MARA HOFFMAN x A L O H A

It is no secret that Mara Hoffman is one of our absolute favorite artists in swimwear. Here is her newest campaign for the Aloha collection.

ALOHA- Mara Hoffman from mara hoffman on Vimeo.

OUR PICKS>>>shop here.

May 17, 2013 | Categories: Designer, Featured Designers, Inspiration, Inspired Style, Shop | Tags: , , , , | Leave A Comment »

SINGLE FIN x R O A M HAWAII LAUNCH VIDEO

Hawaii natives Brooke Dembrowski and Cassandra Rull of Roam Hawaii  launch their new capsule collection “Single Fin.” Neon fringe, poms poms and retro patterns rule this summer in Hawaii!!

SINGLEFIN from Brooke Dombroski on Vimeo.

 

 

May 16, 2013 | Categories: Designer, Featured Designers, Inspired Style | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

GET TO KNOW | ESTUARIES SWIMWEAR NYC

We were drawn to the Estuaries line for its beach meets urban vibe. This Brooklyn based collection is a direct reflection of the sister team behind the brand. Growing up on the beaches of Hawaii to then living in New York, these two sisters have created a line perfectly mixed with beach and city. Here are some of our favs..

BB: When did you launch Estuaries and what sparked its creation.                                                                    Estuaries: We launched June 2011.  We created this collection because we wanted to integrate that Hawaii beach lifestyle we miss so much, into our city life in New York.

BB: How would you describe the look/vibe of your the brand?
Estuaries: It is a blend of fashion and sport that turns our head slightly back
in time. We emphasis on clean lines to enhance the shape of the
woman’s body, revealing the most flattering parts of her figure.
BB: How does your Hawaii background fused with your New York lifestyle translate in your collection?
The Hawaii lifestyle really inspired our collection as much of our childhood and adulthood was spent in the sun and sand. The Estuaries collection takes us back in time to our younger days at the beach. We wanted to bring this nostalgia to our current city life now.
BB: What keeps you both inspired throughout the day?
The idea of making something new and sharing it is really exciting and motivating.
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Currently listening to.. Jose Gonzales solo piano, it’s a relaxing way to drift into a creative mode.
The last show I went to was…Diana Vreeland, an inspiring film about the amazing editor of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue
Favorite artist… Pipilotti Rist
Favorite quiet spot in NY… Brooklyn Bridge Park, with the perfect views of the East River, the city and the bridges
Favorite restaurant… Mariposa inside the Neiman Marcus Ala Moana, breathing views especially during sunset hours
Go-to accessory… currently loving this Falbalas Saint Junien hat from last Paris trip
Won’t leave home without…. Laura Mercier Mascara
Beach bag necessity…. Sunscreen is a must.  We like La Roche-Posay, it’s extremely liquid-y and feels like water when applied
Beauty essential… Ola Hawaii’s Passion Fruit Citrus – Body Butter, an essential in New York especially during our dry winters and reminds us of home :)
Last destination… Paris, France
Next stop…Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for some R&R
Biggest Inspiration.. our grandmother is always loving, amazing and inspiring
Words to live by… always live with passion and do what you love
Shop Estuaries here and look out for instagram giveaway of Estuaries’ exclusive Intermix bikini!!

May 15, 2013 | Categories: Designer | Leave A Comment »

CHILD OF WILD | EILEEN LOFGREN

We got to catch up with Eileen Lofgren; artist, jewelry collector, skull designer, humanitarian and the beauty and the brain behind company CHILD OF WILD. The San Diego native launched CHILD OF WILD a little over a year and is already becoming a major go-to for ethnically authentic jewelry from around the globe. And yet the brand is much more than jewelry, a big focus for Lofgren is to acknowledge the artist and cultural tradition behind these beautiful works of art…

BB: What spawned the brand, how did you get into jewelry, art, etc..

C of W: It was two separate directions that happen to merge into one. In college I had a Bulls Skull from a flea market hanging over my bed and with my ever wandering mind I figured.. why not use it as a canvas. Now I have included researched inspirations into my artwork and every single thing I put on the skulls has a meaning. My jewelry came organically when I was getting REALLY annoyed at some major jewelry designers who literally were ripping EXACT designs from culturally laden jewelry. My Ethiopian collection and Native American collection speaks volumes as to what I am trying to do. You see these designs copied everywhere but to the cultures themselves they mean so much more then just making a profit. They reflect generations of tradition and pride. I wanted to do the research and present my clients with authentic jewelry that give artistic credit. Pamela Love and Unearthen Jewelry are the two brands I have TONS of respect for their original, beautiful designs.

BB: What is CHILD of WILD all about?

