Diving In

What’s New? Take time to check out these lines, debuting at SwimShow and Hammock this season

As Season 2018 gets underway, The Swim Journal would like to acknowledge some of the many new lines that will be debuting at Hammock and SwimShow—two of our eight distinguished trade show partners.

Of course, new swimwear and resortwear companies bring more competition to an already highly competitive and crowded industry, but they also bring excitement and interest through their innovative designs, provocative styling and spectacular fabrications. We have gathered information and images from many of the companies that are “diving in” to the industry this season and showcasing their unique collections.

Following are brief descriptions of lines premiering at SwimShow this season: AIKIDO SWIMWEAR—already racking up a celebrity following from the likes of Khloe Kardashian, Pia Mia and Zendaya—is designed and produced by a pair of very talented sisters: Dina Benmoshe and Judy Kaufman. Luxurious Italian fabrications are utilized throughout the Los Angeles-based line… Citrus Fashions, incorporated in India, will debut BENARAS BY CITRUS this season. Creative Director Madhu Killa and her sister Rinkle Jain oversee an extensive production and design team. The resortwear line of kimonos, kaftans and scarves incorporates the use of embroidery, pompoms and Bohemian styling… Florida-based MAYLANA SWIM by Mayra Jimenez, designer and owner, is a collection of seamless swimwear constructed with vibrant and conversational prints that reverse to solids. The line is available in women’s and children’s sizes… Amy Brown introduces her collection of swimwear, kaftans, scarves and even pillows called SEA SAGE. Luxurious fabrics like crepe de chine and cotton-silk blends are used in the line, which is based and manufactured in the United Kingdom… Fashionably correct and environmentally responsible, BENEDETTA swimwear and accessories, based in Colombia, is comprised mostly of 100% recycled polyamide yarn—lightweight, ultra-soft fabrics with UV protection. Unquestionably Boho, styles designed by Lina Benedetti have little hidden treasures of jewelry and collectible lucky charms… From Australia, KULANI KINIS—by design team Dani Atkins and Alexander Babich—is a line of swimwear, athletic wear and jewelry. Vivid prints are balanced with softer and more neutral solids… Australia-based swimwear label ZINGIBER by designer Nicola Spicer is carving out a big name for itself, with a celebrity fan club that includes all three Kardashian sisters, Hailey Baldwin, Karrueche Tran and more. The line encompasses popular design elements, which include mesh, modern cuts, laser cuts, reversibles and embellishments… DEMAR SWIMWEAR, based in Peru, was born from a collaboration between business partners Valeria De Santis and Francisca Martinez. The line specializes in 24k gold and silver-plated accessories, and unique fabrications—some with aloe vera and some biodegradable. Local artisans create the decorative handmade embroidery… MOLA MOLA—swimwear for women, men, girls and boys by Caribbean designer Adriana Dangond, based in Colombia—features vivid, fun prints and solids. In keeping with the latest craze, mom and daughter or dad and son can dress alike, with the whole family wearing and enjoying the same print. Colorful printed bags in various sizes and women’s beachwear round out the line… California brand LUNA BEACH SWIMWEAR, co-founded by Joan Marc Ubach and Nina Urgell, features luxurious fabrics from Spain, hand-dyed fabrics and made-by-hand construction. Contemporary styling for women and girls is portrayed in solids, tie-dyes and digital prints. Coordinating cover-ups and beach bags are also available… OSAJ RESORT by California-based designer Renee Dixon is a feminine and gossamer collection of made-to-order 100% silk chiffon garments that can be worn day to evening. The core collection is offered in a variety of blue prints, with solids in teal and navy. New fabrications like linen, a silk-cotton blend and raw-silk gauze are being incorporated into the line soon… CENOTE SWIMWEAR (pronounced “suh-noh-tee”) was created by Kelly Christos and Rachael Dziadowicz, two dynamic western Australian physical therapists. The idea was to craft a line of swimwear for active female outdoor-adventurers. Bottoms feature a signature drawstring hidden inside the waistband to keep them on in the rigorous surf. Tops feature crisscrossed back-strapping details. Taking inspiration from the Latin culture, exclusive prints are flamboyant and styles are decidedly Brazilian. Fabrics are UV 50+ recycled Italian Lycra.

