Designer of the Month

Behind Birdie Jo Swimwear:

An insider’s exclusive!

Part II

Azura chats to Birdie Jo Swimwear designers Rebecca Fink and Kate Richter about what it takes to be one of the hottest up-and-coming designer swimwear labels around. Get inside and personal with Azura as we find out where the design duo get their inspiration from, and what makes them tick. From a background in furniture design to an eye-opening trip to Brazil, it’s one heck of a story…

If you missed Part I of the interview, click here to read it now.

Tell me more about the name ‘Birdie Jo’. Where did it come from?

Lecture break, the first day of class for my interior design program, I bummed a smoke from a girl. She handed the cigarette to me and said, “I’m quitting.” I said, “me too.” We sat on a ledge and smoked and talked. I had been in LA only two months and her, one. She was studying abroad, while living with her mother who was on scholarship with the Getty. The girl with the cigarette’s name was Roberta. We soon became close friends and over that year, almost inseparable. When she moved back to Brazil, I went to visit her for one month. It was during that trip, I became obsessed with the idea of having a swimwear company. I was in constant communication with Kate about it, and she agreed that it was a great concept and we began collaborating from there. We named the company after Roberta. “Bert”, though a very comedic nickname and a very easy way to shorten Roberta and, is slightly inappropriate for a lovely young woman. “Birdie” is her nickname most often… but sometimes we call her “Birdie Jo”.

What do you love most about designing swimwear?

On the personal end, shopping for fabric and vintage inspiration. But at the end, when a new line is complete, the potential for making women feel beautiful and lovely and sexy.

Working as a team, do you and Kate share all the roles and responsibilities 50/50?

Birdie Jo as a company is very efficient because Kate and I both have different, yet complimentary interests and perspectives on almost everything. We both have very separate jobs, which I think keeps things really focused and allows us to excel in our areas of expertise. We are extremely supportive of each other’s role in the company, knowing that Birdie Jo would not exist without the two of us working together constantly, selflessly and without conflict of ego.

Prior to moving to Los Angeles, Kate worked in advertising and acquired a really great understanding of market/trend research. She is a Virgo (a favorite key point in the office) and extremely diligent when it comes to any administrative task. She worked with Key Accounts in the furniture industry, which gave her experience in being the sole liaison between manufacturer, sales team, and customer. Beyond directing the day-to-day tasks of Birdie Jo, Kate is really supportive and has really good insight to the creation of each Birdie Jo line.

I handle all fabric buying, design, pattern work and production. It is extremely tedious and because the company is both our vision, I present each concept to Kate for approval and feedback. She generally is rather enthusiastic about what I come up with, and I think she enjoys being a few steps away from the factories. I, on the contrary, find it completely exhilarating. I love the process.

What design strengths do you think you both bring to the team individually?

A very tricky aspect to designing a product is whether you are creating something that is marketable or completely an act of creative indulgence. A designer must keep in mind that they are not always their own customer. Kate and I make it our responsibility to constantly ask two questions: Is the line we are putting together a complete story? Is it marketable?

What do you think separates Birdie Jo from other swimwear brands?

Birdie Jo’s fit. I have friends size 0-12. Ages 19-42. They all love the suits. I most often hear one of two comments in regards to Birdie Jo - “It’s actually a pleasure to try these on,” and “I get so many compliments when I wear this suit.” Good enough for me!

How did you feel when you released your first collection just four years ago?

We were really excited and knew that we were launching something that was going to be well received.

In which ways has Birdie Jo grown since then?

Birdie Jo is always growing. We have received a ton of press. We had a cover of Fitness magazine, both this year and last. We have been featured in most major fashion magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Lucky. We also had two shots in the Sports Illustrated Swim Issue this year. Over the last few years we have acquired accounts on a global level. Currently, the company is at a really exciting place, and growing at an extreme rate of acceleration.

Did you always believe in the success of Birdie Jo? Were there are ever any moments when you doubted it?

There isn’t any room for doubt. Birdie Jo would never be where it is now if Kate and I hadn’t treated this company as though its success was our absolute and only option.

Where do you see Birdie Jo in five years from now?

With an entire resort range from bikinis to bags and loungewear… Kids… Mens… a whole lifestyle… We will follow Birdie Jo wherever it takes us…

To view the beautiful Birdie Jo Swimwear collection, click here and start shopping now!

Azura Swimwear would like to thank Rebecca Fink and Kate Richter for taking the time out of their busy schedules to chat with us, and for giving us a little insight into their exciting world.

Designer of the Month

Behind Birdie Jo Swimwear:

An insider’s exclusive!

Azura chats to Birdie Jo Swimwear designers Rebecca Fink and Kate Richter about what it takes to be one of the hottest up-and-coming designer swimwear labels around. Get inside and personal with Azura as we find out where the design duo get their inspiration from, and what makes them tick. From a background in furniture design to an eye-opening trip to Brazil, it’s one heck of a story…

Part I

(Answers by Rebecca Fink on behalf of Birdie Jo Swimwear and Kate Richter)

Describe Birdie Jo Swimwear for us in 3 words

Fashion, Fit, Function

Your original inspiration for Birdie Jo Swimwear came from Brazil. Is Brazil still a major source of inspiration when designing your swimwear collections?