C of W: Child of Wild is about awareness in this wild urban jungle we live in. I prefer collected outfits over designed outfits. I want my clients to feel a connection to the pieces that speaks to them and wear them knowing they are apart of a culture bigger then any of us. I was a Humanities major in college, which I think gives me the edge… I come at this not with a business mindset, but a mindset that sees the full circle of our actions and how beautiful and diverse the creative human mind really is and that is who we should be supporting.. Not the over produced cheap shit.

BB: Your skulls!!! Explain please…how did this come about?

C of W: Skulls are rad.. they are a little bit trendy at the moment but I think they are here to stay for awhile. I have a weird infatuation with a Hindu deity Mother Kali: who is interpreted at the reminder of time and death. I think it is an interesting idea to hang something that literally exemplifies death, a skull or bone, and call it beautiful. Subconsciously, maybe we like to mask the idea of death with pretty jewels and things ? : )

BB: How does child of wild reflect who you are?

C of W: I hope it reflects awareness, an interest in cultures and their meaning. It’s a very free spirited idea with an emphasis on love. I am all about flying your freak flag !!! be who you are and love what you do and respect everyone around you. There is nothing more attractive then confidence and a good heart. I know my clients have that.

BB: Where are you from? Does this play into the aesthetic that is Child of Wild, your personal aesthetic?

C of W: I am from a little bit of everywhere, I moved all over the country when I was younger and then San Diego for college. I was very fortunate to be able to travel to other countries as well to get a taste of how big the world is. California plays a big part on my aesthetic… we are so lucky to be surrounded by sunshine, nature and happy good looking people. In LA people are much more daring and much more aggressive. Which I LOVE ! My personal aesthetic is feminine with a little devil: silks and leather, black lace, vixen heels… Gotta have an edge and LA is prime for that.

BB: Where can we get our hands on your pieces?

C of W:  Hot topic at the moment. Of course there is my website www.childofwild.com But I am also in conversations with some major online stores for a curated collection of vintage or tribal jems and potentially some exclusives. Ill keep you posted ; )

BB: What’s next for Child of Wild?

C of W: Bones: IM SO EXCITED ! I am starting a featured artist section for my cow skulls where I lend out bones to prominent artist to do their thang ! Then I will feature some samples of their art work and inspirations on the website. 5% of bone sales will go to a charity of their choice or my charity: Local Kipp programs that encompass art into their school curriculum.

Jewelry: Keep growing… I am working on curating an amazing Egyptian line as well and trying to get a guys line together.. think vintage Native American Bolo ties and rings and Ethiopian Tuareg jewelry … guys are always left out when it comes to jewelry. Trying to fix that.

 

• Currently reading…. “Richest man in Babylon” -

• Currently listening to… “Fume” I seriously cannot get enough of him. Depending on the day you will walk by my studio and hear the likes of Nico, Die Antwoord, Neil Young, Jefferson Airplane, Sigur Ros, Nicholas Jarr, Devendra etc. etc. …. I am seriously all over the place. I don’t do country though.. I just cant.

• Currently browsing…(website, blog, etc) Bikini Bird (duh), Moon to Moon, Oracle Fox, Colossal and who doesn’t love Spell & the Gypsy Collective. HUGE on Pinterest and health blogs (I’m way into how f*cked up our food industry is)

• A show to never miss…(art, music, etc) RADIOHEAD !!!!! I’ve seen them live twice its such such a trip. Saw Moby DJ at Coachella and that was AMAZING.

visit CHILD OF WILD here 

May 08, 2013 | Categories: Designer | Leave A Comment »

Rip Curl Swimwear | Tiki Goddess Bikini

The Rip Curl Tiki Goddess bikini is definitely going to be one of our summer favorites.  It’s bright colors, eye catching print and wearable yet sexy cut make it a perfect mix of style and function. We both spend a lot of time in the water, whether we are surfing or jumping in for a morning dip, and this bikini is the perfect go-to suit to look cute while still being active.  We are also loving that we can pair this festival ready bikini with our favorite cut-offs, worn-in ankle boots and bohemian coverup making it perfect for summer festivities…

image by Tahiti Huetter

Apr 26, 2013 | Categories: Designer | 2 Comments »

Bikini Bird Editorial | Salton Sea

photography by Taylor Dunfee

Apr 17, 2013 | Categories: Bikini Bird Editorials | 2 Comments »

Clover Canyon | Summer Swim 2013

We are blowing our minds over the Summer Swim Collection from Clover Canyon. It’s always refreshing to see a brand that is so bold, unique and wearable at the same time. Here are some of our favorites.


