Browsing Tag

Swimwear

fashion Sustainable

Dubai’s Sustainable Swimwear Directory

Have you thought about your impact on our environment? Choosing sustainable swimwear is one way to be a more conscious consumer, it involves understanding where you spend your money and on what.

Sustainable swimwear fabrics are important because they help reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Sustainable materials and production processes use less water and energy, and by prioritizing durability and recyclability, the impact of swimwear on landfills and ocean pollution can be significantly diminished.

When you look at the labels in our swimwear, fabrics such as polyester and nylon are what you’ll likely find. But here’s what you can look for instead to help reduce your carbon footprint:

ECONYL: This Italian product is created from regenerated nylon collected from the landfills and oceans around the world. The primary nylon products collected which create ECONYL are things like used clothing, carpets, and nets from fishermen!

Vita PL: Made by the same people that create ECONYL. Vita PL is made of 100% recycled polyester from pre & post-consumer materials.

Repreve: This unique material is made from recycled plastic bottles and turns them into usable fibers. Used by some of the largest global brands that create fashion apparel, athletic wear, and swimwear, emitting fewer greenhouse gases during production and conserving less energy and water.

*All plastic-derived fabrics such as nylon and polyester shed dangerous microplastics into our oceans.

David Koma, Swimwear, Sustainable, sharks, ocean

Here’s my run down of Dubai’s slow and sustainable swimwear brands for you to check out:

Let’s Swim

The brand works to cultivate community projects, working collaboratively with divers, shark conservationists and charities to clean up beaches, making oceans safer for marine biodiversity and shark populations.

Salt Sister

They use premium recycled Italian fabrics for our swimwear, in collaboration with ECONYL®.

The Moeity

Making conscious and environmentally friendly choices accessible to everyone.

Solis Ecowear

Their swimwear is made and lined with 78% Recycled Polyamide and 22% LycraXtra Life, using Econyl Recycled Vita fabric.

Hunza G

Hunza G’s one size stance is not only an effort to remain an inclusive brand, but also reduces the risk of over-purchased sizing on a commercial level.

Edos

Each item is ethically made, under safe labor conditions with reclaimed Italian fabrics and small scale production. 

Cocora Boutique

Based in the UAE, all their items are proudly made in Colombia, utilizing eco-friendly practices that harmonize with the environment.

Coega

All their signature pieces, including modest swimwear, are locally made here in the UAE (reduced carbon foot print) using sustainable fabric made of ECONYL® regenerated nylon.

Veda

Made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon fibers, is not only soft and comfy but also built to stand up against all your beach adventures.

Sapia Simone

The brand works with a substantial amount of high quality, environmentally friendly fabrics and employs ethical production methods.

Second Summer

Devoted to fostering sustainability and cultivating slow fashion, styles from their swimwear are conceived from the world’s first fully biodegradable yarn. 

Oceanus (via So Much Trouble)

Each piece is made from recycled, eco-friendly materials and hand embroidered with Swarovski crystals.

 

 

 

**Updated as of November 2024**

fashion Sustainable

David Koma’s sustainable swimwear movement is called Let’s Swim

David Koma, Swimwear, Sustainable, sharks, ocean

David Koma’s sustainable swimwear movement Let’s Swim supports a love for sharks, the 80’s and the oceans.

Let’s Swim ensures ocean sustainability is their key focus, as the future of the brand lies in cultivating community projects, working collaboratively with divers, shark conservationists and charities to clean up beaches, making oceans safer for marine biodiversity and shark populations.

David Koma, Swimwear, Sustainable, sharks, ocean

David Koma’s swim and resort wear collections offer “an exploration into the cinematic ocean environment, blended with artificial intelligence and the iconic swim images of the 80’s.” Founder and Creative Director, David Koma blends their enigmatic shark logo into each of his creations.

