DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SERIES: MEET MARIA REMEDIOS, HEAD SIREN OF SWELL OBSESSED SWIMWEAR

SWELL OBSESSED SWIMWEAR
Interview with Maria Remedios, Head Siren & Founder 

SWC: Maria, tell me about your brand and how you became a swimwear designer.

MR: Swell Obsessed Swimwear is a whimsical, contemporary women's swimwear line, centered in imagination and versatility. We are anything but basic, SOS's trademark seamless designs are multi-functional and versatile. Our pieces are transitional both in and out of the water and can be worn from day to night. The ethos of our brand is that it is inspired by adventure, love, beauty, magic, and freedom, we encourage women to daydream, create, take chances, risk it all, and start looking at their life in a new way.

I was born in sunny Puerto Rico, and raised as an island girl down to the core. Whether it's been chasing swells, riding waves, sailing, scuba diving, or paddleboarding, I've spent my fair share of time outdoors and in a swimsuit. Swimwear for me has naturally become a way of life and essential to my everyday wardrobe. As a teenager, I started pursuing my interests in creative outlets such as photography, sewing, painting, drawing, and design. I received an education that cultivated creative skill sets by completing my undergraduate degree at Parsons School of design and my graduate degree at California College of the Arts. As a woman and mother, I have felt my body and it's curves gradually expand and contract. As a designer, I aim to offer premium products that function as a second skin, garments with comfort and ease, yet also adapt to water conditions and a woman's evolving shape. As a daydreamer and artist, I aim to entertain and amuse my audience through storytelling elements derived from imaginary worlds made up in my head.

SWC: I think you’ve painted a pretty clear picture, but if you had to define her even more, how would you describe the SOS customer?

MR:   The SOS Woman has been forged by her experiences; she is feminine but strong, playful, and comfortable in her own skin. She is a wild child at heart with an insatiable appetite for life.  Comfort-driven but never shy on style, SOS pieces have become the go-to for women who crave quality, smart design, and a dreamy overtone.

SWC: I noticed some gorgeous illustrations on your site - can you tell me about those? Did you draw them?

MR:  Yes! The world of Swell Obsessed tells the story of a deserted magical island of imaginary girls that inspire the design & creative process for SOS.  Each character has her own personality and lifestyle that relates back to parts of my own story.  Some are reminiscent of stages I’ve been through.  Others I interpret as phases or experiences I aspire to live up to.  Each one is unique and holds a special quirk near and dear to my heart.

I do all the illustrations (and animations), as well as each girl’s mood board and Q&A on her page. My hope is they inspire our audience to dream more often, embrace their own story, and live their lives to the fullest as well.  It’s meant to suggest a different way to shop for our customers and give some backbone/personality to a silhouette or design that emerges from each girl. 

Online you can click on different tiles through our “MEET THE GIRLS” page and they will lead you to one specific girl’s collection.  In-person these garments have a hangtag featuring a sketch and bio of the girl, with the intention of attributing a storytelling element to each product as you browse through it on a retail rack. It’s just a nuanced approach to introducing the brand and it’s core values in a slightly more personalized way.

SWC: How has the pandemic affected your business?

MR: Well, we were affected by canceled photoshoots, delays in production, and an increase in the price of elastic. We were also about to get approved to attend  SWIMSHOW this year, and that’s been canceled.

I had some extra free time on my hands so I sped up the creation of a product that was in the works for us, the rope kini. The idea itself was born before the pandemic started, however, given the increase in the cost of elastic and delays in production I started sewing these pieces myself and launching small production runs. 

But because creativity and dreaming are not on hold,  we partnered with ELITE Miami and created a virtual fashion show, allowing everyone to work from home.

I’d say the Pandemic has been an opportunity for me to continue exercising my creative muscles and push myself to be relentless. Great characteristics you need for this business.

Very inspirational and exciting!! Swim Obsessed has just released its NEWEST Collection!! We are thrilled to share their SUMMER 20: SUMMER OF SIRENS Lookbook below:

For additional information on Swell Obsessed Swimwear check them out here:

SWELLOBSESSED.COM
IG: @SWELLOBSESSED
FB: @SWELLOBSESSED

And if you are a buyer or media who would like to get in touch with Maria, you can reach her swellobsessed@gmail.com