Azura News

March at Azura Swimwear

We always like to do a monthly recap here at Azura Swimwear, to bring you up to speed with what’s been happening in the exciting world of women’s swimwear!

This month, Azura Swimwear celebrated its 3 month anniversary… and what a month - actually, what a 3 months it has been!

The month of March saw a lot of media action for Azura Swimwear and our women’s swimwear designers Beach Bunny Swimwear, Sauvage, Red Carter and Birdie Jo.

Perhaps the highlight of the media frenzy was the release of the highly anticipated 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This year’s Sports Illustrated was a jam-packed, model-filled, swimwear-laden gem (as always!) which featured a total of 4 of our designer swimwear collections including Red Carter, Sauvage, Beach Bunny Swimwear and Birdie Jo. Beach Bunny Swimwear in particular was featured about 9 times - a huge achievement. In fact, any mention in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is an incredible achievement, so we congratulate all our women’s swimwear designers on their success.

If you’d like to view our designer swimwear collection, or shop for one of the swimsuits as seen in Sports Illustrated, click here to start shopping now.

As you may imagine, it’s been a busy month on the shopping side of things here at Azura Swimwear, with everyone wanting a little piece of the swimwear action! Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue picks Lady Lace by Beach Bunny and Spellbound by Beach Bunny have been hugely popular sellers. And while they didn’t get a Sports Illustrated feature, other big Beach Bunny Swimwear favorites have been the Lyin’ Eyes and Secret Garden. From our other designers, In Uniform by Red Carter (both in cream and brown), Black Signature Cut by Maya Swimwear and Mod Floral Mint by Birdie Jo Swimwear have been very popular. But the pick of the month has definitely been Cobalt Crystal by Sauvage Swimwear. It’s not hard to understand why…

Cobalt Crystal, Sauvage Swimwear

If you’d like to purchase Cobalt Crystal by Sauvage or find out a little more about the one-of-a-kind bikini, simply click here now!

Speaking of Sauvage, in case you missed our posts on Sauvage’s recent press coverage, Sauvage Swimwear has been featured in 4 magazines so far, including Instyle, Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Sports Illustrated. Our very own Jade Mountain 2, which we sell right here at azuraswimwear.com, was the beautiful bikini selected for Cosmo.

As we head into April, we can only imagine how much busier it’s going to get - it’s not even summer yet and the vibe is electric! Without divulging too much right now, we already know of at least three more magazine features where you’ll find our beautiful women’s swimwear designers… as well as Azura Swimwear! That’s right, Azura Swimwear has already been listed in Vogue and has a couple more (at the very least!) to come.

If you haven’t yet bought yourself a swimsuit for summer, make sure to do so soon! There are some incredible women’s swimsuits and bikinis to choose from here at Azura Swimwear… the only problem is choosing which one…

Until next time, happy swimwear shopping!

Designer of the Month

Birdie Jo Swimwear: A Sneak Peak

It’s a couple of days away still, but as you know, we find it a little difficult here at Azura Swimwear to contain our excitement!

So here’s a sneak peak into what’s lined up…

This month, starting April 1st, we’ll be launching our very own Designer of the Month series. A Lifestyle Azura first, Designer of the Month is a jam-packed, month-long homage to one of our swimwear designers and the incredible work they do. We often get time to admire and appreciate their beautiful swimsuits (particularly when we’re enjoying a little R&R in the sun!), but we feel these talented swimwear designers definitely deserve some attention of their own.

The engaging series includes both in-depth interviews with the swimwear designers, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how all your favorite swimsuits are made. It’s a truly fascinating journey - both into the mind of a swimwear designer, and into the life of swimwear itself.

This month, we’ll be kicking things off with none other than Birdie Jo Swimwear designers Rebbeca Fink and Kate Richter. While we’re pretty excited about the new series, we’re even more excited about who we’ll be featuring. Lucky for me, I was the one who got to interview the hardworking duo, and I’ll tell you this, you’re in for an interesting month!

Truly talented, truly creative, we’re honored here at Azura Swimwear to have Birdie Jo Swimwear as one of select designer collections, and to begin our series with Rebecca and Kate.

So for all your Birdie Jo Swimwear fans, or designer swimwear fans in general, stay tuned for part one of the series, coming very soon…

Tip Off

A How-to-Guide:

How to become a swimsuit designer

Ever wondered how swimwear designers got started? Here’s a few tips and pointers in the right direction…

How did they do it? It seems like one of the best jobs around, and obviously there’s a large amount of natural talent involved, but how do swimwear designers actually become swimwear designers? And can anyone do it?

