coutorture --

JETS By Jessika Allen Designer Interview

coutorture — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:05:57 -0700

The thing about swimwear is that, no matter the print, it must fit well. Sure, we can wear harem trousers, oversized vintage frocks, or our boyfriend's t-shirts and the fit doesn't really matter much--the fact that it kind of looks bad, well, kind of makes it look good. The same does not hold true for swimwear. What makes this even more difficult is that it's as close to being naked in public as Westerners ever come (with the exception of gals who strut the MePa catwalks) and so our vulnerability makes the whole process that much more sensitive. We fell in love with JETS with that idea in mind. Her fit, above everything else, is really outstanding. It's the kind of swimwear that gives you generous coverage in the back (when the suit calls for it) and hugs your midsection so that you feel held in and rather flawlessly curvaceous. Our model, being that she was (we will be honest) a mere fourteen years old, definitely benefited from the JETS fit. In mere minutes she was transformed into a proper women and though we sometimes have mixed feelings about making young girls look like old girls, we do think the point is that a good swimsuit is one that has enough power to make us feel extra-woman. No matter our age or body type or nervousness about being so uncovered. We had a quick chance to catch up with a rep for JETS by Jessika Allen who gave us the rundown on the line.

The swimsuits are very flattering and appropriate for women of all ages. How does the Jets by Jessika Allen design process differ to that of a normal swimwear line?
Jets by Jessika Allen understands that every woman is unique. Our approach is to create smooth lines around the body, thereby creating a seamless look. We source luxurious fabrics from all around the world that twist and drape around the body to create the most flattering, sleek shapes. It’s the hidden secrets inside the garments, the ones not visible to the eye. The behind-the-scenes structural detail provides the self assurance of a perfectly cut swimsuit, sitting on the body like a second skin. The Jets by Jessika Allen philosophy is ”To enhance every women’s natural curves to create the most flattering silhouette; each piece becomes a unique creation, which looks as if it has been designed especially for you”

What other Jets by Jessika Allen pieces, aside from swimwear, are available? Are these places for you to grow the brand?
This season’s new range of outerwear is masterfully designed in co coordinating print and plains. Kaftan styles are romantic in floaty silk georgette, silk cotton, must have fluid viscose and lustre cocktail dresses, are luxurious to wear and will ensure the perfect, ultimately stylish outfit from poolside to party. Looking at the appropriate areas for Jets by Jessika Allen™ to expand the brand is something we are always doing.

Can you tell us a little bit about the atmosphere during Miami Swim?
Each year Jets attends the Miami Swim Show. Throughout the four day event we present our collection to department stores and boutiques from all around the world. Even though we work long hour’s everyday, which at times is tiring and a little stressful, we love and look forward to our trip to Miami every year.

One piece or two? What's the JETS pick for the beach?
The one piece is one of Jets signature designs, so it is always an integral part of the collection. The one piece swimming costume is about style & sophistication. Bikinis may be more revealing, but sometimes what you don’t show is far more alluring.

Bikini Round Up

coutorture — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:46:28 -0700

Those of us who don't opt to sweat it out on that silvery tarmac that covers most Manhattan rooftops, will probably be heading for the beach or lake or some other body of water for the weekend. Below, our list of the best suits based on the 'Can I eat a hotdog in this?' judgement system. What tops our list? The Roberto Cavalli Freedom Bikini. First off, those four words have a brilliant cadence to them (try whispering it in someone's ear and you'll see). In fact, from now on we're going to start replacing the word 'cool' with 'Roberto Cavalli Freedom Bikini' just 'cause. Like, 'Wow, that PS1 party was so Roberto Cavalli Freedom Bikini' (well said, man, well said). We digress. Anywho, it's a denim bikini with little tiny pockets down by the hips (just like jeans!) and an underwire top. We think it might be perfect for the more curvaceous among us, especially those who want to rock that whole pin-up girl thing via a printed scarf and red lipstick. If you'd rather go one-piece or otherwise, there's more to covet below.

Surf To Swim

coutorture — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:40:58 -0700

Surfing before you swim is the way to go for the shy beachgoer, surfing online we mean! The It Lists has an impressive guide to swimwear online that we think may just be the key to looking good on the beach this summer. We personally find that trying on swimsuits in a store is a sure way to feel depressed about your body no matter how much time to dedicate to pilates. The glare of the lights, the way even the tiniest bit of cellulite makes you look like you have an orange for an ass, and the all too often condescending attitudes of the sales girls don't exactly make swimsuit shopping the traditional way a real blast. We are particularly enamored of the Everything but Water Monokini. The bikini has been a tricky subject as of late which makes our interest in the monokini somewhat controversial. But we can't help but share a few of our favorites.

