gig in the Sky. Perfect for my work day.

And finally — dream holiday destination: where are you taking your Sun Club pieces next?

I really want to take Sun Club on a surf trip! Somewhere in the Maldives or Indo. Retreats are such a big thing right now and I would love to share Sun Club with this scene, as our pieces are literally made for it! Travel, sun and water everyday!

For a personal holiday, me and my partner are planning some time off next year. We'll be taking our 22ft trailer-sailor up to the Whitsundays and spending 6 weeks island-hopping/ living in Sun Club.

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Thanks so much for your time Summer - I feel this collab couldn't have come at a better moment for both Sun Club & Mayde, and hope it resonates with all our customers. The collection drops 6pm AEST on 13.11.25 - check it out here.

For our readers who'd like to know more about Sun Club, click here to be inspired.