Designer Highlight: Persona Swimwear
Summer is in full swing, but you don’t need to let these warm temperatures get you down. With a state full of lakes, rivers and pools, it is time to pull out those swimming suits – and if you’re looking for a suit to last you this season and next, check out Persona Swimwear.
Designed by Utahn Emily Sanders, the suits are made to flatter a variety of figures in hopes of empowering women to see their best selves. If you don’t believe us, check out your local paper and its likely Emily has been highlighted. Despite being busy on her upcoming line, Emily took a few minutes to chat with Fashion Utah:
Photo Courtesy of Persona Swimwear { Photograph by: Rochelle Jahdi }
Fashion Utah: Tell us a little about yourself.
Emily: My swimwear portrays my personality. Creative. Out spoken and playful. I enjoy getting dressed up for a night out on the town, wearing anything bold, feminine, and unique. One of my favorite things to do is fly down to Vegas for clubbing, shopping, and lounging by the pool. Nothing beats a drink, cool water, and sunshine.
I’m originally from Utah and have lived in various places around the state. I was a Gallery Director in Park City for a couple of years and ventured into production with the Utah Symphony and Opera for awhile. I’ve loved travel and it’s been influential in my career and life. I have that inescapable travel bug!
Fashion Utah: How did you start your design career?
Emily: My design career began through art. I have been involved in the creative community for years, so the move to fashion was a natural progression.
Fashion Utah: How would you describe your style?
Emily: Whimsical. Playful. Colorful. Feminine. Full of Personality.
Fashion Utah: What makes your swimming suits different?
Emily: I try to use elements of art in each design, bringing out an unexpected surprise with each style–texture, shape, and a unique cut, mixed in with high-quality luxury materials.
Fashion Utah: Do you produce your own suits? If so, which is your favorite style to make?
Emily: I wanted to keep the integrity of the designs and maintain quality, so each piece is professionally finished. The rosettes on the Paris and the Venice Beach are hand-sewn. It’s fun to watch the suit change with a splash of color when the rosette is added to the designs at the end of production.
Fashion Utah: How did you get your name (Persona) and does it reflect your dedication toward empowering women?
Emily: I was drawn to the meaning of Persona. Whenever we put on clothes, dress up for an evening, or lay by the pool we portray a persona of what we would like people to see. I think it’s empowering to pick a genuine persona through fashion and be that person. I want women to have a persona of confidence when wearing the designs.
Fashion Utah: Who do you envision wearing your swimming suits?
Emily: When I envision a woman wearing my suit, the first thing that comes to my mind is personality. I’m looking for someone that is living life to the fullest and enjoying life’s adventures.
Fashion Utah: What advice would you give to local designers trying to get into the fashion industry?
Photo Courtesy of Persona Swimwear { Photograph by: Rochelle Jahdi }
Emily: It’s important to be yourself and follow your unique vision-have a loud and clear voice and people will follow.
Fashion Utah: What advice would you give designers trying to pitch their lines to boutiques?
Emily: Confidence. You need to really believe in your designs and the boutiques will want to be a part of that energy.
Fashion Utah: When will your next line debut and what can customers expect?
Emily: I’m currently working on the styles for the 2013 season, I’m excited to do something even more unexpected! I’m following my creative instincts with more bold color and elegant lines. I like to refer to this collection as “Poolside evening wear.”
Fashion Utah: Do you have any upcoming events?
Emily: RAW Artists will be putting on a hair and style show August 8th, the swimsuits will be part of the show. The official announcement will be on the Persona Facebook fan page.
Also, a sneak peek of the collection will be announced this fall on the Persona Facebook fan page. It will be a great way to put in your swimwear order before the 2013 swim season kicks off!
Photo Courtesy of Persona Swimwear { Photograph by: Rochelle Jahdi }
Website: http://personaswimwear.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/personaswimwear
Sold at: Called to Surf, Cotton Blossom, Farasha and online.
Current Styles:
• Alice in Wonderland: Sometimes called the Jackie O, it is quietly simple, very elegant, a striking contrast with light blue and black. It has a feminine quality and is also sporty. It’s popular with moms since it hides the tummy. $127.
• Venice Beach: A fun, flirty bikini, inspired by Venice Beach with its eclectic style — a melting pot of different people, sites, colors, styles — it has a warm, sunny Southern California feel. The bows and rosette give the suit a three-dimensional texture. In yellow, red and polka dots. $133.
• The Paris: This suit has a vintage feel with its hourglass shape and the heart neckline. It comes in classic black and white, in a vertical stripe that is slimming, with a slash of bold color with the red rosette. The swimsuit is based on a corset. $137.
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[...] jewelry and swimming suits to die for. Emily Sanders from Persona Swimwear (which was recently featured on Fashion Utah), took her swimwear to the next level by putting a little sultry with her suits. Photo Courtesy of [...]
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