BY MIKE ORTIZ
A conversation with Clementine Bourke and Marina Alonso Rojas on their unconventional friendship and their favorite bikinis for surf
If you live in Australia, chances are that you know Marina Alonso and Clementine Bourke. Marina's striking beauty graces the displays of nearly every Billabong store, while Clementine shines through her film and photography work with endless Australian-based swim brands. This dynamic duo is the mastermind behind powerful brand campaigns, consistently making waves within the swim and surf industries for their visionary concepts and dreamy imagery. Their collaborative efforts have brought forth stunning campaigns, and we're so happy to have worked with them on the first collection lookbook for Bluhour.
Marina was born and raised in a charming seaside town near Valencia, Spain. At the young age of 12, she was scouted by IMG, propelling her into the world of high fashion with prestigious brands like Burberry London. Infused with curiosity, Marina eagerly absorbed knowledge from industry veterans, often extending her time after photoshoots to delve deeper into the art of photography. Her insatiable curiosity about art, composition, and color grading has since blossomed into a flourishing career in photography and creative directing.
Clementine, originally from Sydney, moved to Byron Bay in 2013. During high school, she first started making music videos to viral songs and taking photos just for fun. Before settling in her current, passion-driven career as a filmographer and photographer, Clem pursued degrees in ancient history and music. Little known fact - she was even a chef’s apprentice for a short period of time! As her career in the creative industry continues to burgeon, Clem has been recognized for her work at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (2018), nominated for Australian Surf Photo of 2023, and recently won the Best Film at the Single Fin Mingle Film Festival (2024).
“If you really love the work that you’re doing, it will all end up being passion work… love what you do, you know?”
—Clementine Bourke
Marina and Clem's story started with a chance encounter on the sun-soaked shores of Wategos Beach in Byron Bay in 2023. At the time, Clem was shooting a campaign for Australian-based surfboard shaping shop, McTavish Surfboards, while also avidly trying to stay out of the sun. Marina happened to be on the beach at the same time and their shared sun aversion sparked an instant connection. As they chatted, they discovered a shared love for the ocean, surfing, and all things camera-related. Their friendship quickly evolved into a deep appreciation for each other's creativity in the industry.
Before they knew it, Marina and Clem started to travel the world together as a creative duo, embarking on journeys across the world to shoot captivating films and capture breathtaking photos for a diverse range of brands and individuals. Their adventures have taken them from the dreamy blue islands of the Philippines to bustling cities along Australia's east coast, and even to the vibrant streets of New York City. Whether they're geeking out over new camera gear or catching waves together, Marina and Clem show us that the best friendships often start with a simple conversation and a whole lot of good vibes.
“Must be wipeout safe.”
Riding the Waves in Style
Clementine’s go-to surf outfit is a high-rise bottom paired with either a balconette or bandeau top. Marina opts for high-rise boy shorts with a balconette top as well. No matter the style, both girls agree that the best surf bikinis must be wipeout safe.
Best Surf Spots?
We can’t deny that Australia’s Coasts are home to some of the best waves. It’s no wonder that Clem’s favorite waves to surf are the beaches around home, in Byron Bay. For Marina, her dream destination to surf is Iceland!
The Ultimate Love Language
Marina’s unconditional love and support of her friends is unbreakable while Clem is the ultimate cheerleader you want in your corner. Ladies, we hope you have friends like these, at least once in your lifetime.
Go check out Marina @marinalons.co and Clementine's work @clementinebourke!