All for the love of sharks… David Koma prefers to highlight ‘influencers’ that offer diverse experiences that fit the mission of the brand, rather than the usual consumer facing bodies such as; divers, shark enthusiasts, and ocean conservationists.

David Koma, Swimwear, Sustainable, sharks, ocean

fashion

Swimming in Luxury With Lasya

Nothing frustrates me more than putting on a new bra or swimsuit in the morning and half way through the day, something just doesn’t feel right… half the time we buy our intimates based on either looks, comfort or functionality, but I do feel we often sacrifice on at least one of these.  Introducing Lasya Intimates, a Dubai based e-tailor that curates lingerie, swimwear and even bridal lingerie too. You won’t have to worry about parking with their concierge delivery service either, one-to-one fittings ensure totally private experiences, so that you can find the right fit every time.

Whether it’s a pool party, or a weekend away, their swimwear features luxuriously gold plated detailing that’s almost too good to get wet. We caught up with the founder of Lasya Intimates Dubai, Rachel, who handpicks all of the swimwear on her site. “I love what I do and I hope it shows in the products that have been chosen.”

“…I started the business in 2017, and yes, alone. It’s been an adventure and a roller-coaster, but I have really found my passion, along with the creativity running your own business entails, and the sheer pleasure in finding beautiful pieces for our collection.  There is something immensely rewarding knowing that I am delivering a service and product that injects confidence and a sprinkling of happiness to every one of my clients.

Our name is something that took us a while to decide on. Lots of research was done to ensure that it was something that truly fit with our brand. The term ‘Lasya’ in the context of Hindu mythology, describes the dance performed by a Goddess – it expresses happiness and is filled with grace and beauty. Our aim with our collections is just that, we want to make each woman feel beautiful and the whole experience with us to feel special, right from the packaging to the product.

I strive to find pieces for my collection that truly stand out, everything I include in my collections are hand picked by me, be it for their beauty, uniqueness or because it helps to give someone confidence in what they are wearing. Our luxury swimwear collection is something we are especially proud of, we have some really unique, high-fashion pieces that stand out from the swimwear you’ll see on the high street, some with gold plated embellishments and hand finishing – the quality of the swimwear is evident as soon as you touch it and they are all super flattering.

What sets any business apart from another is the person behind it, when you run your own business it is inevitable that it will project some of your own values and ethos. I want to deliver beautiful items coupled with great service and make women feel amazing in the process, we are more than an online boutique, we give a unique touch by offering a really personal one-to-one service and we are proud of that. If you’re buying online, there is always someone around to help guide you in to making the right choice for you – we also offer a home shopping service as well as private shopping evenings and get involved in collaborative events too.

Being in the Middle East for any significant period of time changes your general perception of life. It’s a melting pot of nationalities, backgrounds and religions. I am grateful that my experiences and learnings here have added to how I think about life and naturally, my creativity.”

And finally… we want to know… one piece or bikini?

“The shapes and cut-outs that can be achieved with a one-piece are far greater than a bikini, so there is room for more variations, designs and experimental shapes. It’s also been a popular choice for celebrities and influencers, so naturally it filters through to everyone else. I personally love the one piece, I find them so flattering.”

Fitness

Don’t Run Commando With Runderwear

UK sportswear brand Runderwear officially launched in the Middle East last weekend with a poolside mini-duathlon featuring 9 locally based triathletes, who put their infamous tri-suits to the test. Runderwear is famous for it’s sports underwear with an innovative edge.

Their selection of purposefully-engineered underwear includes men’s and women’s briefs, crop tops, compression and anti-blister sports socks. Launching poolside last weekend, women’s sports bra’s and the tri-suits complete the package. Famed for their ultimate comfort and performance in the UK, there’s a wealth of events this season here in the UAE where they will most definitely (not) be seen.

