Ones to Watch In Swimwear
SOME SWIMWEAR BRANDS TO CHECK OUT THIS SEASON.
Candice Swanepoel’s supermodel background has certainly come in handy for her latest endeavor.
The founder of the swimwear line Tropic of C, which launched earlier this year, has a focus on sophisticated, classic silhouettes. The line's inaugural offering included an assortment of one-pieces that included scoop-neck styles with ribbed fabric, athletic side-striping and check prints.
“The [brand's] name comes from the idea of creating a fictional place, our own tropic, where summer never ends,” Swanepoel said.
The business has so far seen traction with the founder, noting the line's Eighties-inspired tube top and a matching high-waisted, high-leg bottom as the brand's number-one style. The Coco black bikini, rib maillot called Bo, and C one-piece bearing ultra-skinny straps have also seen strong sales.
“We bring a modern approach to vintage classics and a mix of European elegance with Brazilian ease,” Swanepoel said of why she thinks the line's been able to stand out. “We focus on distinct fits — it features a high-cut leg, some corset-type tops and references to the Eighties and Nineties.”
The materials used are sourced from Italian mills, some of which are using regenerated nylon.
Tropic of C is direct-to-consumer but is now exploring addi- tional distribution opportunities.
“We will always be very committed to this [direct] model, but we are considering partnerships with a few select boutiques or other online businesses who have a similar brand ethos and are kindred spirits,” Swanepoel said. “We want to grow our community and bring our product to our customers in real life, interact with our girls via pop-up events, trunk shows and collaborations. We learned we have lots of global customers and in order to serve them well, we need partners in different corners of the world.”
The line, which recently began showing its resort 2019 collection, ranges from $120 to $260 for one-pieces. Bottoms start at $65 with tops starting at $80. — KARI HAMANAKA