Sisters of Swimwear
Wish we could have different swimwear for each day of summer. Here’s our short list.
Say hello to Nigerian influence via Canada. Andrea Iyamah, owned by Ontario-based fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah, is a clothing line strongly inspired by color and ethnic cultures. With a flare for fashion and the arts, she advanced her tailoring skills and educated herself about fashion which later fueled the genesis of the A.I. brand at an early age of 17. A.I. is for the woman who wants to rock a fabulous piece at an event or an edgy bathing suit on a steamy vacation, and who wants to be a part of a cultural story in the attire she adorns.
SHOP ANDREA IYAMAHIt was her “calling.” Lourdes “Luli” Hanimian was born in Cuba and raised in Miami, so it’s no surprise she developed a keen interest in swimwear. Luli and her brother-in-law Augusto Hanimian are the creative forces behind Luli Fama, which has become known for its universally flattering fit and immaculate designs. And now, Luli Fama has a brand new eyewear collection, Eye Candy. A fitting name for sunglasses intended to pair beautifully with Luli Fama swimsuits, whose fans include Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Aniston, Shakira, Kate Hudson, and supermodels Adriana Lima, Bar Rafaeli, and Marissa Miller.
Greece is the word. Inspired by this country with year-round sunshine, Maa Boo is the “fantasy island” and swimwear brand created by friends Anna and Iloi, friends since childhood. Their collections of bikinis and one-piece suits immediately gained reputation for their sophisticated but joyful patterns, exotic motifs, innovative colorways, contemporary cuts, and soft, buttery fabrics that shape the body in the most flattering ways. Maa Boo is dedicated in creating unique designs with attention to detail, impeccable craftsmanship, durable materials, and uncompromising elegance, for all free-spirited, bohemian-chic girls who know best that heart is where the sun shines bright: at the beach.
SHOP MAA BOOCoffee isn’t the only stimulating export we love from Colombia. We also get excited by Agua Bendita swimsuits created by Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza, two fashion designers who teamed up to showcase beautifully handcrafted apparel influenced by Colombian culture. They now have a workplace of hundreds of women who make unique pieces worn by women in more than 50 countries. Their campaigns have featured international icons Bar Refaeli, Irina Shayk, Izabel Goulart, Candice Swanepoel, Sara Sampaio and Kendall Jenner in their campaigns.
SHOP AGUA BENDITA BUY AT AMAZON
Viva Cuba! Nicolita‘s designer, Nicole Di Rocco, whose parents were from this country so close to America yet so distant to most Americans, creates bikini collections reminiscent of Cuba’s alluring 1940’s era. Nicolita’s signature fit of “Cuban-style bottoms” was designed for the curvaceous Latina figure. See Nicolita’s Emmy-nominated short documentary below.
BUY AT COUTURE CANDYIn the coldest days of winter in the U.S., we remember images of sunny beaches from places like Sydney’s Bondi beach, home to designer and artist, Camilla Franks. Her bespoke bohemian lifestyle brand Camilla draws inspiration from her travels around the globe, and in turn has captured the imagination of the world. Camilla says: “My vision is to awaken the adventurous spirit that resides within all us because we believe that everyone has a right to experience freedom and feel joy. We embrace all walks of life, as we believe it is everyone’s right to feel beautiful no matter their age, shape or race.” We love the prints! Now you can find Camilla in the U.S., with two stores opening in 2019.
South African super-model Candice Swanepoel’s line of Tropic of C swimwear is named for the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, the most northern and most southern latitudes on earth where the sun can be directly overhead.
SHOP TROPIC OF C