What’s so special? ‘The 360-degree seamless design technology with functional flat lock edging means absolutely no chafing. At the same time, technical polyamide fabric wicks sweat away from the body quickly, keeping things dry; while the breathable fabric with micro-perforations controls air-flow. The elastane in the design works with the contours of the body, fitting perfectly and staying in place throughout a workout, and the durable non-fading fabric retains its shape and colour wash after wash.’


fashion

Shopsandia: The New Online Beachwear Boutique

We don’t really need another excuse to do some boutique shopping online do we? The ease of it all, the beautiful imagery that reels us in, the lack of changing rooms and mall traffic… so when a new site launches, especially one designed to get me in the water, i’m the first to start ‘adding to cart’.

Enter Shopsandia.com

Stocking some of the most beautiful designs from around the world, by brands you’ve probably never heard of and pieces that certainly aren’t seen sitting poolside around Nikki Beach; Mimi a la Mer, Themis, Cali Dreaming, Frescobol Carioca and Isole and Vulcani to name but a few.

But I love it when there’s a summary of the top picks, or favourites as I get overwhelmed sifting through the pages… so I’ve done the dirty work and I thought i’d help you out with my edit for the summer. From bikini’s to one pieces, there’s plenty of choices online and this boutique does not disappoint.

Here’s my top 5 pics from this gorgeous boutique swimsite:

Amuse Society
Emma Bralette Top

 

CALi DREAMiNG
SOMBRERO TOP

 

SoloBlu
Claudine

 

Mimi a la mer
Lolita – Green Print

 

SoloBlu
LADY DIVA FOLK MEDITERRANEO

 

Mimi a la mer
Mia – Sky Blue Koi

…oh and this one’s reversible too! 😉

fashion Recommended

Summer’s Here with Black Coral XO

As the weather heats up at home, you get the feeling that we’ve missed out on a season or two… after all it’s in the early 40’s already. We’re all in the mood for summer, but not ready to face the scorching sunshine that goes with it. If like me, you were looking for a little escape from the sun, that relieves some of the heat-shock with somewhat cooler currents, then I would highly recommend a weekend away in Sri Lanka. Without a doubt it’s the easiest place to pack for too, I only bring with me swimwear and flip-flops! I absolutely love Aussie online boutique Black Coral XO for their summer-personified collections, beachwear and resort wear.

Only four hours away with FlyDubai or Emirates, this Indian Ocean hotspot is the ideal weekend escape. Hop on a late night Thursday flight and be sipping coconuts by breakfast. There are plenty of boutique hotels to choose from along the coastline, but I would definitely recommend heading south to Galle as a base. Unawatuna, Mirissa, Welligama are all great places to look at, especially if surfing is on your list.

Here’s my top 5 favourite swimsuits for your weekend away:

Sweet Disposition One Piece

 

Lazy Palms One Piece

 

Summer Safari One Piece

 

Malibu One Piece

Long Island One Piece

fashion

Elena Makri Mykonos Swimwear

Grecian resort wear inspired by the myths of Mykonos that’s too good to get wet… almost. Elena Makri Mykonos swimwear and resortwear has officially landed in the Middle East and is exclusive to our favourite shopping hotspot, Harvey Nichols – Dubai.

Whilst Mykonos is a more familiar island, it’s actually Delos that originally caught the attention of designer and former editor-in-chief of Vogue Greece, Elena Makri. Delos is located just a few miles away from the more cosmopolitan Mykonos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago and is one of the most important, archeologically speaking, in Greece.

Ancient Greece and its mythological narratives are seeing a real revival through films such as Wonder Woman, brands like Ancient Greek Sandals, and there are plenty more treasures of the glory of the Greek civilisation, to be revealed in the Aegean Sea. Elena Makri, as a designer and habitant, is drawn to the legends of the land; the beauty of its artistry and the simplistic luxury of the fashions of this age old world.

Her collection draws on the almost modern expertise and craftsmanship displayed in the ancient murals and statues, ensuring each of her pieces are handcrafted and organic,  paying real attention to the functionality of the finer details, such as gilded broaches and necklaces, to ensure the the adornments are perfectly capable of being worn over and over again.