I must clarify that the swimsuits are inspired by Brazil, but not specifically by Brazilian swimwear. The design concept originated in Brazil where I observed women of all age, shape and size wearing teeny, tiny bikinis on the beach, and to the cafes afterward. One morning on that trip, my best friend’s mother stood in the kitchen in her little two-piece swimsuit, making me espresso and toast. It was at this moment I realized how my own cultural background made this seem so foreign to me. I thought how wonderful it was to see women so comfortable and confident. I felt inspired and compelled to create something that contributed positively to women’s body image.

What other countries, cities, cultures appeal to you when it comes to swimwear design?

In terms of the Birdie Jo collection, I draw a lot of inspiration from 20th century, European and American art, design, and architecture. It may be noted that I am completely obsessed with the South of France, but that doesn’t rule out the rest of the world. Destinations such as Fiji; Antwerp, Belgium; Spain; Miami; India; and Mexico have had obvious influence on my personal sense of aesthetic, and inevitably, Birdie Jo.

Birdie Jo Swimwear has its headquarters in Hollywood, California. How does LaLa Land influence your designs? Would you describe Birdie Jo Swimwear as Angeleno in spirit?

I often draw upon design and architecture of the 20th century, which really flourished in Los Angeles, for example “Hollywood Regency.” Birdie Jo has a Mid-Century modern aesthetic to it. It’s fresh and sophisticated. Moreover, it’s a modern classic, being clean in design, detail, and finish. That said, it is undeniable Birdie Jo is “Angeleno” in spirit.

Prior to life as swimwear designers, both you and Kate traveled extensively. What were some of the most influential destinations you visited? How have your travels changed you as a person, and in turn, as a designer?

As I mentioned above, directly through my trip to Brazil, we were inspired to create a comfortable, sexy and fashion-forward line of swimwear in the States, which is how Birdie Jo began. However, more personally and overall, we feel travel opens a person’s mind by allowing them to experience foreign culture, art, and energy. What is learned upon travel is carried and applied in all aspects of a person’s daily life from that point on, including their work.

Both you and Kate have a background in furniture design, your family running their own manufacturing company. Is designing swimwear very different from designing furniture? What skills can be applied between the two?

After working in interior design and the furniture industry, we learned what it meant to be both customer and manufacturer. We understand the “in’s and out’s” of a factory and what manufacturing entails, from concept through creation, all the way to the shipping docks. We also know what it is like to be responsible for a client’s merchandise, that how precious and personal certain purchases become. Navigation through such a process is rigorous, however it gave us the skills and know-how to run Birdie Jo

Why swimwear and not furniture?

We left the family business to start something of our own. We knew that we were capable of doing whatever we put our minds to, as it was engrained in us, being that we were from a family of entrepreneurs. We set our minds to it and have simply never given up.

Swimwear vs. furniture… It’s all a matter of preference. We were set up to move forward in both interiors and furniture, but swimwear inspired us.

Tell me about you and Kate as kids – did you always get along?!

I was raised in Chicago, while Kate grew up in Los Angeles. Honestly, we became really close when I was 16 and Kate was 21. The “age gap” seemed to close and we made a lot of sense to each other… almost as if we had grown up together.

Kate always likes to tell the story of when I came for a visit at the age of 7. I was totally her dorky, Mid-West cousin… Perm and all. I was really tall and really skinny and super excited about my understudy role as Munchkin #2 in my school play, The Wizard of Oz. I spent the entire trip pining over a certain Barbie with a glow-in-the-dark skirt and singing show tunes from my upcoming debut. Kate, extremely reserved and well mannered even as a child, was practically horrified. We laugh constantly at this memory and I have come to take full responsibility for frightening her… Perm + Show tunes… Who could blame her?

How did you come to decide you wanted to go into business together?

There was never really any question about it. We always wanted to start something together. We are best friends and family; there isn’t anyone either of us trusts more than the other. We first talked about venturing into something together on a plane from San Francisco to Costa Rica in 2000. After finally moving to the same city and working together in furniture for several years, we made our break.

To view the beautiful Birdie Jo Swimwear collection, click here and start shopping now!

The next installment of Behind Birdie Jo: An Insider’s Exclusive will be here in just a few days, so make to stop by again for Part II…

Azura News

Free Priority Shipping Reminder

Just a quick reminder to take advantage of our offer for FREE priority shipping on all purchases over $150. We have a beautiful range of designer swimsuits here at Azura Swimwear, and with summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a beautiful new bikini… or two! Why not, you deserve it!

Choose designer swimsuits from Beach Bunny Swimwear, Sauvage, Red Carter, Maya Swimwear and Birdie Jo. With a range of different swimsuit styles available, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for here at Azura.