Shop collection here 

Apr 15, 2013 | Categories: Designer | Tags: , , | Leave A Comment »

BIKINI BIRD X RAEN OPTICS EDITORIAL

We had a blast collaborating with RAEN Optics to shoot their amazing spring and summer collections.  We pulled in some of our favorite brands, including TAVIK, TYLER, MIKOH, ACACIA and MINIMALE ANIMALE to help show off the incredible sunnies through the lense of photographer Taylor Dunfee.


Photographer

Taylor Dunfee

@tsdvision

Model

Kylie Cusick

@kyliecusick

MUA

Nicole Walmsley

@nikanicole

RAEN OPTICS

SWIMWEAR/JEWELRY

Acacia, Mikoh, Minimale Animal, TAVIK, Tyler Rose

Child of Wild, Concrete Polish, Dinosaur Bones, Vanessa Mooney

SHOP RAEN’s SPRING COLLECTION HERE.

SUMMER COLLECTION AVAILABLE 5/15

Apr 10, 2013 | Categories: Designer | Leave A Comment »

AILA BLUE “Splendour in the Sand” Preview

We are beyond excited for the release of the  vibrant Aila Blue “Splendour in the Sand” collection. We had a chance to catch up with designer/owner Mai Miyama. She shares her thoughts of travel, designing in Bali and some of her latest obsessions. VISIT @BIKINIBIRD on INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK for information on the AILA BLUE GIVEAWAY with @Soleilblue.

Bikinibird: It’s so great catching up with you during the launch of your new collection.  As a true jetsetter, originally from the South Bay,CA , currently living  in Australia and spending a lot of time in Bali (including having a beautiful wedding in Uluwatu this year) How do these destinations and travel influence your design?

