BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

The Hottest Women's Swimsuits Make Tremendous Waves At Inaugural Launch Of Miami's Nu Wave Swim

This article is more than 4 years old.

Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

The world of swimwear is filled with designs and stories of perpetual beauty. The swimwear market is always on the lookout for creative shooters to add to this this multi-billion dollar market sector. At present, the industry is more aggressive, ambitious and confident than ever.

Launching in July 2019, Nu Wave Swim aims to elevate Miami Swim Week by offering an experiential multi-day platform and hub for both young designers and established brands to showcase their latest creations and swimwear collections.  Led by partners Seth Browarnik and Michele Addison, Nu Wave Swim helped showcase brands through a variety of runway shows, presentations, events and even wellness activations.  A strong focus on this inaugural launch was its deep commitment to sustainability and ocean preservation.

One of the essential requirements for growth and style transformation is coming to peace with change. Allow me to be clear, no expansion and no evolution can take place without change and periods of change are not always a well situated.  Change is involves challenging what is familiar to us while daring us to question our traditional needs for safety, comfort and control. For many, this is often perceived as a frightening situation. But for the following top seven  swimwear brands listed below, it is a Call To Arms  to create and develop stunning swimsuits for the refitted present and the modified future!

1.CHARMOSA:

Neide Hall, founder of Charmosa Swimwear, is a multi-talented designer, entrepreneur, wife and mother with a serious concern for putting people and the planet first. Her sexy bohemian-styled swim and resort-wear lines are worn internationally and are inspired by the coasts and beaches of Hall's native Brazil.

Hall’s designs are hand-dyed on rich, luxury fabrics, with intricate handcrafted macramé and unique embellishments. She chooses notably soft, eco-friendly fabrics containing SPF 50 and enjoys adding versatility to each piece - many designs are configurable up to six ways. Collections include bikinis, one pieces, skirts, dresses and leggings. Remaining materials are used to form swimsuit bags, purses, and other accessories in an effort to have a zero waste process.

Joseph DeAcetis: Talk to Forbes about the history, launch date and DNA of your brand? And your personal background?

Neide Hall: She is the founder of Charmosa Swimwear. She is designer, entrepreneur, with a serious concern for putting people and the planet first. Her sexy bohemian-styled swim and resort-wear lines are worn internationally and are inspired by the coasts and beaches of Hall's native Brazil. Hall began her career as a fashion designer and model in her native Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 2004, she opened a resort wear boutique in Menlo Park, California. Charmosa was founded in 2006 as a response to a need she saw in the swimwear industry. She observed the challenge women had with fit and recognized an opportunity to make each piece as unique as the person that wears it. Her pieces sold at twice the rate of leading brands in her boutique. The next several years between 2008 and 2016 were a combination of growing Charmosa as well as growing her family. She began a wholesale business to give her more freedom to raise a family and work from home. By 2016, she had relocated to Boston, MA with her family, continuing to design swimsuits that garner recognition, including the cover of Sport Illustrated Swim Issue feature Kate Upton in 2017, The wholesale side of Charmosa continued to expand and Hall began exploring more eco-friendly materials and products. Two years ago, Hall opened her own manufacturing space in Sao Paulo. This enables Hall to have a central space for swimwear completion while continuing to support women who need to work from home to sustain their families.

Today, Charmosa swim and resort wear is sold in high-end boutiques around the world, including the USA, Spain and the Bahamas. Hall’s designs are hand-dyed on rich, luxury fabrics, with intricate handcrafted macramé and unique embellishments. She chooses notably soft, eco-friendly fabrics containing SPF 50 and enjoys adding versatility to each piece - many designs are configurable up to six ways. Collections include bikinis, one pieces, skirts, dresses and leggings. Remaining materials are used to form swimsuit bags, purses, and other accessories in an effort to have a zero waste process.

JD: In your words, what is your competitive advantage in the swimwear market?

Neidi Hall: We are the only swimwear company that we are aware of that constructs pieces from biodegradable fabric that ultimately will break down in a landfill after 3 years (typical swimsuits take hundreds of years). Many of our designs are extremely versatile. For example, our Camille one-piece swimsuit is reversible and can be used in six different ways. This provides more versatility for our customers and enables them to pack lighter for a lighter carbon footprint and have fun with several design options. Charmosa sets itself apart from other brands by using eco-friendly fabrics containing SPF 50 and that will biodegrade in a landfill within three years.

JD:  How has the platform of nu wave aided you in the presentation of your brand?

This has been our first time participating at the trade and fashion show in Miami. Nu Wave has expanded our outreach, increased our exposure and provided many prospective buyers from around the world.

JD: How do you intend to market to Millennial's and Gen Z with advertising dollars?

Currently, we have not done any direct marketing towards these generations; however, the Charmosa brand will connect with them because of our commitment to environmental responsibility, fair trade, and unique designs. We design for all body types and genders. We also prioritize having models with a variety of skin colors and body types in our runway events and promotional materials.

JD: In your words, what are men and women seeking today in swimwear and how are you addressing those concerns?

Men and women today are seeking comfort, uniqueness, quality, sustainability, sun protection and multi-functional pieces. Our company is proud to have everything that you can dream of having in a swimsuit.

JD:  Give us 3 adjectives to describe Nu Wave?

Fun, organized and innovative.

JD: Talk to Forbes in detail about your respective current collection and why it is important for consumers to be aware of this brand?

Charmosa is important to consumers because we offer handcrafted made-in-Brazil designs, transformable pieces and SPF 50 fabrics that make our pieces sexy and unique. We also use the most amazing technology in offering an eco-friend fabric that is made with the first bio-degradable fabric in the world. The exceptional softness and versatility of our pieces isn’t available anywhere else.

JD: If you could choose one celebrity to wear your brand, who would it be and why?

I would see the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, wearing our best seller, the one piece Camille. Not only because I believe she would look stunning in it but because she is a strong woman like myself and is concerned with climate change, something that’s a priority in Charmosa.

JD:  Talk to Forbes about how technology aided you in the development of your brand both product make-up and e-commerce?

Technology has changed today’s fabrics. Charmosa are biodegradable and SPF 50, the first biodegradable nylon in the world. Our fabrics are the softest in the industry. These characteristics allow us to set ourselves apart by adding protection and safety to our clients and the earth.

We use Internet and social network technology for outreach and network. We are also heavy-users of WhatsApp for corporate communications between our design office in the US and manufacturing in Brazil. We are constantly seeking new technologies in our manufacturing to minimize waste and improve efficiency. Most recently, we introduced laser cutting to our designs, which can provide an additional dimension to our pieces. At the corporate, level we are early adopters of green technology, using LED lighting and a plug-in electric company car.

