Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Caras.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My love of fashion started when I was a child. You could often find me sketching looks I had dreamt up, down to detailed shoes. I combined degrees in drawing and design as well as Business marketing to launch Adriana Caras, which started with handbags and then shoes followed. I quickly learned to speak Italian as I knew the highest quality manufacturing in these categories was Italy. Adriana Caras was carried by Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Isetan Japan, Lane Crawford and many others around the globe.
After taking a break from overseas manufacturing to start a family, I styled hundreds of editorial looks for 1stdibs.com where I was West Coast Fashion Editor. After 3 years of styling and fashion writing, I was ready to get back into design. As an avid traveler with an affinity for tropical destinations, swim had always been close to my heart, even having contemplated my own swim store while I was still in school! When the opportunity to work with an Italian manufacturer arose, it felt like I was picking up where I left off.
LeSwim debuted with the 2014 Collection, offering Italian made second skin swimwear and modern minimalist cover-ups. The following year I brought in a capsule of Italian made sandals to round out the collection to a full resort lifestyle brand. The brand is now carried at stores such as Everything But Water, Saks Mexico, and high-end spas and boutiques, such as those within The One & Only Paradise Island.
Has it been a smooth road?
Thanks to my years of experience with my first brand, I am quick to notice red flags and change as swiftly as possible. One of those adjustments for LeSwim was bringing pattern making close to home where I am based ( Los Angeles).
In this way, I am able to control every detail along the way and ensure that the fit is a seamless and second skin! I also brought the manufacturing of the resort wear to Los Angeles, where I found I was able to keep the quality and price in check while supporting local business.
I now import the finest textiles and work with smaller factories here where I know who and where the goods are being sewn. We are able to follow it at every stage and be sure there is the ethical treatment of both the environment and workers.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with LeSwim – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
LeSwim is known for it’s elevated, modern minimalist aesthetic, and second-skin fit and feel. It is truly a luxury brand, and once women wear it, they fall in love! It is made with a clean construction finish, which has a very refined feel, especially at the edges and seams.
This is due to the expert skill of our artisan manufacturers who focus on detail rather than mass quantity. I am really proud to offer women something that is timelessly sexy that will never feel out of date.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I grew up in LA, so I have a very strong base of friends and family here! I think that gives me stability. LA is a bit spread out and I think some people can be lost without the social street life that one can find in NY or in European cities. But I love it – there is something for everyone! Traffic is probably my least favorite part!
Pricing:
- Two-piece sets range from $250-$280.
- One piece average $300 retail.
- Resort Wear ranges from $235-$400.
Contact Info:
- Website: leswim.it
- Email: service@LeSwim.it
- Instagram: LeSwimItaly
- Facebook: Facebook.com/LeSwim
- Twitter: LeSwimItaly
Image Credit:
Photography Dove Shore
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