AGUA BY AGUA BENDITA
I first noticed this brand on Shopbop several weeks ago and immediately fell in love with this dress. I ordered it in a small, but was shocked to discover how small it ran! I couldn’t even zip it up half way! Sadly, when I went back to order the medium it had already sold out. Womp womp. I’m keeping my eye on it though! The print is to die for! This dress is nearly identical, just with a tropical tree print instead of flowers, but I’m still gonna hold out for the other if I can! The swim and beachwear brand was created by two Colombian women, Catalina Alvarez and Mariana Hinestroza. Their country heavily influences their designs, and they help support the local economy by employing hundreds of Colombian artisanal workers (women!) to create each piece. A few favorite styles in their current collection include the aforementioned dress, this shell-print bikini and this ruched-sleeve linen dress. You can shop more of their pieces on Shopbop, Moda Operandi and Revolve.
ANAAK
If you’re looking for comfort and color, don’t miss this carefree label! Artist and textile designer Marissa Maximo works with artisans in rural India and Bolivia to craft her pieces in small batches – her commitment to social and environmental impact makes this brand an eco-friendly and ethical option to shop! A few of my fave styles include this cotton-gauze dress, this off-shoulder maxi, these soft white shorts and this red + hot pink wrap dress. Shop the collection on Matches Fashion, Revolve and Intermix!
BANJANAN
The dress I am wearing in this post is by this new-to-me label! The name “Banjanan” is derived from the Hindi word for “wanderer”, which definitely feels on brand for me. The founder and designer, Caroline Weller, has lived on three continents, but found her inspiration in Jaipur India where she continues to source and produce all of her pieces. Her collection is full of vibrant colors/prints in unique and flattering silhouettes, much like the one you see here. A few other favorites include this, this and this. Shop her collection on Shopbop, Moda Operandi, Tuckernuck and on their own website!
BELIZE
This brand was born by two women who met while working in Stella McCartney’s design studio in London. You can expect unfussy styles, hand-loomed custom textiles and fine Italian and Indian fabrics with this label. There’s definitely a 60’s appeal to their pieces, from the retro colors down to the carefree silhouettes! A few pieces on my wish list include this colorful seersucker midi dress, this ruffle trim camel top, and this checked off-shoulder dress. Right now the pieces are only available online at Matches Fashion, but they are stocked at a variety of boutiques around the world – get the list here. PS – this dress would be SO perfect for UT games this fall!
CAROLINA K
I’d seen this brand online before, but it wasn’t until I saw it in person at a boutique in Charleston that I was so drawn to it! The colors, prints and embroidery were so brilliant and captivating. The one piece that really caught my eye was this one-piece bathing suit. The print was so distinctly different! The colors are pretty on the site, but they are much more bold and saturated in person – so fun! The brand was actually created back in 2002 by an Argentinian musician and designer, Carolina Kleinman – she merges vintage and modern elements to create darling shapes in apparel and swimwear. So while this brand isn’t necessarily new, it was definitely new to me! PS: her pieces are crafted by artisans who work under global fair trade agreements, aka ethical fashion. Win win! Shop her pieces here, here, here and here.
CHARO RUIZ
If you love lace, don’t miss Charo Ruiz! Inspired by Ibiza, this Spanish label features coverups and beachwear utilizing luxurious lace to create effortless vacation favorites. A few pieces of note include this delicate halter minidress, this tie-back maxi, and this periwinkle blue off-shoulder number. Buy this brand on Shopbop, Revolve and NET-A-PORTER.
EPHEMERA
I discovered this Australian label while perusing Matches Fashion for outfit inspo/planning for my upcoming trip to Provence! The piece that I’m thinking I may order for myself is this ruffle-strap white linen dress. Such a beautiful statement staple! If it fits, I’ll likely style it with a market straw tote and flat sandals. It also comes in this darling floral print that I love too – but I’d probably get that print in bathing suit form. A couple other pieces to love include this houndstooth bikini, and this cutout white midi dress. Shop this lovely label on Matches Fashion, Moda Operandi or on Ephemera’s website.
INNIKA CHOO
You’ve seen me highlight a number of these pieces in previous EDITS and THE SHOP this season, but this brand has been one of my favorite new beachwear brands to follow! Innika Choo is native to Australia, but lives in Bali now, creating the most airy, effortless garments by hand. From island-ready embroidery on pieces like this to romantic ruffles and dramatic volume in styles like this or this, there’s a little something for every figure. I so wish I could pull off one of these dresses, although I think it would look like a tent on me… they are STUNNING! I’m kind of thinking I might try this tiered ruffle cami – would look darling with denim. You can shop her dreamy designs on Shopbop, Matches Fashion, Moda Operandi, and more.
MATTEAU
If you’re a fan of neutrals or more minimalist, streamlined styles, this Australian label should be your go-to. From effortless cotton midi dresses to simple, modern swimwear in all the best versatile colors, there’s something for everyone! This tiered cotton dress is such a great staple! It also comes in black or white. I also love this square-neck swimsuit and this shirtdress. You can shop this label on Matches Fashion, NET-A-PORTER and goop!
