Summer Isn’t Over Until We Say It Is
THESE SWIMWEAR BRANDS ARE turning the tide on the swimwear industry with their LUXE sustainable bikinis.
If there’s one thing us HOKU girls know how to do well, it’s spot a quality bikini. From string kinis to monokinis, high neck to strapless, we’re experts in all things swim. And while we know summer has come to a (bitter) close, we’re the type of girls who could flaunt in our bikinis year round just for the hell of it (Because, let’s face it — feeling good in a bikini is the confidence boost we all need sometimes). So, in honor of our great love for bikinis, we did a little digging to to give you the 411 on a few new sustainable swimwear brands that can you can rock whether you’re jamming to Fleetwood Mac alone in your room, or catching up on your favorite reading under a palm tree. You’re welcome.
Photos from this set were shot by the insanely talented @PeggyShootsFilm. Read more about our muse and ultimate inspiration in our HOKU Spotlight with Carianne Older aka Peggy, coming soon to our site. x
Modeled by: @mirandaharrison
ZAZI SWIM
Oh, what a dream it would be to travel along the Amalfi Coast in your favorite swimsuit right now. And while summer has come to a bittersweet end, there is one brand making sure you feel beautiful all year round. Zazi Swim is an online-only, ethically and environmentally conscious swimwear label with a commitment to sustainability and creating effortlessly chic pieces. Coming from an indigenous Maori background, the Zazi team has always made diversity and sustainability a priority. Made from ECONYL, Zazi Swim’s designs are a combination of modern and timeless silhouettes that are not only made consciously, but accentuate and flatter the female form in the best way possible. Whether you’re looking for your next summer bikini or just want to #treatyoself, Zazi Swim’s pieces are a must in every girl’s closet.
Words from the Designer: Our Summer 2020 collection was inspired by a few elements. Firstly, the Australian artist David Bromleys “Monarch Butterflies” was a huge influence on our butterfly print, as we were obsessed with butterflies during the design of the collection. We were also inspired by Summer days spent on the Amalfi Coast which reflected some of the chosen colour palettes of citrus and sea grey. Lastly the work of French photographer Ghislain Dussart, was another influence - mainly his works with muse Brigitte Bardot.
Photos shot by: Kiana Kanoa
Modeled by: @_ninaanderson
SECOND SWIM
Look, you can’t second guess this one. Meet Second Swim, an eco-luxe label focused on sustainable ethics and flattering cuts that are made for sipping martinis in Malibu with a ridiculously large sunhat. Not only are Second Swim’s bikini’s ultra-cute, but all of their bikinis are made ethically and to the highest standard of quality. Founder and designer, Rebecca Cordoma, tells HOKU that the creation and reinvention of Second Swim carried her through one of the toughest periods of her life while allowing her to indulge herself into what she is most passionate about. With a mission focused on sustainability, Second Swim has made it a priority to continue to do all that they can in this realm— Second Swim’s pieces are not only made ethically with 70% sustainable materials but they also make it a priority to donate 10% of their proceeds to Clean Ocean Conservation Initiatives that remove plastic, fishing nets and micro plastic from our oceans and waterways. Oh, and they are currently in the process of creating their first line using regenerative nylon materials. Inspired by Cordoma’s Italian heritage, Second Swim’s latest collection features a selection of stunning hues and modern cuts making it the perfect look for a socially distanced tanning session.
Words from the Designer: Our latest collection is Inspired by my Italian heritage, and my last family vacation with my Mum, Dad & twin sister. Each collection has pieces named after strong women surrounding our brand and the places which carry meaningful memories with us.
Photos by: Kiana Kanoa
Modeled by: @kayaspencer / Kaya also wrote an awe-inspiring piece for HOKU which you can find, here.
BANSHEE SWIM
If you’re looking for something on the saucier side, Banshee Swim has the collection for you. Designed in Los Angeles, Banshee Swim is a fiery label founded by girl boss and creative visionary Amanda Fronckowiak. Made for the women who aren’t afraid to stick it to the man, Banshee Swim features a selection of absolutely bitchin’ pieces that are made to help you channel your divine feminine energy. Fronckowiak tells HOKU that she focuses entirely on small batch production to minimize waste and works exclusively with a very small, family-owned sewing contractor facility in Los Angeles. Through a seamless combination of outlandish colors, incredibly soft see through luxe fabric, sustainable regenerated nylon ECONYL, Banshee is truly defining what it means to go against the grain in order to be an active agent for change while creating pieces that create pieces that make anyone feel beautiful.
Words from the Designer: At the end of the day, I didn’t fit in, I’m loud, different and sexual in nature, I wanted Banshee to reflect that and be that IT brand for all my other ocean freaks out there. My inspiration: non conformists. To be a Banshee is to give a fuck while not giving one at the same time.
All photos were shot on film.