JD:  What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

I have my own manufacturing business in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I design the Charmosa collections and work closely with my team of fabricators. I oversee daily manufacturing and hand crafting by my employees. I approve all designs, all hand dyeing processes; hand macramé and hand crochet details before production begins. I also lead sales and marketing efforts, working closely with our sales representatives and keeping in touch our retailers.

JD:  Where is the product made and why?

Making swimwear in Brazil is important to the owner of the Charmosa. Finding a suitable manufacturer was a challenge. Many manufacturers were not interested in the quantities, quality and details required for Charmosa swimwear. It is under these circumstances that Neide pushed further to create her own swimwear construction team, leveraging her fashion industry network in Brazil. Women work from their homes contributing their respective expertise: approximately fifty women work on hand-made macrame, embroidery details, and hand dyeing of Charmosa’s collections. Giving back to the community in Brazil is very important to me. I opened my manufacturing space in Sao Paulo. I hand picked women artisan for employment and my sister is the head of my hand-dyeing department.

JD:  You have the floor: Talk to my viewers about why they should try this brand?

I like what my buyers tell me. They say that if one of their customers tries on a Charmosa suit, they buy it. The first comment is how soft the fabric is and the second comment is that they love the way the design fits. They are truly impressed with the thought I have put into my designs to create impressive versatility in each piece - being able to change them into 2, 4 or even 6 different looks. Adding in an eco-friendly, SPF 50 and biodegradable product is the cherry on top.

JD:  What are you future projections and growth strategy for the next few years?

Charmosa’s projections are looking very bright. We participated in our first Swim Show and our first Fashion Show in Miami. We’re projecting to double our growth after this successful Miami Swim Week. Our strategy is to keep educating people about our story and our eco-friendly fabrics. When they learn, touch, and understand our products - they fall in love with them. In this fashion week alone we have secured buyers in Italy, Canada, Trinidad/Tobago, Cancun, Miami and New York. In July we will participate in Swim Collective in Anaheim, CA, September includes NY Fashion Week, Coterie Trade Show and Paris Fashion Week. We expect to have the same success at these future shows and will continue to build a dynamic web presence and provide great customer service for our buyers.

2. REVIVAL:

Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

Revival Swimwear officially launched in January of 2019. We are a fashion-forward and eco-conscious swimwear brand made in the USA and based in New York City. The DNA of our brand is sexy high-leg cuts and rose gold grommet details.

Marion- I was an international fashion model for a decade, I always wanted to be a designer so I quit modeling to focus on getting a Design degree at Parson’s in NYC. I then worked as a designer for a New York based swim and resort wear brand before starting Revival Swimwear with Caroline.

Caroline- I’m a Dive Master/ Marine Activist/ Engineer with a penchant for traveling and exploring beaches around the world. I have big love for the ocean and am a water baby through and through.

Joseph DeAcetis:Talk to Forbes about the history, launch date and DNA of your brand? And your personal background?

Revival Swimwear officially launched in January of 2019. We are a fashion-forward and eco-conscious swimwear brand made in the USA and based in New York City. The DNA of our brand is sexy high-leg cuts and rose gold grommet details.

Marion - I was an international fashion model for a decade, I always wanted to be a designer so I quit modeling to focus on getting a Design degree at Parson’s in NYC. I then worked as a designer for a New York based swim and resort wear brand before starting Revival Swimwear with Caroline.

Caroline- I’m a Dive Master/ Marine Activist/ Engineer with a penchant for traveling and exploring beaches around the world. I have big love for the ocean and am a water baby through and through.

JD: In your words, what is your competitive advantage in the swimwear market?

We are eco-conscious without sacrificing quality or style. Our designs are different than what is currently on the market as well.

Caroline- Due to both Marion and my love for the environment, we wanted our swimwear to be from fishing nets reclaimed from the oceans and blended with an array of Italian fabrics. We have created a design in a product form that does not just flatter and style you at the beach, but also is helping you make a difference with ocean conservation.

Marion- I have a background in fashion and design, while Caroline has a background in environmental safety. Together we have the perfect combination of fashion and sustainability in our brand.

JD: How has the platform of nu wave aided you in the presentation of your brand?

Marion Sealy: Since it was our first show this year it was amazing to have a platform like Nu Wave assist in the production, castings, logistics etc. We can’t imagine trying to do it all on our own for our first time.

JD: How do you intend to market to Millennial's and Gen Z with advertising dollars? Be specific.

Marion Sealy: Social media is truly the best way to advertise to Millennials and Gen Z. Instagram and Facebook make it really simple to run ads and get your name out there to people who are interested in what you’re selling. 90% of our website traffic comes from Instagram. Putting money into influencer marketing and running ads on social media is key. One thing that helped this summer, Revival Swimwear is selling at Montauk Beach House.  This helps travelers coming to the Hamptons to gain exposure.

JD: In your words, what are men and women seeking today in swimwear and how are you addressing those concerns?

Marion- I think many women are more interested in swimwear as a form of fashion these days, and with the rising interest in travel and the nomadic lifestyle women want to buy pieces that they can pack in their bag and wear not just to the pool or beach but also as part of their outfit for the day or night.

Caroline- You must think of your target market and what makes you different.  I believe the modern day consumer leans more toward staying environmentally conscious. To have a piece made with love in the USA, to have something exclusive/ special, as well as helping with efforts of cleaning up the oceans.

JD: Give us 3 adjectives to describe nu wave?

Marion Sealy: Professional, organized, easy to work with

JD: Talk to Forbes in detail about your respective current collection and why it is important for consumers to be aware of this brand?  

Marion Sealy: current collection is an update on our first collection (we have two collections out right now). We added two new colors (Saturno- a fiery orange, and Olive- a dark green). We used the same ECONYL recycled nylon fabric but in a softer version for a more comfortable fit, and we added adjustable straps to the Cindy top. We want to keep improving our designs and making the best versions of each style. We are always open to hearing feedback from our customers because ultimately we want them to be happy and feel comfortable. Consumers who want to be eco-conscious without sacrificing style and quality should be aware of our brand.

 JD: If you could choose one celebrity to wear your brand, who would it be and why?

Caroline- Brigitte Bardot.  She is extremely sexy in all clothing and wears a bathing suit with a certain type of confidence, I think we all desire.  Always for fighting what is right, she has been a marine activist and an animal rights activist; Sea Shepard Conservation Society has recognized her.