Believe me, I asked myself these questions a lot when I first started out in the industry. Like many of us, I also harbored a secret desire to one day design my own range of swimwear. In fact, I still do. But, like anything, it takes a lot of hard work, and timing can be key. Designer swimwear is a niche market, and simply stated, only the best of the best survive. So while you may have a brilliant idea, this doesn’t necessarily equal success.

Starting out

The first step is to learn as much as you can. Like any profession, the more you know, the more valuable you are. I may not be a swimwear designer yet, but I certainly know a lot about swimwear. Be diverse in your knowledge base - knowing what’s hot in swimwear this season isn’t going to get you far. If you’re really serious about becoming a swimwear designer, research and familiarize yourself with all aspects of the swimwear business. Learn how to design, learn about swimsuit fabrics, understand the financial aspects of designer swimwear. The opportunities and the wealth of knowledge at your fingertips is limitless, all you need is a little creativity and determination.

Getting a little heavy sounding? Well it is. But you needn’t get put off yet. Starting small, working on one element at a time and taking each part as it comes is the best way to go. All swimwear designers, including the most talented in the industry, all started somewhere, and bar a few, they usually started out small. My advice? Start by nominating a goal, like knowing all the American swimwear designers, then work towards it. Once you have achieved this, choose another one, like knowing all the European designer swimwear, and work towards this one. Becoming a swimwear designer is a process, and what you’ll be surprised at, even after a short period of time, is how much progress you’ve made. By breaking the task into small parts, you make the job of becoming a swimwear designer much more manageable and much less daunting.

Could you be the next women’s swimwear industry success?

I’ve had a lot of contact with a whole range of swimwear designers over the years, and they all say, no matter what their beginnings have been, that perseverance and patience is paramount.

Like the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can’t expect to be the hottest new swimwear designer just because you want to be. That being said, a healthy amount of self-confidence will take you a long way - and believe me, if you’re truly serious about becoming a swimwear designer, you’re going to take a couple of blows. A thick skin is also a must - you’re going to endure a lot of criticism, not matter how good a swimwear designer you are.

Constructive Criticism & Networking

Whether it’s constructive criticism or caused by jealousy, learning to distinguish between the two is skill you’ll need to quickly develop. But if you can do this, and all the best swimwear designers mastered this early in their careers, then you’ll be the better for it. Maximize the situation and take advantage of the advice you’re being offered by other, more experienced swimwear designers.

Networking is also really important. While the designer swimwear and fashion industry is highly competitive, you’ll be surprised how willing some swimwear designers are to share their advice and give you some swimwear tips in the right direction. Try finding a mentor, or do an internship with an established swimwear designer. The skills you’ll develop under their guidance will be invaluable and also, priceless.

Designing your own range

Here it is, the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s now time to design your very own range of women’s swimwear. But will all the hard work and time waiting pay off? Well if you’ve put in the effort, there’s a good chance you’ll see the results. But that’s no guarantee. Unfortunately, starting your own line of designer swimwear involves a fair amount of capital. Designing swimwear may be fun, but at the end of the day it is a business and it needs to make money. At a basic level, there’s the production costs of actually making the swimwear, for example, the price of fabric and the labor to produce the swimwear. Then, if you’re really serious, you’re going to need money to market your women’s swimwear label. Whether we’d like to admit it or not, swimwear design is a hype, marketing and promo-driven world, and even the best swimwear designers rely on a bit of good ol’ fashioned advertising.

Finding a business partner, or an investor, is a good way of raising capital to start your swimwear label. To be taken seriously, it’s probably best if you put together a business plan, and even design and make a small collection of swimwear. If you’ve been working towards the goal of becoming a swimwear designer for some time now, you’ve most likely already been designing swimwear for friends and colleagues. If not, it’s something you might like to consider. As I mentioned earlier, you have to start somewhere when designing swimwear, and small is often best - there’s less risk involved and it gives you the time you need to develop your skills.

Taking out a personal loan is another way you can tackle the money situation. Similarly, you’ll need to have a business plan. Either way, a business plan is a must and will help you throughout the process of launching your women’s swimwear label.

Ready to go?

Becoming a swimwear designer sounds like a daunting task, particularly if you plan to launch your own designer swimwear label. But while difficulties and challenges lie ahead, being a swimwear designer is extremely rewarding, and a whole lot of fun! And when designing swimwear is your passion in life, there’s nothing better…

© Azura Swimwear 2008, www.azuraswimwear.com

Bikini of the Week

In Uniform by Red Carter

I really enjoy putting together our ‘Bikini of the Week’ series. Getting to gush about beautiful bikinis - what’s not to like?!

