It’s summer once more, which means you can bet we’ll be spending every moment possible at the beach. Of course, there’s no better time to refresh your bikini collection, and we’ve got the perfect places to start shopping! Of course we stan a local business— why not support the incredible talent that comes right out of the Caribbean? Read on for our favorite independent swimwear designers, with a focus on companies that are created close to home.
Keva by Keva J
Keva J is a pretty well known and loved name in the swimwear marketplace. Known for their unique and show-stopping bikinis, the brand also produces creatively designed swim cover-ups. As they stem from a multi-cultural background, the brand focuses on blending pieces and coordinating designs, with a mix of colors, textures and shapes. We particularly love the Aria monokini, a perfect marriage of eclectic prints and colors.
Glamour Glamour by Tricia Campbell
A former Caribbean Posh covergirl and plus-size supermodeling sensation, Tricia Campbell is a multi-talented phenomenon, from Montego Bay, Jamaica. And who better to start a fabulous swimwear company focused on pieces that celebrate plus sized women? Tricia saw a space in the market, and dove in headfirst. Her line is bold and bright, unafraid of saturated colors and fun patterns. One of our fav pieces is “Flirty Diva,” the one piece that mimics a bikini, featuring a sheer mesh paneling and flattering lines. Love!
Trèfle Designs
Born in the British Virgin Islands, Kristin Frazer is familiar with Caribbean luxury. She started her company, Trèfle Designs, in 2008, and has not stopped expanding her creative child since. Started as a swimwear collection, Trèfle has also done children’s swim, home design, and ready-to-wear. However, swimwear is still Kristin’s specialty— and she’s fabulous at it! Their new collection, “A Girl Called Rose” features a mix of sporty and romantic cuts. We love the palette of aqua and peach tones, and are totally enamored with the color-blocked Michelle suit, shown above.
Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa is a Venezuelan company, inspired by the countryside of the beautiful Caribbean. Created by Andreina Oliver Godoy, Designer and Director of Mauna Loa, the pieces are all handmade in Venezuela. We love the clean lines and fun, nature inspired prints. Their one-pieces are particularly cute, like the Ambar suit, shown here in Indigo Tie Dye. So fun!
Luli Fama
Lourdes Hanimian is a Cuban born designer and entrepreneur, founder of Luli Fama swimwear. With tons of gorgeous designs to choose from, it’s tough to choose a favorite— the range includes everything from Brazilian to High-Rise, plus cover ups and sarongs in matching prints. They also have a pretty fabulous Retro suit collection; echoing era-bases beauties like the 90s Baywatch crew and the 40s pinup model. Another incredible bonus? Many of the pieces are reversible— like getting two new bikinis in one!