Marion-Gisele Bundchen because she is such a big advocate of sustainability environmental preservation and she would also look killer in our suits.

JD: Talk to Forbes about how technology aided you in the development of your brand both product make-up and e-commerce?

Marion Sealy: really is so important when it comes to operating your own business. We use Shopify as our selling platform and they make it so easy to ship, track inventory, and marketing. Everything is under one platform. Instagram is the other most useful tool in terms of marketing. They make it pretty simple to run ads and to find influencers who align with our brand. We look at blogs and Pinterest to find a lot of our inspiration as well.

 JD: What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

 Marion-I do design and development (including material sourcing, and fittings), marketing and branding (including photo shoot production, creating and distributing ads, packaging design, creating look books and promo materials), I run the social media, oversee production, and handle customer service inquiries.

Caroline-I work on color forecasting, design forecasting, trend reports and client research. We constantly find ways to engage with clients such as voting on our last collection’s color- Saturno- on our social media platforms such as Instagram. Then, you have the typical- invoices, shipments, studio appointments, fittings, collaborations, press, marketing, creative marketing/ branding and more.

 JD: Where is the product made and why?

Marion Sealy: We do all of our design and development for each collection in New York City and we make them in Los Angeles. We started out producing our suits in New York City, but we found that most factories either didn’t have the expertise in swimwear or they were not able to complete our production in the timeframe we needed. We found a really great factory in LA that has good experience with swimwear. It takes a lot of trial and error to find a great factory to work with.

 JD: You have the floor: Talk to my viewers about why they should try this brand?

Marion Sealy: You should try Revival Swimwear because our product is going to make you look and feel good. The quality is top notch and you can pack our suits in your bag on a trip and wear them out as well as to the beach. Not to mention, we are sustainable, environmentally conscious and designed / made in the US.

 JD: What are you future projections and growth strategy for the next few years?

Marion Sealy: We are currently working on a really exciting collaboration that will be released later this year. We plan to add cover-ups and beach/travel accessories in the next few years. We plan to put a lot more focus into marketing this year. We are ready to dip our toes into wholesale this year as well.

Our goal is to eventually be available at our travel muses around the world. Think places like Mykonos, Saint Tropez, Saint Barthelemy, Ibiza, and all of the Islands.

TORI PRAVER:

Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

Inspired by old Hollywood, the 2020 collection embodies femininity and sophistication. Taking us from beach to poolside, each style and print is named after an iconic place in Los Angeles. Including swim, ready-to-wear and girls styles, the line offers a combination of bold colors and classic prints.

Tori Praver is a fashion model, mother of two, and businesswoman, who launched her eponymous line of luxury lifestyle swimwear in 2007. As her career as a swimwear model began to take off, she found herself in a bikini almost daily. She was wearing a variety of brands, yet felt there was a void in the market for a bikini that was made from the most amazing fabrics that truly flattered the woman’s body. With this revelation, her brand was born.

Tori Praver Swimwear launched with a very distinct point of view. All bikinis were seamless, had little to no hardware, and were designed with a strong feminine approach for the swimwear market, very early on. Today, we continue with our authentic approach to design, building a collection that is timeless, sexy, and fits like a glove.

Joseph DeAcetis: Talk to Forbes about the history, launch date and DNA of your brand? And your personal background? 

My name is Summer Rapp and I am the licensee of Tori Praver Swimwear. I am also the creative director who works closely with Tori and our design team to execute each season’s vision. I have been designing and manufacturing swimwear for the broader swim market for over 10 years, and prior to that I was creative director for brands such as Quicksilver Women’s and Volcom. I was also in a partnership where I co-founded Amuse Society. My company, Add Black, partnered with Tori Praver three years ago to help expand and build her brand in an even more meaningful way in the swim market. We knew that Tori Praver Swimwear started out with a specific point of view, so we have been working hard to expand past the brands initial comfort zone, and have some very exciting things on the horizon. Tori herself is very involved with the creative process as well as marketing, and is the face of our brand today.

JD: In your words, what is your competitive advantage in the swimwear market?

Summer Rapp: Quality and originality. We strive for impeccable quality in design, fit and function. Our fabrics are from Italy and our bikinis are produced with so much love in Sri Lanka, in state-of-the-art facilities. We were one of the first brands to stand for “rushing” (otherwise known as “smocking”), now a technique many brands have adopted. When we designed our garments with this technique early on, it was all a matter of femininity and function. Later, it became our signature detail that helped define us.

JD: How has the platform of Nu Wave aided you in the presentation of your brand?

SR: Nu Wave Swim came to us with a new, innovative approach to Swim Week. We were fortunate to be the first brand to partner with them, as we have since forged a beautiful relationship and business partnership – they really helped us elevate our presence in Miami this year! The exposure and experience has been great for our brand.

JD: How do you intend to market to Millennial's and Gen Z with advertising dollars?

SR: All things digital. Digital advertising on Facebook, Instagram and Google, as well as tapping into our network of influencers and Instagram following to drive awareness. The fashion show this year was a big investment for us as well.

JD: Give us 3 adjectives to describe Nu Wave? 

SR: Innovative, connected, elevated.

JD: Talk to Forbes in detail about your respective current collection and why it is important for consumers to be aware of this brand?

SR: Consumers want a brand they can connect with, and one that they can always rely on. Our collection of ultra-soft and extremely flattering bikinis is equal parts sexy, timeless and feminine. Tori being the face of our brand are someone that our consumers genuinely connect with on a more intimate level. She is a strong, authentic woman, mother, model and entrepreneur, whose mission was to make bikinis that would be lasting and not play into the fads of fast-fashion. As for what lies ahead, we are introducing a wide range of sustainable bikinis for Spring/Summer ‘20, which launches in October.

JD: If you could choose one celebrity to wear your brand, who would it be and why?

SR: So many of our dream girls have already worn Tori Praver Swimwear – Kate Hudson, Molly Sims, and Sarah Foster – the list goes on! It would be epic if Riri wore our suits however :)

JD: Talk to Forbes about how technology aided you in the development of your brand both product make-up and e-commerce?  Details please.  

SR: Our factories are working with 3D programs to make fit samples more accurate to avoid wastage. We are also evolving our e-commerce platform to be as user friendly as possible. We know time is precious, so if they can quickly and easily navigate around our site to find what they want in a timely manner, we both win.

JD: Where is the product made and why? 

