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Swimwear
KEEP SWIMMING
From finding the most flattering swimwear cuts to a shape and style you like, looking for a new swimsuit can feel like more of a challenge than a joy at the best of times. That's why we have enlisted the help of two of our hottest swimwear designers of the moment to find out more about their swimwear designs, their tips on how to find the perfect fit, their summer staycation locations and what they are planning on adding to their beach bag, when we finally get to dip our toes in the ocean. Find something incredible that you'll want to keep swimming in all summer long…
HEIDI KLEIN
Tell us about your new swim pieces and the inspiration behind them?
The latest collection welcomes new silhouettes and fabrications inspired by what we all want and need during the summer. We worked vibrant colour palettes to celebrate the art of summer travel. More and more, we are designing our collections with longevity in mind. A Heidi Klein piece is one you’ll have for many summers to come, so our focus is creating pieces with perfected fits using eco-friendly practices.
What are your top tips for trying on swimwear and for finding a style that suits you?
Know your shape and be proud of it. Wearing a bikini or a one piece should make you feel confident, supported and above all beautiful, so take the time to ensure you’re wearing the right one for you. Allow enough time to try on different pieces, try different silhouettes, prints, colours. So many times I have clients come in with a set idea of what suits them and they leave with something completely different.
What’s the first destination you will go to when all this is over?
During my time in isolation, I’ve been turning to Slim Aaron’s images to inspire designs and the ones shot at Hotel Il Pellicano in Italy bring me a special kind of joy. This hotel has an unmatched balance of 1950s nostalgia and uncomplicated luxury. Think of all the beach goddesses from Bridget Bardot, Grace Kelly and Elle McPherson in all their glory and you get the picture.
What are your top tips for creating a beach-type look for your back-garden or balcony and what cocktail recipe would you work with it?
If we can't get to the seaside this summer, my family and I will make use of our garden. We'll have picnics outside when we can and if the weather is lovely, we always try to eat dinner outside too. At the weekend we really spend time preparing the dishes and laying the table beautifully. I will pop on a beach cover-up like the Santa Margherita Tier dress and a pair of slides. To honour the British summer, I'll fix up a crisp Gin and Tonic with a handsome garnish of mint and cucumber to cool off and unwind.
What’s on your beach reading list?
I have a stack by my bed which are still waiting to be read...
We Ride Upon Sticks, by Quan Barry
Can We Still Be friends, by Alexandra Shulman
Chanel's Riviera, by Anne de Courcy
Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy
What are the ways you as a brand are embracing sustainability?
Sustainability has been both an essential and beautiful learning process for us. Our focus since starting the brand was to create pieces that stood the test of time to ensure they weren’t a one-season wear which in turn significantly reduces production footprint. We’re very much students and are taking the necessary steps to ensure each of our Heidi Klein pieces are made with both love of craft and care for the planet.
What should every beach bag have inside it?
Heidi Klein bikini, good SPF, oversized sunglasses and a book to get lost in.
Know your shape and be proud of it. Wearing a bikini or a one piece should make you feel confident, supported and above all beautiful, so take the time to ensure you’re wearing the right one for you.
Heidi Klein
EMMA PAKE
Tell us about your new swim collection and the inspiration behind it?
The collection is inspired by all things nautical, from bright, primary colours to navy and crisp white.
You’ll discover twisted ‘rope’ straps, striking colour combinations and our signature multi-coloured eyelets. The selection in Brown Thomas offers a hint of something more daring in our striking mesh panel swimsuits. The new Geovanna swimsuit is a personal favourite of mine with flattering scoop neckline.
What are your top tips for trying on swimwear and for finding a fit that suits you?
Denim and swimwear are the two things women like trying on the least, but it is so important! Women’s bodies are all different shapes and sizes and we all have personal preferences on fit and what we’re comfortable wearing. With swimwear, I would always encourage women to try on more than one size and ignore the labels. Try on what you love and don’t be afraid to go for something different; find something that expresses a side of your personality that you want to share with the world.
What’s the first destination you will go to when all this is over?
Wherever my family is! I’ve missed being with them so much and we’re desperate to plan a getaway together. We’re thinking Lisbon for a weekend escape and Costa Rica for a bigger adventure. I also would love to visit the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland.
What tips do you have for creating a beach-type look in our garden and cocktail recipe to match?
Our eyelet Florence + Fia bikini paired with the Celeste geometric broderie anglaise wrap dress is the perfect home-beachwear combo. I would pair my look with a Margarita – 50ml Tequila Reposado, 25ml fresh lime juice and 20ml Cointreau – make sure your glass has a salt rim and you use LOTS of ice!
What’s on your beach reading list?
Queenie – Candice Carty-WilliamsAnn Patchett – This Is the Story of a Happy MarriageCeleste Ng – Little Fires EverywhereTara Westover – Educated
What are the ways you as a brand are embracing sustainability?
We make all our products in Europe and source our fabrics and accessories there too as opposed to further afield to keep our carbon footprint down. We are using sustainable techno-fabric, made of a ECONYL® regenerated Nylon for our swimwear where possible and by next season, all of our labelling and packaging will be made using sustainable processes and recycled materials.
What should every beach bag have inside it?
A high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, a comfy towel, a large brim hat, oversized sunglasses, a great read and an Emma Pake beach dress to take you from beach to bar.
LOOKING FOR HELP ON SIZE AND FIT
Why not try out our expert bra-fitting guide which will help you find the perfect fit from the comfort of your own home.
VIRTUAL SHOPPING
Looking for more info on the size and fit of swimwear? While our stores have reopened our team are still available to host a video call to talk you through your swimwear queries and to arrange for this to be delivered to your door.
To make your virtual shopping appointment with our team please call: +353 (0)1 617 1108 or email personalshopping@brownthomas.ie
MORE TO READ
Love a summertime dip? Learn more about appreciating our oceans in Sea Of Change.