I am super obsessed with a new swim line that is sexy and classy all at the same time. I love to be able to wrap around my tummy with fabrics when it comes to swim because I hate to not be able to eat or drink at the pool because I feel bloated and need to suck in the whole time. Well ladies let me introduce you to Drip Swimwear! The suits are so fun and come in lots of cute colors. For how amazing they are I am surprised of how good the price tag is only $75! I wanted to interview the lovely owner Cayla to see exactly what made it all come together.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED AND WHAT MADE YOU START DRIP SWIMWEAR?
We are a Los Angeles based brand.
I Designed the first Drip Swimwear suit last summer. It’s funny because I had just gotten back from Las Vegas, and a friend of mine invited me to a pool party. All my other swimsuits were dirty from my Vegas vacay, so I had no choice but to make one for myself! I grabbed the only fabric I could find (cheetah print) around my house, and I made it work. I wore it to the pool party, and I got so many compliments and every girl there wanted to know where I got my swimsuit from. I had no idea the response would be so great, soon after I made a few samples, and began selling them! The best part about when I started Drip Swimwear was that I had finally created a swimsuit that could fit not just my body type, but it was also comfortable, trendy, and one of a kind!
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SWIMWEAR LINES OUT THERE The unique feature that set’s Drip Swimwear apart from other swimwear lines has to be the versatility in styles and sizes. We carry sizes 0-16, and, unlike other brands, our swimwear looks just as good on a size 0 as It does a size 16. We strive to reinforce the importance of having a healthy body image by offering up to 6 ways (and counting) to tie one swimsuit, that way it works great on ALL body types. Our customers really appreciate the fact that they have all these options with just one swimsuit.
I LOVE YOUR STUFF WHATS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED THUS FAR?
Truthfully, Drip Swimwear has had an awesome season since our official re-launch this past May. However, one of the biggest challenges to date has been introducing the idea that Drip Swimwear is truly flattering for EVERY body type. Our design compliments any woman wearing it , and many of our customers send emails/ dms about how confident and sexy they felt in their Drip Swimwear. There are still a lot of women out there that need to see it, and wear it to believe it!
DO YOU ONLY HAVE ONE STYLE OF SUITS OR WILL THERE BE DIFFERENT ONES OUT SOON?
The unique design of the original Drip Swimwear is great because it can be tied about 6 different ways giving up to 6 different looks. Our main focus is to get as many women familiar with the original, and then we plan to add more versatile styles to our collection. This Spring/Summer 2015 collection will offer a few two toned versions of the original suit, and we will also offer cover-ups and limited edition beach accessories!
WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO AS FAR AS DESIGNERS?
Although Swimwear is my main focus, I would eventually like to Design wedding and couture gowns. One of my favorite dress designers is Elie Saab for his luxurious gowns. I’m also a huge fan of Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang. I would like to bring fashion forward, trend setting and innovative designs to the swimwear world the way my favorite designers have to the fashion industry.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR COMPANY IN 2 YEARS ?
I am working extremely hard to build a team of creative go getters over the next couple months to help take Drip Swimwear to the highest peak! In 2 years, I see Drip Swimwear gracing runways in New York and Paris, featured in the top fashion magazines from vogue to Marie Claire, and if my plan goes right we might even have our first contract with a major department store! We have a great product that can change the way petite, curvy, and plus size women view swimwear!
WHO IS ONE CELEB YOU WANT TO SEE IN YOUR PRODUCT?
My life would be complete when Beyonce is snapping shots of herself in Drip Swimwear on one of her fabulous vacations! Beyonce would represent the brand very well, She keeps it classy, and is always sexy and confident in whatever she wears. She is the ultimate Drip Swimwear Girl!
BIGGEST ADVICE TO ANYONE TRYING TO START A CLOTHING COMPANY?
There are a ton of things Im still learning as a designer and as a business woman, but my journey this far has definitely taught me a lot! My advice to anyone trying to start a clothing company is to do your RESEARCH and have a plan. I am really big on researching and shopping around for the best prices and best quality fabric for my product. Consumers can tell when a company took the easy way out, because the quality of the product suffers. I’ve also learned that it is important to have a great plan A-Z, I use vision boards to help me plan out concepts, marketing plans, photoshoots and launch dates for 6 months at a time. Even if things change, I always have my plan to refer back to , it keeps me organized and prepared!
WHATS THE BIGGEST PET PEEVE YOU HAVE FOR MEN AND WOMEN
My biggest pet peeve for men and women during swimsuit season is seeing them wear a swimsuit or swim trunks that don’t fit their body type. One of my favorite sayings is “feel good, look good ” and you can always tell when a man or woman doesn’t feel good in their swimsuit, because it doesn’t look good. Drip Swimwear is a great brand for encouraging women to look and feel good , so eventually we’re going to have to expand our line to encourage the fellas too!
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE SUIT FROM THE LINE THUS FAR ?
My absolute favorite piece from our SS14 collection was “Hera”. I loved the sample as soon as I saw it because of the fun texture and design of the fabric. It has a very classic look when its tied up and worn with a super cute sun hat! It was also a customer favorite because we sold out of it quick!
Cayla Presley
Designer/ Owner
Instagram-@Dripswimwear