SR: Our fabrics are from Italy and our bikinis are developed and produced in Sri Lanka. We work with state-of-the-art partners who know a good quality suit and really pride ourselves on our vendor partners.

JD: You have the floor: Talk to my viewers about why they should try this brand?

SR: Simply put, our swim is made with the best materials, has the best quality and fit, and with prints and colors that continue to be ahead of trend, season after season. If you like sexy and/or feminine styles, we’ve got you covered

4. Rod Beattie

Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

BRAND DNA – “EXPECT SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL “My design philosophy has always been …if we are going to create and design things in our lives, we might as well make them beautiful! The collection is always a reflection on my past, a view of the present and a look into the future. The creative battle is constant to always move forward and present a modern approach. However, in order to move forward …it is important to have a history ….to use that history …re-invent and re-imagine! The greatest source of inspiration for me is always lifestyle, architecture and travel. One must approach this with …. EYES WIDE OPEN …and take in everything!  The collection is SEXY, BOLD, MODERN, CONTEMPORARY …… perfect for today’s BLEU / ROD BEATTIE woman. “ANY AGE. ANY SIZE. ANY WOMAN!

JOSPEH DEACETIS: TALK TO FORBES ABOUT THE HISTORY, LAUNCH DATE AND DNA OF YOUR BRAND?  AND YOUR PERSONAL BACKGROUND?

Rod Beattie was launched in November of 2010. Rod Beattie was hired initially by the AH Schreiber Company in November of 2010 to launch a West Coast office and create a new brand. Beattie left Los Angeles -based swimwear maker Apparel Ventures, Inc. where he designed the La Blanca swimwear collection for 17 years. From 1994 to 1999, Beattie designed swimwear for the Anne Cole Collection (at the time a division of Warnaco). Over the past 30 years, Beattie’s designs have consistently been best sellers at retail. He has also trained and mentored many of the swimsuit designers and assistant designers now at top companies throughout the United States.

The Amerex Group acquired  Red Carter and Rod Beattie in March of 2014 in a purchase from the AH Schreiber Company.

BRAND DNA – “EXPECT SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL “My design philosophy has always been …if we are going to create and design things in our lives, we might as well make them beautiful! The collection is always a reflection on my past, a view of the present and a look into the future. The creative battle is constant to always move forward and present a modern approach. However, in order to move forward …it is important to have a history ….to use that history …re-invent and re-imagine! The greatest source of inspiration for me is always lifestyle, architecture and travel. One must approach this with …. EYES WIDE OPEN …and take in everything!  The collection is SEXY, BOLD, MODERN, CONTEMPORARY …… perfect for today’s BLEU / ROD BEATTIE woman. “ANY AGE. ANY SIZE. ANY WOMAN!

I am a California native …born and raised in Los Angeles. I began my career in fashion as a student at Otis College of Art and Design, graduating in 1986. From there I went on to design at several contemporary sportswear houses in Los Angeles, including Theodore, and Max Studio, before making the switch to swimwear in 1988. As designer for La Blanca Swimwear, Beattie’s talent for contemporary styling and great fit quickly grew the women’s swimwear line to a volume of about $30 million. After six successful years with La Blanca, Beattie moved on to design for Anne Cole Collection swimwear. His clean design aesthetic and skill for exceptional fit was a perfect match for the collection’s reputation for tailored women’s swimwear. For over a decade, La Blanca by Rod Beattie was the top selling swimwear label at better retail outlets throughout America. At the end of 2010, Beattie joined forces with swimwear manufacturer AH Schreiber. In 2014 Bleu / Rod Beattie and Rod’s design team joined forces with The Amerex Group as they continue to grow and nurture the growth of America’s next great contemporary swimwear lifestyle brand.

JD: IN YOUR WORDS, WHAT IS YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN THE SWIMWEAR MARKET?  

Rod Beatie: Besides being PASSIONATE, HARD WORKING, COMPETTIVE, DRIVEN and MILDLY TALENTED ….my competitive advantages in the swimwear market are. …SUCCESS, LONGEVITY, CONSISITENCY, and having been mentored by some of the most incredibly talented people imaginable …… Rosemary Brantley  (Department Chair at Otis College of Art and Design for 35 years, Leon Max, Gary Nickerson (my swimwear mentor at La Blanca), Lynne Koplin, Anne Cole, and Marvin Goodman.

JD: HOW HAS THE PLATFORM OF NU WAVE AIDED YOU IN THE PRESENTATION OF YOUR BRAND?

Rod Beatie: Nu Wave through its revitalization, re-igniting and re-awakening of Miami Swim week has provided BLEU / Rod Beattie with an exciting new platform to introduce our swimwear lifestyle brand to a new, young and relevant audience through a variety of new exciting events.

JD: HOW DO YOU INTEND TO MARKET TO MILLENIALS AND GEN Z WITH ADVERSTISING DOLLARS? BE SPECIFIC.

Rod Beatie: Rod Beattie has a broad customer profile and diverse silhouette assortment which has helped us reach customers from 16 to 60. Millennial’s and Gen Z are a new and emerging part of our customer profile but probably not the largest. Our marketing team is focusing on many diverse and exciting projects in the upcoming year to bring the Bleu / Rod Beattie swimwear lifestyle brand to the forefront and attention of many markets through social media, collaboration with influencers, expansion of our website, advertising, and new retail experiences.

JD: IN YOUR WORDS, WHAT ARE MEN AND WOMEN SEEKING TODAY IN SWIMWEAR AND HOW ARE YOU ADDRESSING THOSE CONCERNS?

Rod Beatie: Honestly, I truly feel as though what men and women both seek today in swimwear has not changed from how they almost always feel. EVERYONE WANTS TO FEEL CONFIDENT AND COMFORTABLE IN HIS OR HER SWIMSUIT. BESIDES LOOKING HOT AND SEXY!  Bleu / Rod Beattie creates swimsuits with an ageless attitude by capturing timeless yet modern silhouettes. We offer an extensive selection of shapes, sizes, coverage and support in the latest fashion trend, color and prints. Our goal is to make every woman feel confident in her swimsuit and allow her to shine wherever her vacation or weekend may take her.

Bleu / RB believes. BEAUTY DOESN’T SIMPLY HAVE ONE FACE …. THE FUTURE IS ABOUT INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY!

ANY AGE …. ANY SIZE. ANY WOMAN!

JD: GIVE US 3 ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE NU WAVE? 

Rod Beatie: EXCITING, EXPERIENTIAL, EMERGING!

