Designers
Designers
Designers
Isa Swim
Swimwear made for the concrete jungle & treated to a day at the beach
Designers
Isadora Barnett
Key Words
SUMMARY
Isa swim was designed to promote dance, movement, & celebrate our bodies instead of constricting them. Focusing on the early 20s to 30s demographic. While pinpointing the need for a more versatile & financially accessible swim line. Created with Nylon Spandex materials to obtain the perfect shape & stretch. Sourced & created locally within New York City’s Garment District. Isa Swim has a low to mid range price point. Inspired by Grecian draping & the New York nightclub scene this is truely "swimwear made for the concrete jungle & treated to a day at the beach."
challenge
The swimwear market is an ever growing industry with a current net worth of 24.91 Billion. As of late companies such as Frankie’s Bikinis, SKIMS, Solid & Striped, Victoria’s Secret, & many others have attempted to dive into accessible swimwear. However, the inconsistency with the sizing & high price-points have been a large scale issue. Why can’t we have a product that offers proper sizing, price, functionality, & style all in one? After initially looking to tackle a one size fits all line it became clear very quickly that this wasn’t an option. Because no matter how idealistic “one size” may sound, the reality is that there is no “one size”. We as human beings will never be “one size”. As companies focus on restructuring their garments to be inclusive there's a rise in conversation around what it means to truly build an inclusive brand rather than become one. This is where my vision for Isa Swim came about, cultivating an audience, aesthetic, & product that reflected the young-adult world today. The lack of sustainable, locally sourced, mid price point, & stylish swimwear on the market has always been an issue. Growing up swimwear never fit correctly, but it was something me & my friends always accepted. Whether too big or too small there was never a perfect fit. The opportunity to create a swim line has always been a dream of mine. Pinpointing the exact desires of young adults today, Isa Swim will encapsulate what we have been waiting for.
Outcome
Isa Swim became a reality. A physical prototype, a silver bikini top that can easily be worn day to night, while providing mobility, & fit a wide array of bodies. After a plethora of designs & failed attempts of sewing, it wasn’t until my designs were on real bodies that I knew the outcome. Before the physical prototype took place I worked alongside 3 different designers to create a digital design. All 3 designers assisted with the graphic aspect, but struggled with the fit of the product. I began to realize this is because they were all men, not to their own fault, they just simply didn't understand women's clothing. After taking time to sit with a local atelier, dissecting my designs, & physically stitching together each piece of fabric…we did it. One week later, I arranged a 6 hour photoshoot filled with women dancing, eating, living, & occasionally jumping in the Isa Swim bikini top. Our wide array of styling went from full swimwear, business suits, mini skirts, to leather pants.The top was able to be adjusted in many ways, ensuring everyone had a proper fit. The confidence that radiated off of each individual who modeled the top gave me hope that I was on the right track. Feedback was received from Elle, an 18 year old NYU student, she wanted something that fit & something iconic…Isa Swim checked off those boxes. While Melissa Florez, age 27, wanted to feel secure in her swimwear, & adored Isa Swim as she felt it supported her well. This quick outcome of success addressed the reality…I’m not that far from achieving the goal I set out for. Isa Swim is in the early development period, however we are on our way.
MEET THE Designers:
Isadora Barnett