FASHTALKS WITH CALANQUE SWIMWEAR

When did you know you wanted to become a designer?

I’ve always wanted to become a designer from a young age, especially for swimwear.

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

The project became real when I was working in Bali, years ago, on designing a patterns project. During my free time, I sketched a lot of men’s swimwear, I was really inspired by the beach atmosphere and all the inspiring strangers I met there.

“Take time to appreciate every step, don’t rush, and respect the process.”

What is your favorite part about designing?

What I prefer the most is the harmony that I can create between colors, lights, textures, and spaces. All the possibilities, the inspirations, and the collaborations. Another favorite part is when my designs become real clothes and people wear them.

How would you describe the style you aim for your brand?

Calanque Swimwear is about Mediterranean vibes and elegance. Every man can wear our styles for a swim or for a city walk with a linen shirt or with modern sneakers.

What inspired you to name your brand?

The landscape of the south of France! I was born there and it’s quite similar to Sicilia or Mallorca. Calanques are nice turquoise creeks in the Mediterranean Sea. To see them, you have to walk a lot, it’s hard but it is worth it, it’s so pure and dreamy.

How does sustainability play a role in Calanque Swimwear?

It’s the DNA of the brand. The point is to clean up seas by using marine litter as the primary resource for recycled material. Creating new apparel with existing and reused materials is important now. In addition, we only work in Europe: short journeys, good products, and good working qualities make up Calanque Swimwear.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

It’s really the delicate embroideries and all the processes inspired by the Mediterranean Sea.

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

Season by season we will develop new categories such as tee-shirts and accessories.

“Our unique embroidery work, color choices, size ranges, and flattering styles bring in all types of customers who want to wear our swimwear; from a gentleman to anyone you have in mind.”

What were some hurdles you had to overcome in your business?

The main one was the COVID-19 crisis, which brought delays in the launching and in deliveries.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

Take time to appreciate every step, don’t rush, and respect the process.

How important is social media to your brand?

Social networks are important for every brand but for Calanque Swimwear, the written press is more significant.

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

Our unique embroidery work, color choices, size ranges, and flattering styles bring in all types of customers who want to wear our swimwear; from a gentleman to anyone you have in mind.

How would you define fashion?

Fashion depends on individual aspects such as geographies, mindsets, and tastes... but works as a collective. It inspires and defines society.

How has the fashion industry changed since you first started out?

Jacquemus vibes became international, and I’m happy about it.

Do you find it difficult to have a brand based in Marseille, France? What are the perks versus the challenges?

We are only one of a few men’s swimwear brands from Marseille, so locals feel happy about this initiative. It’s only 3 hours by train from Paris and the tourists come to visit, creating business for us. It’s different than being in a capitol but it’s inspiring.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?

Study more important skills for business such as accounting!