JD: TALK TO FORBES IN DETAIL ABOUT YOUR RESPECTIVE CURRENT COLLECTION AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR CONSUMERS TO BE AWARE OF THIS BRAND?

Rod Beatie: BLEU / Rod Beattie has a modern design aesthetic with clean contemporary lines, brilliant saturated color and a bold graphic approach. It is a contemporary swim collection with roots in Southern California’s sun-drenched environment, bold prints, and bright color palette.  Rod’s designs reflect a modern point of view resulting in styles that are chic and sophisticated while remaining wearable.

DESIGN IS IN THE DETAILS. …And the details featured in Bleu / Rod Beattie Resort 2020 are what set us apart from the rest. The shirred, ruched silhouettes of the collection combined with the gold hardware create the elegant, modern maillot with dress inspired details. Cut out and sheer silhouettes mixed with solids celebrate and accent the female form. The surface details and artisan effects present a modern, contemporary elegance to simple shapes.

The crisscross weaving and modern tech transform swim silhouettes with sexy modern styling.

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND THE EMERGING NEW FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY AS WELL AS MAKING MOVES TO DECREASE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ARE KEY TO THE FUTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF BLEU/ ROD BEATTIE AS …. AMERICA’S NEXT GREAT SWIMWEAR LIFESTYLE BRAND!

JD: IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE CELEBRITY TO WEAR YOUR BRAND, WHO WOULD IT, BE AND WHY?

Rod Beatie: Margot Robbie ……INDEPENDENT, POWERFUL, MODERN, SMART, AND CONFIDENT!

JD: TALK TO FOBES ABOUT HOW TECHNOLOGY AIDED YOU IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR BRAND BOTH PRODUCT MAKE–UP AND E-COMMERCE?

Rod Beatie: The development of our e-commerce is handled through our marketing department. Using the advancement in technology in the areas of marketing they are working to take Bleu / RB to the next level and increase our brand awareness worldwide and in the modern world of social media.  I am constantly looking for innovations in technology that can propel Bleu / RB forward as a modern, contemporary swimwear lifestyle brand. These technological design advancements come in the form of new innovate fabrications in solids and knits. New innovations in sewing and technical construction at our manufacturing plants, and new technological innovations in printing.

JD: WHAT ARE YOUR DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES? 

Rod Beatie: My day-to-day responsibilities are quite diverse. Since Bleu / RB is a satellite office of The Amerex Group located in South Pasadena, CA. I basically am the Creative Director and designer for the Bleu / Rod Beattie Collection. My position here is to oversee a design team of 10 people but at the same time manage a design studio.  I have creative responsibilities and business responsibilities throughout the day. I work with my creative staff and my technical staff during the course of the day and also interact with sales, merchandising and marketing which is handled out of our NYC office.

JD: WHERE IS THE PRODUCT MADE AND WHY? 

Rod Beatie: The Bleu / RB product is made in China and India. All of the swimwear is made in China and a portion of the cover ups are made in China and some in India. The Amerex Group has a long history of working in China. When Ira Ganger decided to build a swimwear business at Amerex it was only logical to develop the business in China because of their past history and relationships there.  We have a Shanghai Office where all design development and production is run thru.

JD: YOU HAVE THE FLOOR: TALK TO MY VIEWERS ABOUT WHY THEY SHOULD TRY THIS BRAND?

Rod Beatie: Bleu / Rod Beattie is America’s next great swimwear lifestyle brand.  Through our modern design aesthetic, we will continue to focus on innovation and technology in fabrication and production to create sleek, sexy contemporary swimwear for a worldwide customer base.  We will move forward with new methods for designing and manufacturing swimwear as well as develop and come up with new environmentally friendly materials. It is our moral and ethical responsibility to focus on sustainability for the future of our customers and the world.

BEAUTY DOESN’T SIMPLY HAVE ONE FACE. THE FUTURE IS ABOUT INCLUSION AND DIVERSTIY!

JD: WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PROJECTIONS AND GROWTH STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

Rod Beatie: THE FUTUE IS LIMITLESS!!!!  The world is our oyster and we are ready to ready to make it all happen!

5: RED CARTER:

The little Red button is the signature logo of the brand. But the DNA of the brands lies within the fashion-forward pieces and everyday staples that combine novelty, quality fabrics and vibrant prints designed to flatter, function and fit. This resort 2020 season for Red Carter, we took a page from out of East Africa and created a masterpiece of colors and prints to take on the feel of a chic safari adventure. With the use of colors such as olive, rusty red and neutral almond, the swim and resort wear collections are designed to make the wearer look their best from the brightest sunrise to the richest sunset. The silhouettes and details include asymmetric monokinis, plunge one pieces, supportive bandeaus, beach-to-bar cover-ups, tortoise shell trims and brass-like metal hardware. Fabrications include rib and jacquard textures alongside a mix of animal prints and organic palm florals. This collection was designed with the goal in mind to fit and flatter both slim and curvy body types. It is the perfect blend between classic and fashion, offering both trendy and timeless pieces.

Joseph DeAcetis: Talk to Forbes about the history, launch date and DNA of your brand? And your personal background? 

Red Carter: After graduating from Otis/Parsons school of Design, my career started on the west coast working for companies such as Esprit, Mossimo, Guess Jeans, and eventually authentic fitness, where I designed swimwear for Victoria’s Secret and Oscar De La Renta. In early 2000s, I moved to Miami and found myself without work after searching for design jobs. Unable to find employment in the area, I decided to pursue my dream of starting my own label. I started the first collection working out of my apartment, financing the entire operation on a credit card. I sold the collection out of the back of my car to small boutiques, where I also hosted parties, gifting samples to South Beach models to gain attention. After a few years of pounding the pavement, I eventually grew big enough to show my collection at IMG fashion week swim, where I was a featured designer sponsored by Mercedes Benz. Shortly after, Vince Camuto, who offered me the opportunity to license the brand Jessica Simpson for swimwear, contacted me. Two years following, in 2011, I joined Amerex Group in New York with both brands. With this backing, I was able to expand the brand to include Resort wear.

The little Red button is the signature logo of the brand. But the DNA of the brands lies within the fashion-forward pieces and everyday staples that combine novelty, quality fabrics and vibrant prints designed to flatter, function and fit.

JD: In your words, what is your competitive advantage in the swimwear market? 

Red Carter: Naturally, I am the risk-taker, the innovator, and the idea maker. And when I began designing my collections, I focused on small cuts, where most of the styles were eye-catching, risqué pieces. However, with the growth of the brand, and the expansion into department stores, we have found a competitive edge in providing styles that are both flattering and trendy, without compromising the fit and support that is the desire of today’s American woman.

