Andréa Bernholtz speaks for a lot of women when she says: “I have never been able to find a swimsuit that fits just right. If it holds me up, it looks like a sports bra or too old-fashioned. Otherwise, it doesn’t provide the right support and I pop out all the time!”
Unlike other women, though, Bernholtz was able to do something about it.
That’s because the California native is the engine that drives the new eco-conscious swimwear brand SWIMINISTA, which combines Bernholtz’s love of fashion, swimming and the environment.
Bernholtz, who became an overnight sensation with celebrities when she first launched the luxury denim line Rock & Republic in 2002, set her sights on making a better bathing suit after speaking with hundreds of women experiencing the same issues.
Above: Designer Andréa Bernholtz, left, has created some dazzling eco-friendly swimwear, like the outfit right.
The result of Bernholtz’s exceptional vision is a collection of ultra-comfortable swimwear featuring a soft, luxurious nylon fabric made from post-consumer plastics.
Bernholtz, who is passionate about the planet and who involves herself in many environmental causes and issues, has first-hand experience with the waste-filled fashion industry, and set out to not only build a better suit but also a better design process that would make good use of recycled materials.
Her SWIMINISTA lineup includes figure-flattering tops, bottoms and one-pieces that can be mixed and matched and come in customized fits designed to inspire confidence from size A to DD.
The SWIMINISTA line may be the most fashionable around the pool or on beaches this summer thanks to Bernholtz teaming up with The House of Christian Lacroix and including the haute couture legend’s iconic prints in her designs.
“I have always admired The House of Christian Lacroix," says Bernholtz. “The brand’s bold designs and prints have long been a favourite of mine. They caught my eye back in 2000 at Paris Fashion Week —the first catwalk show I ever attended. It's truly surreal for me to collaborate with one of my dream designers in launching “The House of Christian Lacroix X SWIMINISTA’ collection.”
Above: Designer Bernholtz has created a series of swimwear that fits women just right.
Known for his vibrant and colourful approach, Lacroix’s characteristic prints and pieces have helped to shape global couture, interior design and fashion culture. Lacroix’s designs are theatrically inspired and often described as “unexpected, opulent and exuberant.”
Bernholtz initially connected with The House of Christian Lacroix in her role as co-founder and president at Rock & Republic.
Above: Bernholtz has even come up with a line of swimwear for daughters.
SWIMINISTA’s online boutique makes shopping for a bathing suit a breeze. A personalized sizing guide helps customers easily find the right suit for their unique body. SWIMINISTA’s convenient “Try At Home” solution eliminates the soul-destroying try-on process. Customers can choose a selection of suits to test in the comfort and privacy of home, and — true to the company’s environmental values — all orders arrive in earth-friendly recycled, compostable packaging. •
• Learn more about Andréa Bernholtz and shop the revolutionary SWIMINISTA brand at www.SWIMINISTA.com.