Mai Miyama: Travel influences my design in different ways. Places like Australia are so fashion forward and distinct in aesthetic that you can’t help but be inspired. Fashion Week in Sydney is my favorite. Besides catching the latest collections on the runways, you see it all put together in the most amazing street style. Sydneysiders might be some of the most fashionable girls in the world.
And then there is Bali, which in its own right is extremely fashion forward. Bali is the creative capital of Southeast Asia. And artists from Europe, North America, South America, Australia and beyond all come to create. It is an eclectic society of expats that converge in an explosion of fashion, art, music, and culinary wonders. That of course is one side of Bali. The other side is the intrinsic nature and culture that defines what it means to be Balinese. Obviously you can find great inspiration in local textiles and artisan craft, but I’m most inspired by their way of life. This is where true inspiration lies for me. Every day is about rituals, beauty and smiles. I love the simplicity. I love the smiles. There is so much creative energy there.For me, everything returns to my roots, my home, Southern California. The world inspires me. I absorb it and love it. But it always brings me home. There is something so relaxed and easy about California living. I think So Cal fashion is the epitome of ‘form follows function’. We’re stylish girls but we appreciate comfort and versatility. We like clothing that goes from beach to dinner. My designs always return to this principle.
BB: What’s a day in the life of being the designer/owner of Aila blue?
MM: At the moment its hectic!! I’m currently in Bali designing SS 2014 but also getting ready to launch SS 2013! Store orders are going out this week and our new website is about to launch any day. All this between fittings, sourcing fabrics, Denpasar traffic. And my husband is here with me. So I’m trying to have work/life balance!
Right now I’m sharing a villa with the Acacia Swimwear girls and we train in the mornings together. My husband, an ex NRL footy pro, has been taking us through some intense crossfit sessions in our yard. I have extreme hate for him in that 20 minutes! Sorry baby, you know I love you!
We usually have a nice breakfast somewhere nearby. A fresh local coconut and red rice porridge with tropical fruit at Betelnut Cafe. Emails, Instagram and Facebook at breakfast. The rest of the day is spent running between factories for fittings and checking on production. We spend time in Denpasar sourcing new textiles and materials. Every season we design shoes to complete the collection so we visit leather houses for new colors and textures. New orders for our SPLENDOUR IN THE SAND collection are going out this week so the factory is very very busy!
Today I plan to treasure hunt for styling materials to shoot our SS 2014 collection. We have a very exciting shoot planned in Byron Bay in May with our favorite photographer Sybil Steele. And Bali has the most perfect little treasures to complete our story.
I always try to wrap up my day by sunset. My husband and I ride the motorbike to Echo Beach for bintangs and a moment to unwind. If we’re feeling fancy we’ll meet friends at Potato Head for mojitos. I think enjoying the sunset is a very important part of the day. It is a moment of reflection and peace. All things in life have rhythm, continuity and ritual. With rituals we honor the passing of time and the celebration of milestones. Each day is a milestone and a simple sunset is an excellent way to celebrate this.
BB: How is it designing and producing in Bali? Does it ever get challenging being in a foreign country?
 MM: The beauty and the beast of working in Bali. The biggest challenge in Bali is the very thing that makes it so beautiful. That everything is handmade. This creates variations which I mostly find beautiful and unique. Except in rare moments when 500 yards of high grade silk are accidentally ruined during the silk screening process. Or when the rain does not stop for 3 weeks straight and no printing can take place as the fabric must dry in the sun! But these challenges are the reason I choose Bali. Everything here is made with love, not just machines. That is beautiful.
BB: Any other place you have traveled this year that we should know about? Or a place you want to travel next?
MM: My husband and I spent Christmas in the Whitsundays on Hamilton Island. We snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef and ate freshly caught barramundi and mud crabs. It was heaven!
Later this year we are finally taking our honeymoon. We’ll be checking out Morocco and spending time in our favorite cities such as Tuscany and Madrid. And a little cliché stop in Paris so we can kiss under the Eiffel Tower and see my favorite Monet Waterlilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie
BB: What inspired you to start AB?
MM: Aila Blue was born of a broken heart and my love affair with the island of Bali. My ex-fiancé first brought me to Bali in 1996. He was just my highschool boyfriend then. Fast forward nearly a decade later and we were engaged and spending 3 months a year living in Bali. I knew I wanted to create something but it wasn’t until 2009 when that long love affair ended and I came to Bali for healing. It was then that Aila Blue was born. I poured the fragments of my heart into its creation and Bali mended me and gave me life’s dream. I also met my husband in the process! Everything in life happens the way its meant to.
BB: The meaning of Aila blue is so beautiful, can you explain what the name means? Also, how would you describe the Aila blue girl?
MM: Aila Blue means Love of the Ocean and Sky. The word ‘Ai’ in Japanese means LOVE. ‘La’ for THE in Spanish. And Blue represents the OCEAN and SKY. The Aila Blue girl is a modern bohemian spirit. Feminine and classic with a playful side. The perfect balance of elegance and boho chic.
 BB: How do you come up with your iconic poppy prints and colors?
MM: I’m very drawn to vibrant colors. I adore pastels and love a strong jewel tone. I think spending the summers in Japan as a child really lend to my love of prints. I loved the beautifully adorned kimonos my grandmother would wear with patterns of cherry blossoms and butterflies. I’m also very inspired by the traditional ikat prints of Indonesia. Each collection I create a new custom ikat print inspired by vintage sarongs and textiles. Every print you see is original and designed by me.
 BB: Tell us a little about your new collection? Any current trends to be excited about? What would you consider the stand out pieces in your line?
The new collection is called SPLENDOUR IN THE SAND. It comes from one of my favorite black and white films ‘Splendor in the Grass’ with Warren Beaty and Natalie Wood. The collection is a throwback to the 60′s and of forbidden love. Mod shift dresses with puff sleeves and tailored seperates with gold detail. Combined with our signature ruffles, playful cutouts and unique details. In splashes of lime, indigo and mint with a new ikat print.
Its our first season of separates and we’re experimenting with suede. You can’t look past our signature bamboo knit poncho and the fox dress will be a wardrobe staple. We love playful details and cuts which you’ll find in our backless pieces as well as rompers and jumpsuit.
BB: What do you see next for Aila Blue?
MM: I want to continue to make girls feel feminine and beautiful. We have some exciting things up our sleeves for next year. But first you get to enjoy this collection. It was a labor of love, as always. Made possible by all of you.

OBSESSIONS OF THE MOMENT:
Hotel — The Istana private villa in Uluwatu, Bali. Better than a hotel. My husband and I spent a week here while hosting our wedding along the property’s beautiful cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Beach — Vlassof Cay, Great Barrier Reef
Sunglasses  – My cateye sunnies. “WOLVES” by Valley Eyewear
Swimsuit — I live in my Acacia’s. But I love my custom white fringe Acacia that Naomi made me as a wedding gift.
Sunscreen — I’ve used Shiseido for years. Its my go to.
Drink — Fresh coconuts
Beach bag — Aila Blue ikat tote bag.
Accessory — My Anna Beck jeweled cuff.

Anna Beck Jewelry

The Istana Villas, Bali

Wolves, Valley Eyewear

SHOP Aila Blue, Splendour in the Sun 2013

 

 

Mar 27, 2013 | Categories: Featured Designers, Inspiration | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

FEATURED COLLECTION | TALLOW SWIMWEAR

We might just have a new obsession…TALLOW SWIMWEAR….. drooling.

see more here

Mar 21, 2013 | Categories: Designer | Leave A Comment »