JD: How has the platform of nu wave aided you in the presentation of your brand? 

Red Carter: This season, working with Nu Wave has offered my brand an elevated platform and new approach to promoting the product in Miami. It allows me to share my brand message with a whole new and younger generation of customers and buyers. It has opened the behind the scenes of what I do and what I believe in so that I can share it with others. It has also allowed me to be a role model to young designers, who dream of doing what I do every day. It was such an honor to be invited on the panel to share my experience.

JD: How do you intend to market to Millennial's and Gen Z with advertising dollars? Be specific.

Red Carter: When it comes to marketing, we are right up there with what most brands are doing to gain the attention of those generations. In addition to advertising on social media and marketing tech platforms, we intend to hold a few pop-ups events to grow brand awareness. We are also working on brand and influencer collaborations to reach this audience.

JD: In your words, what are men and women seeking today in swimwear and how are you addressing those concerns?

Red Carter: “Diversity is the key. Options are the solution.” Today’s swimwear market seems to be flooded with brands that solely focus on trends and cuts that fit the smaller, more petite woman. This leaves the average woman without many fashionable options. At Red Carter, we believe that we can provide quality fabrication and construction without compromising style and sex appeal. The brand offers modern, trendy designs that both fit and flatter at the same time.

JD: Give us 3 adjectives to describe nu wave?

Red Carter: Experiential, Innovative and Celebratory

JD: Talk to Forbes in detail about your respective current collection and why it is important for consumers to be aware of this brand? * For Vitamin A, I would like specifics on sustainability. 

Red Carter: I’m just an old dog doing new tricks, but with a comfortable fit. The brand offers great fashionable styles with quality construction, designed to make a woman feel confident and fabulous. We cater to those customers who want to want both modern, trendy styling and the support.

JD: If you could choose one celebrity to wear your brand, who would it be and why? 

Red Carter: Rocky Barnes. She’s one of the forefront figures for women’s swimwear. She’s beautiful, confident, independent female who looks good in everything.

JD: Talk to Forbes about how technology aided you in the development of your brand both product make-up and e-commerce?  Details please.

Red Carter: These days technology is a big part of the development of our collection. In regard to product make up, the team uses design tech software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, which helps create a swift dialog between design and the factory and/or the end consumer. We speak often to our international office via videoconference, and most of our communication is done electronically, which helps to speed up the development process. We also use 3-d technology to the develop both first fit patterns, as well as placement prints for garments, which cuts the time it takes to see a new prototype or pattern design in half.

In terms of e-commerce, we have integrated the use of social media platforms such as Intragram and Facebook, in addition to SEO, Google & Facebook Ads, newsletters and product placement to reach our end consumer and drive traffic to our website. We also incorporate the use of Joor, which allows our retailors access to current inventory, which creates a smooth channel operation.

JD: What are your day-to-day responsibilities? 

Red Carter: I create mood boards with color trends, source fabrications and silhouettes. I sketch garments and review all fits from first fit to production. I oversee a team of about 9 that review with me all submissions be it strike offs or merchandising plans. I oversee all salesman sample development and final fit approvals for production. I work with my sales team on strategy and sales goals. I work with my marketing team on trend concepts for marketing and advertising. I also meet with retailers to overview the collection and provide product knowledge. I also travel to trade shows for inspiration and sourcing and researching current market trends to provide each brand with a clear fashion vision that fits each brand identity.

JD: Where is the product made and why? 

Red Carter: The head company, Amerex is more than 75 years old and has an office in China. They act as a middleman between the US team and the Chinese vendors. Red Carter, is still made in the same factory that I started the brand with in 2005. Loyalty is very important to the authenticity of my brand.

JD: You have the floor: Talk to my viewers about why they should try this brand? 

Red Carter: Red Carter is a contemporary brand that approaches swimwear in a fun yet modern manner. It offers a variety of silhouettes that can be mixed and matched to fit the customer’s taste. When designing, we consider the woman who may want color, bold prints and interesting details, and offer those options to her, as well as timeless and classic pieces for the woman who is seeking that.

JD: What are you future projections and growth strategy for the next few years? 

Red Carter: We are approaching growth strategy in three major directions. Firstly, we plan to continue to support our retailers with great product and marketing with on time delivery, and incorporate pop-up events. Secondly, our web site has been growing traffic through our marketing strategies and our direct contact with customers. With the partnership we’ve cultivated with NuWave, we plan to increase our customer profile by at least 20%. Lastly, we are working on collaborations with major influencers and brand alliances to increase our awareness and foot traffic to the stores.

6. VITAMIN A:

Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

For the current collection, it is inspired by the Mediterranean island of Formentera, a dreamy untouched world of fruit trees, warm sand beaches, and shallow turquoise waters that exist somewhere between rest and play. This very balance manifests itself in our collection of simple sexy shapes and organic materials.  Sustainability is sexy!

The upcoming 20th Anniversary Collection spotlights the elements that have been at the core of Vitamin A since our first bikini, making us a celeb and influencer favorite both then and now. With a focus on sustainable materials, the capsule is made from EcoRib, a recycled nylon fabric with a soft stretchy ribbed texture, and accentuated with up-cycled gold rings we sourced in the early 2000s.

The chic neutral color palette harks back to the humble beginnings of the brand, from a time when only synthetic brights were popular, but Vitamin A brought a more clean and elevated approach with classic cuts, a flattering fit, and a new attitude towards beach dressing

Joseph DeAcetisTalk to Forbes about the history, launch date and DNA of your brand? and your personal background?   

Amahlia Stevens: I grew up on the beaches of Southern California, living in a bikini for as long as I can remember. A love of nature (and bikinis) was always in my DNA. When I was a kid, my dad took us on a family road trip from California to Canada. Along the way, we had great adventures camping at majestic state beaches and national parks. What I remember so vividly is experiencing this coastline up close, hiking the trails to waterfalls, and drinking from the streams. This experience and many more, like climbing Mount Whitney and swimming in the great Glacial Lakes of the Eastern Sierras, helped shape my connection to Mother Nature and her beauty. Before launching Vitamin A in 2000, I spent years as a design consultant, developing designs and authentic California brand stories for some of top brands in the surf and outdoor industries like Hollister Co., Patagonia, Levi Strauss and Co., and Stüssy, to name a few. After years of designing lines for other brands, I felt it was finally time to create something of my own, a collection that was exactly what I wanted to wear.  At that time in the late 90s, the swim market was pretty much a commercial, brightly colored swim market with modest price points and an aesthetic geared towards teens, or a more conservative “Missy” customer. (At least in the U.S.) There was nothing for a woman with a more elevated, minimalist aesthetic, who traveled and wanted her swimwear to integrate with the rest of wardrobe.  Vitamin A was the first, and notwithstanding an entire market segment now devoted to this customer, is still a/the leader in the concept of elevated swimwear.