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Newcomers at Hammock Show this season
MEI L’ANGE will debut at Hammock for Season 2018. Designer Eefje Sarah Dierickx, who previously designed for Calvin Klein, Isabel Marant, COS and more, is now channeling her creativity into her own nouveau swimwear collection. Eight unique silhouettes feature architectural details, overlaps, cut-outs, ruching, clean lines and contoured styling, offered in multiple color and pattern options. Fabrications are high-quality, luxurious, lightweight and breathable…

FLEUR SWIM and RIS-K SWIM will also make their debut at Hammock this season.

KOY RESORT
Canada-based Koy Resort will be exhibiting at SwimShow for the first time this season. Since its inception in 2015, the company has strived to deliver resortwear, beachwear and cover-ups that are easy-care, easy-wear. Designs are crafted to be non-constricting and ultra-comfortable—the perfect packable companion for travel and beyond. Silhouettes include dresses in varying styles and lengths, kaftans, drawstring tunics, kimonos and zip-front cover-ups, ranging in sizes XS – XL. No-fuss fabrics in rayon, polyester, poly blends, cotton and cotton blends are portrayed in flattering prints, including some with the look of tie-dye and some with denim. Basic solids like black and white are also offered.

The line makes extensive use of crochet lace and mesh, and many styles are decidedly Boho. This line easily delivers beach-to-cafe clothing for women of all ages. • koyresort.com

ESHMA MARDINI

A peshtemal is a traditional Turkish towel with a 600-year history, originally used in Turkish steam baths as well as home décor. Designs and color combinations conveyed the story of specific regions. Peshtemal textiles are the very essence of the Eshma Mardini collection, from the traditional craftsmanship and quality to responsible production and the use of natural materials. The company marries the heritage of traditional craft with modern styles and colorations, creating products and styles perfect for the spa, pool, beach and beyond.

With a factory located in Turkey and corporate offices in New Jersey, Eshma Mardini manufactures versatile fringed peshtemals, which can be worn as scarves or pareos, or used as cozy blankets or beach towels. Stylish fringed tunics and hoodies are perfect as beachwear and cover-ups.

The textiles are hand-woven from 100% Turkish cotton, and are soft, lightweight, fast-drying and durable. A staggering variety of stripes in varying widths and color combinations are offered, as well as solids in brights and pastels in 100% cotton, cotton-blended and bamboo textiles.

Nautically-inspired beach bags and totes in prints and stripe combinations are fully lined and topped with traditional rope or braided rope handles. The go-anywhere bags are roomy enough to hold everything for a day of fun in the sun. Eshma Mardini will debut this season at SwimShow. • eshma.com

SALTY MERMAID
One look at this line and you will never believe that it was launched just this past year. CEO Sarah Jon Porreca and COO Kara Versage, best friends since middle school and hailing from Tampa, Fla., have clearly done their homework. From the simplest detail of a hangtag to the importance of fabric selection, the functionality of components like elastic and the integrity of fit, they have worked hard to study every aspect of the product line they represent. According to Versage, it has taken years to develop and master the perfect cut for every body shape. Enlisting the help of expert designers and seamstresses, they have accomplished their goal of perfecting their swimwear styles. Now with a stunning line in tow, they are ready to present their collection to the world.

The line features Brazilian and bikini bottoms, and bra tops with removable adjustable straps and padding. Many suits feature strappy details, and all are offered in brilliant solids and eye-popping prints. In an effort to give back to the country that inspired the collection, Salty Mermaid will donate $10 for every purchase to the Iracambi Organization, a Brazilian-based non-profit striving to save the rainforest. • saltymermaid.com