If your car breaks, you take it to a mechanic. If you need a medical opinion, you go to a doctor.
If you want to be in the loop on the ever-evolving trends in swim fashion, you speak to Jen Rainnie.
Seventeen years ago, Jen started working in the swim industry with the iconic surf brand Roxy, and has since built a career around distributing and marketing beach, pool, intimate and technical brands. But, what really makes Jen an expert in her field is that she embodies the lifestyle she’s selling. At the age of 14, Jen started competing with windsurfing, which lead her to the title of Canadian Windsurfing Champion and immediately hooked her on the beach bum culture. Living in Hawaii for two years, she lived in a bikini and flip-flops while soaking in as much beach and surf as she could. She’s also competed and sailed all over North America.
Jen and her husband share the same love for the water with their three kids (including two next-generation Broads!), and although they are still a bit too small to windsurf, the kids love surfing wherever they can or getting out on their paddle boards on the lake in Whistler throughout the summer.
Jen’s favourite beaches? The island of Tavarua in Fiji, Buzios in Brasil, Hookipa in Maui, and Koh Samui in Thailand. (Ah crap, edit your bucket lists.) Favourite surf spots? Chestermans in Tofino, Tavarua in Fiji, and Kauai in Hawaii. Favourite pool parties? Marquee at TAO Beach in Las Vegas, and Shore Club or Delano in Miami.
A girl after my own heart with an understanding of all things stylish and functional in swimwear – it was a no brainer that she was who I needed to help me bring you the best in 2015 swim trends.
We got together with photographer and friend, Kerry Lawrence, at the Scandinave Spa in Whistler for an incredible mid-winter shoot. The spa itself was serenely tranquil, and even with a virtually snow-less winter season in Whistler Village, the views and ambiance were breathtaking. Leave it to a couple of girls with sand inherently on their feet to find a way into bikinis during February in Canada.
Swim is so much more than the basic triangle top and tie-side bottoms it used to be. The pieces become part of your wardrobe, yet another chance to reflect your personal style. What is trending in fashion gets passed along by swim designers through colour, prints and embellishments. The pieces you see worn together as a suit no longer need to match, but rather are an outfit. Rejoice! Swimwear isn’t just about functionality anymore – it’s about pool parties, festivals, boating, stacking your jewelry and looking on point while your rosé buzz kicks in!
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I’m all about the detailing shown on these Vitamin A and CA by Vitamin A pieces. Their cuts are impeccably flattering, and the design is always bang on trend. (See: well placed cut outs and straps!) CA by Vitamin A really brings a rock ‘n roll or festival vibe to their designs through textures and fabrication. Obsessed!
CA by Vitamin A
Vitamin A – Boho Marks – Sasha Eillenna Jewelry
Adding a little bling to your swim look is essential, too. Boho Marks are a fun, fresh addition to on their own or combined with sleek jewelry like the Sasha Eillenna pieces shown here.
The rash guard trend is the perfect blend of sexiness and sportiness – I’m dying over how far this formerly functional piece has come! Of course, cropped is the way to go, but the variety in styles out there make it easy to go from street to beach to surf, no problemo!
Vitamin A
Vitamin A
Oh, the one piece. *sigh* This ain’t your mama’s bathing suit anymore. This thing is hot as f*ck. There’s so much versatility in this trend that you can get a really sleek, classical look, or rock a youthful, flirty vibe. Either way, every girl needs at least one that reflects her personal style in her arsenal.
Vitamin A
Maaji
If you’re not familiar with Maaji, get acquainted – this line out of Colombia is insanely beautiful and intricate. We’re talking mixed fabrications, prints on prints on prints and materials that are luxe beyond belief. The moulded cups and stunning colour blends are only outshone by the intriguing fits. See for yourself…
Maaji
Maaji
Maaji
Tops outside of the standard bra shapes are a key addition for 2015 – bustier and bralette styles leading the charge! And as a girl who jumped onboard the Brazilian bottom trend when it was first introduced a few years back, I’m so happy to see the momentum it’s picked up. Attention ladies: Your butt looks larger when you wrap it up in so much fabric… embrace the cheekiness!
Maaji
In Summary:
Swim 2015 DOs: Bralette and boustier style tops. Mixed prints and textures. Flouncy layers. Moulded cups. One piece styles with a variety of cuts. Mix and match. Scrappy detailing. Interesting neck lines. Metallics. Brazilian cut bottoms. Cut out details.
Swim 2015 DON’Ts: Hardware rings and details. Fringe.
Between shots, we cozied up in these super luxurious Eberjey robes… and until the temperature rises we’ll be sitting in a tranquil place waiting to beach it up!
Eberjey
@bikinifashionista @broad_world
@kerrylawrencephotography @scandinavewhis
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