By Jasmine Garnsworthy
When it comes to bikini shopping,
for some reason swimwear labels seem to think frills, florals, fancy
embellishment, and sky-high prices are the only way to go. But, what
about beachwear for the more minimalist-minded (or, um, broke) fashion girls? That’s where Jude Al-Khalil, former COO of fashion powerhouse, Reformation, is stepping in with a new line of under-$100 swimwear called BIKYNI.
The just-launched label operates under a smart and simple
concept: Modernize the swimwear experience by offering simple and
flattering cuts in popular block colors that you can mix and match,
without the inflated price tag. A bikini top and bottom pair costs $95,
which is refreshingly affordable when compared to some swimwear brands.
Consisting of 10 styles–five tops, 4 bottoms, and a
one-piece–everything is produced and designed in L.A. with an eye for
quality materials, and a focus on support, padding, coverage and
adjustability.
Before you click over to shop the new label, take a couple
of minutes to read BIKYNI founder, Al-Kahlil’s guide to the swimwear
season ahead.
StyleCaster: Why do you think there’s a need for BIKYNI in the swimwear market?
Jude Al-Khalil: Women dread shopping for
swimwear more than any other item of clothing. My vision for BIKYNI was
driven by my desire to take the frustration out of swimwear shopping by
modernizing the experience to make it easy and comfortable for women to
buy a suit. There are so many swimsuit options, but it’s still difficult
to find a simple, quality suit at a great price. We offer our own line
of quality, swim essentials, but keep our price under $100 for a suit.
We’ve made what we believe are the best version of each of the classics
with an updated and modern feel. If you are looking for a timeless swim
piece, you can come to BIKYNI and find it without having to sift through
page after page of overdesigned suits.
What’s your number one piece of advice for women buying swimwear online?
Be realistic and have an idea of what you’re looking for.
Wearing a swimsuit can drum up all sorts of insecurities. When you’re
shopping for a suit online, make sure the items you’re eyeing are styles
that will make you feel good about yourself.
What are the three qualities of a flattering swimsuit?
Well-fitting swimwear needs a great foundation–high
quality fabrics lend themselves to better construction and a better
fit. Also, a suit that fits well makes all the difference. Finally, lose
the clutter. Simple suits with great cuts and high quality materials
will always be flattering
What’s your top tip for swimwear care?
Rotate suits if you’re going to be wearing a swimsuit on
consecutive days. Most women know to rinse their suit right away and lay
it in the shade to dry. What many women don’t realize is that because a
suit is made of lycra, it needs to fully dry to bounce back to its
original shape. By rotating suits, you allow the fabric to dry
completely and revert back to that state, which will help prevent
bagging or stretching.
What did you learn working at Reformation that you will apply to your own label?
Reformation is a brand with a powerful story behind it and
it does a great job telling this story, especially digitally. Customers
want to connect with brands and this strong storytelling is something
I’ll apply to BIKYNI.
How often will new stock arrive online?
We are already working on our next delivery and hope to
have more to share later this summer! Since swimwear is our core
product, we need to keep our styles and colors fresh. Women need
swimwear year-round, but there are often weak options during seasons
like the fall so we will be releasing new options regularly.
What swimwear trends do you think will be big this summer?
The sporty trend will definitely continue. And minimalism
is continuing to make its way over from ready to wear. We’ve seen more
basic silhouettes that move away from the frills and fringes that were
big the past few years. Women are searching for simplicity and
versatility in their swim pieces.
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