But it’s also a great reason to step back and appreciate the diverse range of swimwear and swimwear styles around. Even within our range here at Azura, you’ll find incredible variety - from the lingerie inspired and ultra-sexy swimwear of Beach Bunny to the understated elegance of Maya Swimwear.

This week we’re celebrating the masterful styling of veteran swimwear designer Red Carter. In Uniform is the swim suit, and while Red Carter has no defined, signature style, In Uniform does encapsulate many of Red’s prevailing or signature swim suit traits.

Red Carter, like all top-of-the line swim suit designers, has an uncanny ability to take any chosen theme and apply it to a swim suit, no matter how masculine, abstract, simple or banal that theme is. But more than that, he has fun with his swim suits and always adds his own interpretation and unique touch.

I like Red Carter for his controlled flamboyance - his understanding of cut and detailing means that he never has to go over the top with his swim suits to get your attention. The swim suits are always special, always different, but not for any ‘shock value’ he attaches to them.

In Uniform is a great example of all of the above. In this swim suit, Red Carter has gone with the naval theme. It’s an oft used theme, however Red Carter’s approach is neither obvious nor over-the-top, as many naval inspired swim suits tend to be.

In Uniform by Red Carter

View Our Red Carter Collection

The swim suit comes in both white and an olive brown - playing to both the feminine and military aesthetics, and has embossed gold buttons at the hips and mid bust. The military/naval theme continues with fabric strips at the hips (reminiscent of a soldier’s jacket) as well as hipster brief styled bottoms, which in conjunction with the halter top, gives the swim suit a more athletic feel.

It’s a definitely a swim suit you could have some fun in, and be active in. Yet true to all Red Carter’s swim suits, it retains an undeniable feminine appeal, highlighting and enhancing the best of the female form.

I really love In Uniform. If you haven’t has a chance to take a good look at this swim suit, I recommend you do so. Same goes for Red Carter, he is the master of women’s swimwear and not to be missed!

Until next time, enjoy In Uniform by Red Carter, this week’s ‘Bikini of the Week’…

To purchase In Uniform by Red Carter Swimwear, click here.

Bikini of the Week: Lady Lace by Beach Bunny Swimwear

Since its arrival on the designer swimwear marketplace a mere couple of years ago, Beach Bunny Swimwear has quickly become one of the most sought after swimwear brands around. Beach Bunny Swimwear designer Angela Chittenden certainly unearthed a niche market with her super-sexy lingerie-inspired swimwear designs, while also giving designer swimwear fashion a shake-up with a whole new look, feel and something never before seen.

This week on Bikini of the Week, we’re paying tribute to one of Beach Bunny Swimwear’s most popular swimsuits, Lady Lace. Lady Lace has become a signature cut for Beach Bunny, featuring year after year (with slight changes) in their swimwear collection. With its unique, sexy look, Lady Lace was also one of the swimsuits that first put Beach Bunny Swimwear on the designer swimwear map. It’s not hard to understand why…

Knockout! Lady Lace by Beach Bunny Swimwear

View Lady Lace Details

This ultra-sexy swimsuit has a sliding triangle bikini top with adjustable ties at both the neck and back. But what makes this swimsuit so adorable is its use of fabric. Here, a super-cute black and white polka dot fabric is matched with sexy stretch black lace to give a girly yet naughty mystique to the swimsuit. It certainly works! And as a finishing touch, a sweet black bow has been placed in the middle of the bikini top… it’s so sweet!

Lady Lace’s bottoms are equally a mixture of naughty and nice… I personally think they look a little more on the naughty side! But either way, they’re incredibly sexy swimsuit bottoms. The same fabrics have been used, but here the stretch black lace has been given more prominence, and doubles up as a luxurious fitting waistband. The bottoms have a Brazilian cut backside with moderate coverage as well as the matching black and white polka dot fabric. And let’s not forget the super sweet bow…

Apart from being our Bikini of the Week, Lady Lace by Beach Bunny Swimwear was also recently featured in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. As if being our Bikini of the Week, wasn’t enough!

Lady Lace by Beach Bunny Swimwear in 2008 Sports Illustrated”

View Lady Lace Details

We recently posted a couple of articles about the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue lineup, highlighting the whole range of Beach Bunny swimsuits featured, as well as some of our other designers, which you can read here and here. But as for Lady Lace, the sexy swimsuit was worn by beautiful model Daniella Sarahyba on location in ***. Absolutely beautiful…

Like we said, it’s not hard to understand why Lady Lace has become one of the most popular Beach Bunny swimsuits around!

Until next week, happy shopping!

If you’d like to purchase Lady Lace by Beach Bunny Swimwear, click here and start shopping now!