Surf’s Up! See What’s Changing the Tide
Sharon Wei Designs
Stemming from the world of fine jewelry, Sharon Wei is introducing her exquisite fashion jewelry to the swimwear, beachwear and resortwear industries this season. Having traveled the world, Wei developed her collection with an eye for beauty, color and fashion while capitalizing on her gemological expertise. Vibrant colors and brilliant gemstones are the hallmark of Sharon Wei Designs jewelry, established in 2003 and based in Columbus, Ohio. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings incorporate sterling silver and 14K gold with pink opal, tanzanite, green kyanite, freshwater pearls, peridot and green aquamarine to underscore this season’s line of fashionable shades like “cashmere rose,” “snorkel blue” and “green flash.” Cloudy, clear, lemon and rose quartz are also utilized in various pieces. Each style is a careful collaboration of randomly layered or rhythmically placed stones, creating texture, eye-catching interest and edgy excitement. Ten trio sets in the collection portray an astonishing range of color combinations to accessorize any swimwear or resortwear ensemble. “Jewelry is the ultimate fashion,” says Wei. “A woman’s jewelry should always speak to her personality, bring out her inner beauty as well as complement her attire.” On a more whimsical scale, Sharon Wei Designs’ “Fairytale Wedding” collection is comprised of pearls, gemstones and glittering crystals. The assortment ranges from bold statement pieces to more delicate and graceful styles, perfect for summer garden or beach weddings.
• sharonwei.com
Nirvanic
[copy] Natalie Correa debuted her new swimwear collection, Nirvanic, at Hammock during Swim Week this season, co-inspired and designed with her sister Lauren. Natalie brings her background in business to the table, and Lauren her love of photography and visual arts. Together this dynamic Floridian duo, inspired by nature’s elements, set out to create Nirvanic. The line is minimalistic with simplistic styling in exclusive prints extracted from nature, featuring leaves and flowers. Four prints—Black Stem (pictured), Heliconia, Hibiscus and Palm—and four solids are presented in the mix-and-match collection of swimwear. A one-size pareo is offered in the same prints. Strap interest, off-shoulder styling and lattice details are prevalent. A men’s boardshort is offered in the same four prints, as well as aqua, eggplant, gray and navy solids.
• nirvanicswim.com
Manta
With a degree from the Art Institute of Portland, Ore., Janeane Marie created her line of self-described “minimalist” swimwear from her new home base in West Palm Beach, Fla. Manta debuted this season at SwimShow. Marie gained wisdom and experience in the fashion industry working with larger brands, which allowed her to obtain knowledge of Asian sourcing and manufacturing. Nevertheless, she is dedicated to producing her collection exclusively in the U.S., and currently works closely with fabric printers and factories in South Florida. Each unique design is constructed using Italian performance fabric made from ECONYL yarn. The fabric is lightweight and durable with superior stretch and recovery. Environmentally friendly, it is also fade- and chlorine-resistant. This season’s collection is called “Swim Noir” for the subdued colors representing the sea at night. The Urchin Surf Suit is a high-neck, long-sleeved sophisticated maillot with a deep-plunge back offered in three solid color ways. Pull on a pair of jeans for perfect beach-to-street wear. Throughout the line, halter necklines, coverage and cut-out options vary in one- and two-piece mix-and-match styles in solids and prints. Pull on the separate Lia Swim Tee for more sun protection. “Manta is committed to humanitarian practices across the entire supply chain, from sourcing to production, and appreciating every individual involved in the process,” says Marie.
• mantashop.co
Sun Protection Zone
Sun Protection Zone, a pioneer in sun-protective wear for children and adults since 1998, introduces “Baby’s 1st Sun Day” this season. The adorable gift packs include a long-sleeved one-piece zippered swimsuit, sun cap, wraparound sunglasses and a 1-ounce sampler of organic sunscreen, all designed to block 99% of UV rays. The sun-safe gift packs are available in three sizes: 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-24 months, in navy, teal and pink. “The assortment was designed to make shopping for a shower, birthday or holiday gift easier than ever,” says Chip Carter, CEO of Sun Protection Zone. “Each item in the assortment has special features not found on most infant and toddler swimwear.” Unique features include a full-length zipper that extends down the leg to facilitate diaper changing. The sun cap has elastic for a better fit, and a neoprene brim and rear shade to protect baby’s face, ears and neck. UV-protective sunglasses have an adjustable elastic band so they will stay put. The high-density fabrics are tightly woven with four-way stretch, and a UPF 50+ rating, blocking 99% of UV rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org), sun-protective clothing is the single-most effective form of sun protection. All the company’s products, including Baby’s 1st Sun Day, have been approved by the American Melanoma Foundation and the Melanoma International Foundation. Sun Protection Zone also offers UV-protective apparel for older children and adults, including hats, shirts, swimsuits, sleeves, jackets and accessories.
• sunprotectionzone.com
Splash About
With over 25 years’ experience inventing and designing, with a multitude of awards to its credit, Splash About International Ltd. is the leading manufacturer of baby swimming apparel and swim aids worldwide. Many of the company’s products, such as the Splash About Float Jacket and Float Suit, are currently used in pools all over the world. The in-house design team has developed an extensive range of sun-protective products, working closely with the Health Education Authority, the Amateur Swimming Association, the Swimming Teachers’ Association and other global industry specialists to ensure comfort and safety for babies and toddlers. The UV All-In-One is an award-winning lightweight playsuit providing UPF 50+ protection. Happy Nappy is an award-winning, eco-friendly, leak-proof reusable swim diaper used in 90% of swim schools in the U.K. Happy Nappy is also available in boardshort styling. The UV Float Suit (pictured) is a learn-to-swim aid with UV 50+ sun protection. Constructed with lightweight fade-resistant nylon Lycra fabric, the suit features floats centered around the torso, which may be removed to control buoyancy. The Happy Nappy Wetsuit, constructed of 1mm thick neoprene, protects against leaks while keeping baby warm and comfortable, with torso and arms covered. Splash About products for babies and toddlers ensure safety in the water and in the sun.
• splashabout.com