Swim Collective will welcome 18 major Brazilian brands

In continuing rounds of business meetings at international beachwear events, this time a group of 18 major Brazilian brands is going to California to show the best Brazil has to offer in beachwear. Swim Collective will take place August 13 and 14 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, and attendance by this Brazilian group is yet another initiative promoted through two Brazilian fashion export programs: ABEST’s Fashion Label Brasil and ABIT’s Texbrasil Program, a partnership with Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).

Agua de Coco by Liana Thomaz, AMU, Bikiny Society, Bloom, Blue Man, Desiree Nercessian, Despi, Guria Beachwear, Lenny Niemeyer, Lili Sampedro, Loer, My Own Summer – Mos, Salinas, Sauipe, Sinesia Karol, SUB Beachwear, Sweetcacau and Triya are the labels that will be showing their S/S 2016 collections.

“Swim Collective is yet another important beachwear event that holds a consolidated place on the calendar of Texbrasil actions. The U.S.A. is the world’s biggest importer in this segment, with a 26% share, which makes it more important for Brazilians to be in this market. We already have a strong presence in Miami and now it is worthwhile for us to also be active on the West Coast,” says Rafael Cervone, CEO of Abit.

“We are working hard to bring Brazilian fashion to the most qualified events on the international fashion business calendar. In 2015 alone, our members took part in over ten events, in addition to the Pop Up Store, another initiative done in partnership with ABIT and Apex-Brasil, which we are keeping open on the French Riviera until September 10,” says Roberto Davidowicz, ABEST president.

Blue Man is one of the brands taking part in the event for the first time. The company just returned from the Miami Swimshow & Lingerie Show, with new contacts and excellent results. “We have high expectations for our first participation at Swim Collective. I think that the values that we are notable for, such as the creativity typical of Rio de Janeiro and authenticity, will be very appreciated on the West Coast. They are reflected in our unique prints and in the cuts of our pieces, designed to offer a perfect fit, with comfort and reliability,” says export manager Priscila Lago.

Apex-Brasil believes in the potential of Brazilian beachwear on the international market based on product quality, creativity, cut and innovative silhouette, features that are very much admired by international buyers. “This year, we are looking to develop trade promotion in the U.S.A., the top destination for our beachwear exports, in a more regional format, strengthening support of Swim Collective, the main event in the industry on the West Coast. The goal is to open up new opportunities to place products among buyers and retail chains, especially in California, therefore complementing the work we did on the East Coast, in July,” says Isabel Fontoura, the manager of Fashion Label Brasil and of Texbrasil at the Agency.

Another Rio de Janeiro brand, newcomer Amu, is also taking part in the event and making its debut at an international show. “After Abest’s Salao +B, we had a very positive response from international buyers and we decided to take part in Showroom 212, in NY. With this showcase, the chance came up to go to the show in California, one of the world’s hottest beach spots. We expect to make new contacts and possible close some promising deals with American stores,” says Amanda Mujica, the brand’s designer.