Ready to up your poolside style game? We caught up with former ballet dancer and surf babe Marysia Reeves of Marysia Swim to get the scoop on her breakout moment, which bikinis we will see all summer, and how she’s managed to amass over 100K Instagram followers…
What’s your professional background?
I have a B.S. from The University of Delaware in Exercise Physiology and from there I studied fashion design at FIDM.
How did you get your start in swimwear?
I really felt that swimwear was a category that had room for improvement, mostly in terms of fit and overall quality. As a former ballet dancer in my youth, experience as a surfer and knowledge of the woman’s body—I thought starting my own swimwear brand was the right next step.
What’s the advantage in headquartering a swimwear brand in LA?
Having an LA-based brand is perfect for a growing swimwear business and our overall brand ethos. There’s a very easygoing lifestyle here, which is reflected in my designs, and I’m also able to maintain a balanced work and family life. There’s a growing fashion scene here now that a lot more designers are moving or creating their business in LA. Also, the direct exposure to a number of LA-based bloggers, stylists, and not to mention celebs has definitely helped us.
Where do you find design inspiration?
I find inspiration in my travels and the many fashionable women I surround myself with or encounter in my day-to-day life.
Do you remember the first suit you owned that really made an impression on you?
Back in Poland, I had a little white and pink cutout one piece I wore so much it totally faded… I remember actually loving that faded look.
You launched in 2009. How has the market evolved since then?
There are more smaller boutique-sized brands now, but luckily my brand has still been able to stand out.
What was the brand’s first big success?
Our first big success came after I won the Charleston Fashion Week Emerging Designer Award in 2009. That really gave me the confidence to go on and do what I wanted.
How did you develop the scalloped style?
I just drew it one season and it stuck…buyers were asking for more.
It’s everywhere this summer—how do you explain the phenomenon?
They say it takes five years for a business to really build momentum and I believe that’s really true. Five years of hard work, setbacks, and sacrifice have helped it bloom! The design is so flattering and photogenic. People love to share.
What has been your most popular silhouette over the years?
The Antibes Bikini. Sadly other brands, big and small, have noticed and are replicating the design.
You’ve got a big following on Instagram. What’s your strategy there?
I’m really particular with Instagram and I really loved the app from the beginning. I believe our popularity with bloggers helped so much with this success.
How do you plan to grow the business for 2017?
We’ll continue what we are doing and develop more styles that are just as strong as the scalloped pieces. More resort ready-to-wear and incorporating other categories.
Have you ever thought about opening your own retail store? If so, what would it look like?
Of course! Have you seen The Row’s boutique in Melrose Place with the pool in the middle? That would be ideal!
