Fashion before function beach gear
Vancouver-based Sun Vixen targets women who are confident, stylish and love to go out
If you’ve been searching for a fashionable swimsuit that will look as stylish at a poolside party in Las Vegas as it will, well, in the water in Vancouver, you might want to check out Sun Vixen.
The Metro Vancouver-based company operates an online boutique that is stocked with “fashion-before-function” swimwear, separates and accessories — perfect for the stylish shopper who demands more from her bikini drawer.
We asked Opal Hurteau, the director of Sun Vixen, to dish the details on what makes the e-retailer different, her favourite new piece in stock, and why she felt an option like Sun Vixen was missing from the market.
Q When and why did you first start Sun Vixen?
A Sun Vixen was started out of a need my friends and I saw for a place to go in Vancouver to find fashionable swimwear that met our high standards of quality. We all love to travel to places like Las Vegas and Arizona, and we want to look as good in our swimwear as we do when we dress up to go out in the evenings. We tend to wear our swimsuit all day long and it is the only thing we have covering our bodies, so we want it to look great and be the best quality. Although there are a couple of swimwear stores in the Lower Mainland, most of them do not cater to the “Fashion before Function” crowd. Because we love pool parties, we needed a place to shop that considered fashionable bikinis and one-pieces the top priority.
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what do you sell?
A Sun Vixen is quality swimwear by luxury designers. We sell fashionable swimwear for women — stylish bikinis and one-pieces made by the best swimwear designers from around the world. Some of the designers we have in our collection have graced the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, such as Agua Bendita, Beach Bunny, Arrow & Eve, and Ondademar.
We also have dresses, coverups, footwear, sunglasses and accessories. Everything you need to complete your pool or beach look.
Q Who is your target customer?
A She is a woman who is confident, stylish and loves to go out. “See and be seen” is a phrase often attributed to her. She loves to spend time with friends and appreciates the unforgettable memories she experiences from travelling often. She also enjoys taking care of herself and spends time exercising, going to the salon, and shopping for the latest styles and trends. She is an enthusiastic online shopper. Quality is her main driver when purchasing fashionable clothing or swimwear because she sees what she wears as a reflection of herself.
Q What makes Sun Vixen different from other swimwear/resort retailers?
A Sun Vixen offers fashion-firstswimwear that meets a high standard of quality. The swimsuits you find here will last for years and never stretch out of shape.
Many styles are reversible, which means you get two suits in one — perfect for a weekend getaway where you are only taking a carry-on bag.
We have swimwear and accessories all year round, so you always have somewhere to shop before you go on vacation, even in the winter months.
Q What is the price range for your collections?
A Our average price range is $90 to $110 for a bikini top or bottom, and $180 to $220 for a set; a one-piece swimsuit is $160 to $220; beach dresses and coverups are $90 to $170; sunglasses and accessories are $30 to $70; and footwear $40 to $150.
Q Which brand/item are you most excited about this season, and why?
A
Right now, we absolutely love reversible swimwear because you get two suits for the price of one! In particular we love Arrow & Eve because of their boho chic style.
Q Where can people check Sun Vixen out?
A Sunvixen.comQ Lastly, what’s next?
A
A couple of things: We are bringing in new brands and styles for the resort season starting this fall. Some will be at lower price points to appeal to a broader audience, but still meet our criteria of exceptional quality. We are also looking at the 2019 collection, which will start arriving just in time for next spring.
We want to look as good in our swimwear as we do when we dress up to go out in the evenings.” Opal Hurteau