For More Shoutouts Click Here

Interview With Layla Pakzad Of Salt Swimwear

coutorture — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:31:02 -0700

If there's anyone you can trust to put out a swimwear collection that's as beach-ready as it is fashionable it's Layla Pakzad of Salt Swimwear. Her line, started just a few years back, offers one and two-piece swimsuits in solid colors with dual functionality. The two-piece we're particularly found of is the Ruffle Triangle Top with removable neck straps for tanning. The first tanning lesson we learned, back in the 9th grade, was to get those headphones chords and bathing suit straps out of the way, and Pakzad has made it possible to do so with out looking like a fish out of water (squirming to to get them off). As for one-pieces, the Sienna Ruffle One Piece (left) proves that Salt knows a thing or two about being sweet as it's just about the only time we've seen an exposed belly button without thinking it looks kind of tacky. Check out our interview with Pakzad, the designer of Salt Swimwear, and our spread of her collection below.

What separates Salt from other swimwear lines?
Salt is unique because it fits the needs of many women. Our cuts are created to compliment all body types and our colors are chosen to match all skin tones. We design for the people.

With a background in fashion (everything from studying design to being a rep) do you think you'll ever expand the line to include more than swimwear?
Yes, Salt is soon to include beachwear. We have been cooking up some sexy day to night numbers. I love the idea of having pieces that you can effortlessly wear off the beach and into the sultry night..

What is the most challenging aspect of designing swimwear?
The fit! Especially for the one-piece. Everyone has a torso with a different length, so it is hard to gauge what would be best for all.

I know you are based on the West Coast, where swimwear is always in season, however, is there still a strong discrepancy between the winter and summer months? How do you prepare for these shifts in demand?
Salt is based in Venice Beach, California where swim is always in. There is definitely a proper swim season, but we are busy year round. During our slower months of August and September we turn our focus on promoting the brand.

What is something that most people don't know about having your own line (specifically swimwear)?
I think one big misconception about having your own line is the amount of time you actually get to spend designing. I design about 10% of the time and the other 90%, everything from A to Z...

Finally, one piece or two? Your preference on the beach.
That is a tough one. On the beach I would have to say, bikini. You just feel so youthful and free in a bikini. I do have to admit, I am a huge fan of wearing a one-piece out at night coupled with a great pair of high-waisted jeans.

Surfer Girl

coutorture — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:48:00 -0700

Everyone is into one piece swimsuits it would seem. The bikini has been banished in favor of the newly trendy sleek one piece. But we want to bring back the bikini. In fact, the look we have in mind is almost universally flattering for any body type. We call it the Surfer Girl. Perhaps we have overly romanticized the legend of the surfer girl from Susan Orlean's Surfer Girls of Maui to The Beach Boys. But there is something about the combination of masculine board shorts and teeny tiny bikini tops that looks good on all bodies. Big breasted women get to show off their assets, big thighed women get to cover up, and the skinny minnies get a chance to look a little more athletic than their slim frame would suggest. But its not about the silhouette so much as the ethos of the Surfer Girl. Even if you don't have a perfect beach body the look still says I'm free from any societal projections or cultural ideals. You are simply on the beach to have a good time, play a game of volleyball, hit the waves with your board. And that very nonchalance is what makes the look so alluring. Just remember the words of Susan Orlean from Surfer Girls Of Maui.

I suppose, because when you are young and on top of the world you can love anything you want, and just the fact that you love it makes it cool and fabulous.

We say you don't need to be young, just ready to accept that you are at the top of the world and you love this look. That is why the Surfer Girl look is so cool and fabulous.

L.A. Fashion Week: Recapping The Rest

coutorture — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:52:43 -0700

We brought you our picks from the first few days of L.A. Fashion Week, and now that the week has commenced, here's our roundup of the rest. From Wednesday through Friday a dozen or so designers showed their West Coast versions of Fall 08, and our favorites among them were DDC LAB and Ashleigh Paige. Los Angeles Fashion Week isn't something we have a whole lot to say about but there are a few designers who deserve a little extra recognition. This season, DDC LAB for innovation and Ashleigh Paige for costumery. Funnily enough, these designers showed Fall 08 from the two Los Angeles angles we actually can relate to, namely environmental awareness and old hollywood glamour.

DDC LAB: Designers Roberto Crivello and Savania Davies Keiller showed their DDC Lab Fall 08 collection during L.A. Fashion Week. The draw of their collection, given the basic aesthetic, is in their innovation with fabric and functionality. Blazers that block UV rays, charge your mobile phone, or are otherwise made from environmentally friendly textiles like cork, make for a simple but intelligent statement. The mens and womenswear line for Fall 08 was utility based with that sort of Diesel aesthetic that appeals to twenty somethings who like their fashion simple, modern, and heavy on charcoal and black. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.

Ashleigh Paige: This Fall 08 season Ashleigh Paige showed her Fall 08 collection and convinced Los Angeles that what might be considered 'high end lingerie' is more accurately 'couture swimwear'. The delicate ensembles have questionable authority when it comes to actually submerging oneself in water but, as we know, not every bathing suit donning fashionista likes to swim in the first place. Some, that is, like to lounge under umbrellas with a good book. Swimsuits lined or not, Paige does an excellent job of vamping up your average underthings and giving them that old hollywood appeal that is highly classy however marketable. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.

Retro Sun

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:10:38 -0800

The hazy grey skies and biting winds of winter make it easy to imagine warm days on the beach. Luckily The Style Ledger is readying for a Mexican getaway with retro inspired one piece swimsuits and accessories.