What will you be wearing in Mykonos this summer?

Recommended

Strip Off This Winter

Because it isn’t always cold in December. If you’re from the southern hemisphere you’ll probably be preparing to hit the beach rather than the slopes this winter, so if you’re looking for something with a little less fabric, we’ve spotted some gorgeous new swimwear for you to strip off for.

Creatively driven, with a touch more soul, & Other Stories is a one-stop styling destination filled with collections from three design ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles. Open at The Dubai Mall, it’s a H&M affiliate that’s just as addictive with both summer and winter collections.

With a bit more heart than your average store too, it’s great to see how brands are jumping aboard the eco-train and getting with the laundry program. Fashion is a high water-consuming industry and most fabrics end up as wastage, so with & Other Stories, you can bring your old clothes to one of their stores and they’ll give them a new life… (not currently in the U.A.E. but stay tuned.)

Here’s five gorgeous pieces from & Other Stories that’ll help persuade you strip off for our southern summer’s… it’s what we’re here for after all. Skip the clothes and adorn “spirited-hues and confidently feminine frills in figure-defining swimsuits”.

Because stripes are always a solid option.

Swimsuit aed 249

Baywatch eat your heart out.

Swimsuit aed 189

Butter wouldn’t melt.

Swimsuit aed 189

The little black swimsuit.

Swimsuit aed 189

Feeling a little more tropical…

Swimsuit aed 299

fashion

OHOY: Swimming in Plastic

Founded by locally based Scandinavians Henna and Anna, OHOY is the uber chic and ethical solution to our summer’s, created with the ocean in mind. Their one-pieces boasting the hottest SS18 shades are on our wishlist this season, as we salute these ladies for their environmentally friendly approach to our favourite piece of clothing.

Famed for their intentional simplicity and feminine yet modern lines, we are looking North for our latest fashion fix, as the Scandinavian’s are some of the most sought after designers around right now.

OHOY swimwear

All OHOY products are produced from plastic and fishing nets collected from the sea & recycled into luxurious Italian fabrics and to top it off… made here in the U.A.E..

OHOY swimwear

Tested in real-life conditions and leading the way in terms of material too, as they are twice as resistant to chlorine, sun creams and oils, when compared with other fabrics.

OHOY swimwear

fashion

Bedouin Studios X Houndsditch

It’s great that locally based brands are taking the #PLASTICfreeSEA ethos seriously. Andraya Farrag of homegrown brand BEDOUIN just took a jump into the world of swimwear, launching in collaboration with Lisbon-based, London-born brand, Houndsditch for SS18.

Houndsditch is an environmentally friendly brand that produces their collections using post-consumer recycled materials, including plastics that would otherwise end up otherwise polluting the oceans.
Bedouin X Houndsditch
“I wanted to make buying swimwear as fun as wearing it,” says Andrew Young, founder of Houndsditch.

Their gorgeous hand designed prints, with exotic hints of flora and fauna are processed into fabrics, which are then used to make the custom-made pieces. Houndsditch’s production line is predominantly made to order, which helps to further minimize fabric wastage – a relatively new concept for the conscious consumers, but one which is making a mark.
Bedouin X Houndsditch
“I couldn’t wait to join forces [with Houndstich] and create a capsule collection of swimwear that perfectly compliment and co-exist with the BEDOUIN SS18 RTW collection.” Farrag of Bedouin

Designed to be mix and matched with the ready to wear collection, the Bedouin swimwear boasts an overarching Cuban theme, whilst also influenced by the elements.
Bedouin X Houndsditch
Exuding cool tones of white, wheat, shades of pink, green warmed up occasionally with a hint of orange and contrasted by black. Leopard, beetles, moths and fantastical foliage are interwoven into an array of multi-colored prints.

*Cover image shot poolside at Vida Downtown*