Meet the Designers: Rebecca Fink and Kate Richter, Birdie Jo Swimwear

It was a trip to Brazil that would change everything for two young girls, cousins in fact, from Hollywood. Rebecca Fink and Kate Richter didn’t know it at the time, but the trip abroad would become the inspiration for a beautiful new line of swimwear known as Birdie Jo.

Finding sexy, fashion-forward separates with a flattering cut had always seemed something of a challenge for the two girls. Yet in Brazil, the two found the complete opposite. Beautiful, sensual swimwear was everywhere. In fact, women would go about their everyday daily activities wearing just their bikinis. The attitude and lifestyle was so different to what it was at home, which in turn made it so inspiring. Enlivened by the experience, Rebecca and Kate took it upon themselves to bring an element of Brazilian lifestyle back to the United States. Not long after, in the fall of 2003, Birdie Jo Swimwear + Apparel was born. The company was named after the person who had most inspired them, a Brazilian friend named Roberta, or ‘Birtie’ for short.

Both Rebecca and Kate have a natural love and flair for design. It must be in their blood, as they say, or rather in their family, who owns and runs a successful furniture business. Amongst other things, both Rebecca and Kate have studied creatively – Kate undertook art and fashion studies in France while Rebecca studied art, textiles and interior design at the University of Oregon and UCLA. The influence of these experiences, as well as their travels abroad, shines through in their work. Rebecca, for example, draws much of her inspiration from art history and architecture. Kate, on the other hand, loves Pop Art and iconography, as well as mid-century design.

Guided by their mutual love for fashion, the duo has created a range of swimwear that seamlessly combines luxury with functionality. “Making something that epitomizes function while being absolutely stunning represents my entire philosophy of design” says Rebecca proudly.

Feeling inspired? Click here to view Birdie Jo’s beautiful new collection of swimwear. Start shopping now!