One on One with swimwear designer, Monica Hansen
By Nadja Atwal / Photos by Cameron Hammond
1.) You went from being a super successful swimwear model to now being the new rising star as a swimwear designer. How did you do it?
I have always had passion for design and fashion. It was a very natural transition for me. I started doing drawings and illustrations at a very young age. I started my swimwear company about 2 years ago, and since then I’ve been a full time designer.
2.) Few markets are as competitive as the swimwear market – what sets your designs apart from the competition?
I think there are a few key factors that sets our line apart from others . We manufacture in Italy and all our fabric and trim suppliers are Italian. Most swimwear companies manufacture in China and other countries. The fabric and workmanship that Italy provides is far more higher quality in comparison to other countries when it comes to swimwear. I have also structured the line, so that there is 5-6 options for tops you can mix match with 5-6 options for bottoms. We sell our tops and bottoms separately. We carry sizes XS to XL. We all are built different. Some people are S bottom large top or vs. Most swimwear companies do not provide you that many options of tops and bottoms to mix match. The other benefit about that is that a customer can by two tops and one bottom, then have two sets of bikinis that looks different.
3.) What are the trends for now and which trends are here to stay in your view?
The trends are little bit of 80’s and 90’s vibe. It’s very body and fitness focus cuts and trims. The suits and bottom have more of high waisted cuts, which makes your legs look long. Colors are black, white, nude.. You will see a lot of pastel and also yellow for the coming season. This trend will carry over to the next season.
4.) The supermodels and Hollywood crowd love your designs. Kindly tell us about one of your favorite instagram’s from a celeb in MH and why do you love it so much?
I love Beyoncé in our Pineapple suit and also Christie Brinkley. Beyoncé because it’s just her style and it fits her perfectly. Christie Brinkley because she still rocks our smallest suits at 63.. She just amazing!!
5.) Not everyone has perfect curves and your designs are so far more on the revealing side. Can we also expect swim dresses or retro style designs a la Monica Hansen for extra coverage but as much sex appeal?
Yes, we are planning to expand our collection starting next season with more ready to wear clothing (dresses, coverups and other clothing)
6.) What is your favorite destination in Miami for playing the beach queen or pool bunny? (name the hotel/resort and why)
I love the Edition hotel ! It’s such an amazing hotel. Modern and so cool. They even have an ice skate ring in the basement. It’s so much fun. I had my models last season ice skating with bikinis. Also their pool is a site to see. Something magical about that hotel.