Early in my career, I worked on a design project with Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia and a trailblazer in the environmental movement, where I learned how he was creating micro fleece fibers from melted down plastic bottles. I thought to myself, if he’s creating these technical fibers for outerwear knits, why couldn’t I do something similar for swimwear?

At first, when I tried to source fabrics that aligned with Vitamin A’s environmental values and aesthetic sensibility, I was told they didn’t exist because there was “no market” for the kind of sustainable fabrics I wanted. So I had to invest in the process of trial and error to develop what eventually became the first high-quality, technical swimwear fabric, made from a sustainable component. For 3 years I worked with the top mills in Italy, Canada, and California to create the first ever luxury swimwear fabric called EcoLux(TM), made from recycled nylon fiber. Since then, we've continued to evolve, creating our EcoRib(TM), ReFresh(TM (and ReFresh(TM) Rib) made from recycled plastic bottles, + our newest BioRib and BioSculpt fabrics, the first high quality luxury swimwear fabrics made from plant-based fibers!

JD: In your words, what is your competitive advantage in the swimwear market? 

Amahlia Stevens: I think there are many factors that differentiate Vitamin A from other brands and really set us apart. In many ways, we created and continue to lead the current market of elevated, sustainable swimwear.  We’re authentically Californian, we’re the pioneer in the world of sustainable swimwear; we offer clean silhouettes in sophisticated palettes that redefine the concept of sexy, beyond the visual. And our fit is well known as the best in the market. We use special fabrics and construction techniques to make sure our suits fit like a glove. And we love that all of our styles are sold as separates, our customer can always mix and match, to create a set that’s perfect for her body shape and skin tone. At the moment we are working on some ’secret’ ideas that I know my customers will love, but too early to share….

JD:    How has the platform of nu wave aided you in the presentation of your brand? 

Amahlia Stevens: I think any time a designer is able to present on the runway, that raises visibility and build brand awareness in a way we cannot do on our own. NuWave is an exciting platform to be part of – especially being the first show kicking off swim week. I think the botanical garden is a brilliant choice for the location– it’s so magical by day or by night.  I feel what NuWave is doing is reinventing the whole concept of swim week, bringing experiences that are most relevant to our customers, elevating the experience for the local Miami Beach community, and ultimately creating something that can resonate for international audiences as well.

Nu Wave has really infused a new energy into Miami Swim Week, brought the Miami community together, and provided us a hyper-focused audience to check out our new collection!

JD: How do you intend to market to Millennial's and Gen Z with advertising dollars? Be specific.

Amahlia Stevens: Hmmm, well first, I believe no brand can tell new generations what it is they should be doing. Supporting new generations is what we aim to do. What are our needs as women, as a culture and as a planet moving forward, and how can we work on that together to support one another. If we can make new generations proud, they will market our product for us.

Our focus remains on creating authentic and original content that really speaks to our brand values and engages with our customer. Millennials and Gen Z really value transparency and love brands with personality and values that align with their own, so we’re constantly conversing with them on social media and making sure our stance on sustainability, diversity and female empowerment is always at the forefront of our messaging.

JD: In your words, what are men and women seeking today in swimwear and how are you addressing those concerns?

Amahlia Stevens: I think they’re seeking a great fit, with high quality and a sexy clean aesthetic. Our goal is to make women feel comfortable, confident and ultimately free, in their own skin. Inclusivity and speaking to women of all body shapes + skin tones is very important to us.

JD:   Give us 4 adjectives to describe nu wave?

Amahlia Stevens: NEW + Elevated + Energetic + Connected

JD:  Talk to Forbes in detail about your respective current collection and why it is important for consumers to be aware of this brand? * For Vitamin A, I would like specifics on sustainability. 

Amahlia Stevens: We want consumers to be aware of how important it is to support all brands that are trying to make a difference with sustainable and eco friendly practices and products. We have always focused on innovative design, with an elevated feminine style and most importantly, high quality & impeccable fit. This is not always easy when manufacturing locally with sustainable materials. One of our newest fabrics is sourced from castor beans! It is custom made and has been developed for Vitamin A exclusively. The amount of dedication needed to deliver all of these attributes takes years to perfect. Even though we have been raising the bar in the swim world for many years, I feel like we have just started, and we have many exciting developments ahead.

The upcoming 20th Anniversary Collection spotlights the elements that have been at the core of Vitamin A since our first bikini, making us a celeb and influencer favorite both then and now. With a focus on sustainable materials, the capsule is made from EcoRib, a recycled nylon fabric with a soft stretchy ribbed texture, detailed with up-cycled gold rings we sourced in the early 2000s. The chic neutral color palette harks back to the humble beginnings of the brand, from a time when only synthetic brights were popular, but Vitamin A brought a more clean and elevated approach with classic cuts, a flattering fit, and a new attitude towards beach dressing.

Our resort collection also introduces our new BioSculpt (TM) capsule – which is a plant-based fabric with sculpting panels for extra support! These pieces are meant to give women a sexy confidence boost, while also boosting the environment! Our plant-based fabric is derived from Castor Bean oil as a substitute for fossil fuel based nylon fibers.  Our BioScuplt(TM) fabric technology is fluorocarbon free, consume less water, and have no impact on the food chain.

JD:  If you could choose one celebrity to wear your brand, who would it be and why? 

Amahlia Stevens: I love to see Gisele Bundchen in Vitamin A. She’s an eco-warrior, gorgeous and strong, and of course, a nurturing beautiful mom.  Now she has actually just made my career dream come true (she wore our organic cotton "Sustainability is Sexy" tee in the July issue of ELLE). I’ve been obsessed with her since she was 19 and just beginning her modeling career, emerging as a “real girl with curves and muscles," after a decade of very slender waif like beauties…. I truly admire how she has grown her career with integrity and uses her platform to promote environmental awareness and activism.

JD: Talk to Forbes about how technology aided you in the development of your brand both product make-up and e-commerce? 