For a super sexy swimsuit, go for Lady Lace or Hanky Panky by Beach Bunny Swimwear. Or for an elegant, jeweled bikini, take a look at the Cobalt Crystal bikini by Sauvage. Maya Swimwear has a gorgeous range of ultra-flattering, feminine swimsuits in solids if you’re after a signature cut, while Birdie Jo Swimwear and Red Carter are perfect if you’re after something a little more playful or flamboyant.

Whatever your style, whatever the occasion, you’ll find your perfect bikini here at Azura…

To view our 2008 collection, click here and start shopping now!

Bikini of the Week

White Ruffle Bikini by Maya Swimwear

White Ruffle Bikini, Maya Swimwear

It’s all about the white bikini this week at Azura Swimwear with the White Ruffle Bikini by Maya Swimwear. And in true Maya Swimwear style, this bikini is elegant, feminine and ultra-flattering to the tee.

The last time we featured a white bikini as our Bikini of the Week was with the Jade Mountain 2 by Sauvage Swimwear. And I said the same thing then that I’m about to say now – there really is just something so special, and unique, about white bikinis.

I think there was a time when women, despite how beautiful white bikinis could be, were afraid of buying one, fearful that it would go see-through. Luckily those days have past, with swimwear fabrics being of extremely high quality, and swimsuits often lined, particularly in the case of designer swimwear. Unsurprisingly, the White Ruffle bikini by Maya Swimwear also comes fully lined, so there’s no chance of any unsightly appearances with this beautiful bikini…

Maya Swimwear is without a doubt a top favorite with celebrities, and can be seen on the bodies of actresses Jennifer Anniston, TV presenters Vanessa Minnillo and singers Fergie. The ruffle bikini cut in particular is favored by Lindsay Lohan, and as we understand it she has a number of different colors in her collection… just in case!

In terms of styling, the White Ruffle Bikini comes with a sliding triangle top with ties at the neck and at the back, and also Brazilian cut bikini bottoms. As for the ‘ruffle’ part of the ruffle bikini, there’s a gorgeous ruffle overlay on the bust and playful shirring at the hips. The result is utterly cute, but also really stylish.

And I can’t end off without again saying something about the Maya Swimwear fit. Maya Swimwear is, no questions asked, made for women. The bikinis are always flattering, and seem to enhance (or hide!) all the right things. Lindsay Lohan may have a couple in her collection, but I know she’s not the only one…

For all you white bikini lovers, I hope you have enjoyed this week’s Bikini of the Week. As you can see, the White Ruffle Bikini by Maya Swimwear is an absolute gem and a must-have for this summer.

If you’d like to buy the White Ruffle Bikini by Maya Swimwear, make sure to click here and start shopping now!

And don’t forget about our offer of FREE priority shipping!

Spotted

Red Carter Gone Wild!

There’s been a flurry of activity this last week here at Azura Swimwear. It’s not the onset of summer (although that certainly helps), or the great deals on women’s swimwear we have throughout our collection (let me say that again – our great deals! Just compare our swimwear prices to our competitors…). No, it’s a certain swimwear designer who’s got everyone going a little crazy for his gorgeous range of designer swimsuits. And I mean crazy.

Yes, we’re talking none other than Mr. Red Carter. Red Carter Swimwear has been a consistent favorite here at Azura Swimwear, with bikinis like In Uniform and Gold Rush. But we’ve also seen a recent surge in Red Carter womens swimsuits Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Zimbabwe by Red Carter Swimwear           Kenya by Red Carter Swimwear

For more product details or to shop now, click here for Zimbabwe or here for Kenya

These African-inspired animal print bikinis (giraffe print and zebra print respectively) have been hugely popular these last couple of weeks, and while they look stunning in the images, when you see the bikinis up close, you’ll understand why. The swimsuit fabric is made from a gorgeous and soft Euro-jersey, but it’s the print and detailing that make them extra special. Take the Kenya bikini for example, whose black and white zebra print has been highlighted by beautiful black sequins. It’s the attention to detail that makes all the difference in a swimsuit or a bikini, and when it comes to designer swimwear, it’s hard to go past Red Carter.

But there’s also another reason for the extra attention Red Carter Swimwear is getting – celebrities! Red Carter has long been a celebrity favorite and this year is no different. Red Carter swimwear has already been seen on some of the industry’s hottest celebrity bodies and I just got a tip off today that sexy TV host Tila Tequila was wearing the Red Carter Zimbabwe bikini on MTV not long ago for Spring Break. Tila Tequila is a model and singer, along with a host and regular contributor to MTV.

If you love Red Carter’s chic and sexy animal print bikinis as much as we do (and as it seems, thousands of women out there too!), make sure to buy one now… Animal prints, particularly those as well-executed and classy as Red Carter’s, are always in fashion one way or another, so you really can’t go wrong…

If you’d like to buy a Zimbabwe or Kenya bikini by Red Carter, click here to start shopping now!