Surf Inspired

Lately, surf inspired apparel has been taking over the fashion world ever since Prozena Schouler’s Spring 2010 collection (in my opinion and I still covet every piece of it).  But let’s be honest, neoprene has always been rad and there isn’t one stylish surfer girl out there that’s complaining about all of the fresh and feminine silhouettes companies have been producing lately.  We’ve complied a list of items we’re currently coveting for this summer season – some can be worn in the water, some not so much and some that can double as surf gear and a unique fashion piece.

SURFINSPIRED1. Palisades 2mm High Waist Short, $125.00, theseea.com
2. Quay Kosha Sunglasses, $40.00, swell.com
3. Cynthia Rowley Neoprene Wetsuit, $375.00, shopbop.com
4. Palomar Crop Top Rashguard, $60.00, theseea.com
5. The Hutton Surf Suit, $242.00, revolveclothing.com
6. Samudra X Lady Slider Pouch, $60.00, samudra.com
7. Salt Gypsy Surf Leggings, saltgypsy.com
8. Sofia Webster Palm Tree Sandals, $380.00, net-a-porter.com
9. Clover Canyon Endless Summer Skirt, $184.00, revolveclothing.com

Get To Know: Ani Bikinis

California native Ani Breslin has been making a name for herself in this swimwear industry – and people have been noticing. The self-titled swimwear brand Ani Bikini’s is the epitome of California cool, two words that could also be used to sum up the designer herself.  A savvy business woman and blonde bombshell, Ani has made some major strides in the industry already, such as working for Tavik Swimwear and being featured in this year’s Surfing Magazine’s Swimsuit Issue.  She also recently put together the current look book for her collection, California Gold, that includes some bad ass styling with a little help from up and coming jewelry company, TRADE.  We caught up with Ani to find out what’s in store for her in the future and how exactly she got started.
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Where did you grow up?

I’m originally from San Diego and basically grew up on the beaches of La Jolla and Encinitas. I also spent a lot of time in Hawaii.

How did you get started designing swimwear?

Because surfing everyday became such an addiction at a very young age, I basically lived in bikinis. I remember wearing my first “brazilian” style from Salinas back in the day and just fell in love with the comfort and style of the smaller cut designs. A few years ago, there weren’t really many brands doin the cheeky thing, so I decided to sew up my own pieces out of scrap fabric and the business sort of came as a whim after people starting asking me about my one of a kind pieces, and the demand grew. It’s almost second nature to pick out rad fabric and design super unique brazilian style pieces now but the business part I’m still learning everyday.

Where do you pull your inspiration from?

Everywhere!! Streetstyle, beach style, exotic travels, fashion blogs, mens fashion, music, all my weird friends, and so on. This world we live in is pretty ridiculous and so i find it very easy to be inspired.

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I remember buying my first suit from you when you were still on Etsy! How has the transition been with your brand becoming more well known in the swimwear industry?

Ha yes! I remember that too! The transition of getting recognized a little bit more and doing awesome collaborations has been amazing. I honestly had no idea how insane the swimwear industry would get when I started the business and to think that it is more of a lifestyle now that anything really excites me. There are so many places to go and ways to grow in this business theres almost no telling how far or how big any of us designers could be! Working for Tavik Swimwear last year also gave me some rad opportunities to meet some really inspirational people in the industry that are so great to network with and talk biz and really dream up cool things to work on. I’m syked for the future!

What are your current top three favorite swim trends?

CHEEKY CHEEKY CHEEKY! I love the fact that women EVERYWHERE are realizing how amazing a cheeky bottom and make your buns look. Men are probably goin crazy with all the good lookin buns on the beach these days. I also love the idea of styling swimwear into everyday trends. As well as mix and match fabrics and styles and making a statement in your swimmers.

Song on repeat?

Foreign Language- by Flight Facilities… Super sexxy.

Anything exciting we should know about coming up for Ani Bikinis?

Collaborations, insane photoshoots, MIAMI…. 2014 Collection will be epic. Nuff said x

For more eye candy follow Ani Bikini’s on Facebook and Tumblr!

Get To Know: Estuaries Swimwear

Estuaries
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Inspired by coastal bodies of water and the cultural self-expression of New York City, Estuaries was created by two sisters who made the big move out East from Hawaii.  A seamless merge of fashion and sport, the collection takes traditional ideas of swimwear and produces innovative pieces that can be worn anywhere from an exotic beach in Tahiti to the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel.  We got the opportunity to catch up with Layla and Zhu Ru and find out what it takes to become a successful swimwear company in the midst of NYC.

So you and your sister hail from Hawaii.  What led to the decision to move out East?
 
We had such a good childhood living so close to the ocean, it was so carefree and liberating. To us, New York was a city full of curiosity outside the beautiful islands. It’s this dynamic of living in opposite lifestyles that gave us a sense of balance we were looking for. 
 
What do you think are some important qualities a swimwear brand should have that’s based on the East Coast, especially somewhere like New York?
 
New York is so energetic and full of life – this inspires to create. I think having a directional concept is very important and knowing our brand direction well. This will differentiate our label from others. On the other hand, we pay a lot of attention to the fit and improving it. The collection is constantly moving forward just like the city.
 
How do you and Zhu Ru split roles as business partners?
 
It is most amazing we found each other as business partners.  Zhu Ru has a design background and I (Layla) have always been in sales and marketing.  It’s kind of like having both sides of the brain, fusing the creative side of fashion with the needs of the market – it’s what we strive for in our designs as well as in business operations.
 
What was the main inspiration for the current collection?
 
Our swimsuits have a lot of pieces in each pattern, so this allow us to play with fabric layering and color blocking. Its always fun when we pair the perfect combination!!
 
Any trends you’re absolutely loving for this season?
 
We don’t really follow trend. We create what we think will look best for each season. Right now, we’re loving texture and color blocking.
 
What is your go to, cant live without bikini?
 
The Seine bikini is our favorite.  We both love it in the eggshell/ silver grey color combination which is so classic, subtle and fits so well.
 
Current song on repeat?
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Where is Estuaries currently carried?
Currently, we’re selling at Intermix, Weltenbuerger, Pesca Trend, Dawn Baker, Ginger + Koi, etc. This summer, we’re excited to be a part of the Four Seasons hotels and the Beverly Hills Bikini Shop.
Estuaries Exclusive Bi-Color Bandeau Bikini for Intermix
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Also, be sure to follow Estuaries on Facebook!