Amahlia Stevens: E-comm is actually quite new to us and we’re still learning how to improve it and give the best user-experience for our customers, since we know that buying swimwear online can be tricky. We relied heavily on our strong B2B business for years, but decided to take the brand direct to consumer just 3 years ago - and had great initial success that has continued to grow! We’re also looking into adding new features to our site, like a custom fit finder and other forms of personalization. Aside from the digital experience, we mainly try to aim our tech focus on product innovation, since that’s a key factor that separates us from other brands. We are the first swim designer to bring recycled nylon to market in 2010. Now plant based nylon is starting in Europe— While recycled nylon and plastic fibers have been an important starting point in the quest to make sustainable swimwear, Plant-Based fibers are the future direction of swim in my mind.  I spend time each year visiting my mills in Europe and California, working with technicians to improve sustainable materials and processes, while elevating the functional + aesthetic properties of raw materials I’ll use in my designs. Recycled elastin is now here, from Japan. Ink jet Digital printing means a relatively direct process far different than traditional screen  & rotary printing, which vastly reduces the amount of water needed to produce. The greener advantage:  Digital fabric printing is more eco-friendly than the traditional screen-printing methods as we only use the exact amount of ink needed to print your design. ... Printing digitally offers a greener advantage compared to screen-printing, which has more chemical waste.

JD: What are your day-to-day responsibilities? 

Amahlia Stevens: I oversee all things creative for Vitamin A – from product design, to marketing and PR.

JD: Where is the product made and why? 

Amahlia Stevens: We produce 100% of our swimwear locally in California, which dramatically reduces our emissions from shipping and transporting finished goods and raw materials. We take the time to get to know the people who make our goods, and we are proud knowing that our manufacturing team maintains a high standard of ethics and environmental responsibility. Even our packaging is now made from biodegradable and recycled materials, with feminine touches like our plant-able seed packet inserts. For some of our non-swim products that are made outside of California, we partner globally with fair trade artisans to produce our materials ethically and sustainably, providing women with fair-wage jobs in safe working conditions. We also visit these factories and remain in constant contact with our partners to ensure that they are meeting these same high standards.

JD: You have the floor: Talk to my viewers about why they should try this brand? (Details) 

Amahlia Stevens: Vitamin A is and always has been redefining what sexy means.  And for us, so much of that is about sustainability. Women can look to our brand for high quality swimwear + beachwear with an elevated aesthetic that makes them feel good, working in new ways to do good for our planet. Our designs are made by women, for women, so you can trust that our fits are impeccable. We also partner with eco-friendly charities and donate a portion of proceeds to help fund their work to protect our oceans.

 JD: What are you future projections and growth strategy for the next few years? 

Amahlia Stevens: We’re planning to stay true to our beliefs and mission:  redefining sexy beyond the visual realm, authenticity has always been the key to Vitamin A’s growth! We’re aiming to continue to improve sustainability standards at every level of our process, and hopefully transform the swim industry, by pushing the mills to innovate and empowering new eco-friendly brands. Of course, we’re also working on things to increase our brand reach, with product extensions; potential licenses, etc.…stay tuned! The core of our commitment to sustainability is to achieve 100% utilization of non-petroleum based yarns and fabrics. Parallel to these goals Vitamin A is and will continue to be committed to the implementation of environmentally sensitive practices in every phase of our business and personal lives. Our effort goes well beyond North America as we strive to partner with sustainability minded suppliers and resources on a worldwide basis. While at the same time educating and partnering with our International distributor network for all our products.

We will increase our brand reach by collaborating on non-swim products from like-minded brands. For example, organic sunscreens and body care, sandals and other accessories, intimates, etc. The potential also exists for Vitamin A to license like-minded manufactures of products beyond swimwear. Vitamin A is a proud member of 1% for the planet, and we have focused our charitable activities with several incredible partners who work to protect and preserve our oceans. Finally beginning in 2020, Vitamin A will introduce a focused marketing effort all under the concept of improving the life of future generations through our ongoing commitment to both reducing these poisonous wastes as well as a world wide effort to clean up plastic trash in our oceans and on our beaches.

 7. GOTTEX

Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

Gottex

Keren Gasner: Joseph DeAcetis: In your words, what is your competitive advantage in the swimwear market? 

Gottex has unique DNA and international appeal. The glamorous signature of this designer label from Israel will always be part of the Couture world.

JD: How has the platform of nu wave aided you in the presentation of your brand? 

Keren Gasner: Proximity to the convention center made the venue ideal.

JD: How do you intend to market to Millennial's and Gen Z with advertising dollars? Be specific.

Keren Gasner: multiple retailers online carry us and we also have our own commerce set up to offer the entire assortment of each of our labels. We are very active on social media. Direct link to purchase on social platforms is key as far as targeting these generations.

JD: In your words, what are men and women seeking today in swimwear and how are you addressing those concerns?

Keren Gasner: The women, who appreciate our brands, are looking for an elegant, exclusive look. They are after innovation, sophisticated silhouettes and materials, better construction and high quality. Our product is well constructed and makes women feel confident in swimwear.

JD: Give us 3 adjectives to describe nu wave?

Keren Gasner: Fresh, exciting, experiential

JD: Talk to Forbes in detail about your respective current collection and why it is important for consumers to be aware of this year.

Keren Gasner: This new collection is thoroughly modern with international appeal. The Couture collection offers a unique, high-end look for swimwear.

JD: If you could choose one celebrity to wear your brand, who would it be and why? 

Keren Gasner: Gottex is known to have a big celebrity following. But to answer to your question, in my opinion, every woman is a celebrity in her own way… and Gottex is offering such a wide glamorous assortment for the 70 countries we are selling to! Gottex is made for strong and confident women.

JD: Talk to Forbes about how technology aided you in the development of your brand both product make-up and e-commerce?  Details please. 

Keren Gasner: Technology helped us get more brand visibility. We are sharing our product all year around, internationally. It is instant visibility that aids brand evolution.

JD: Where is the product made and why? 

Keren Gasner: We use European fabrics and materials. We develop products in China and Morocco.

JDYou have the floor: Talk to my viewers about why they should try this brand?  

Keren Gasner: Gottex is designer swimwear collection with a unique look and DNA. We are sold in 70 different countries and are known for spectacular design since 1956. We place emphasis on design and high quality. Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Brooke Shields, among other notables have worn Gottex.

JDWhat are your future projections and growth strategy for the next few years? 

Keren Gasner: To continue the evolution of the brands, while staying true to brand ethos. And of course continue to expand to more markets.