Rey Swimwear: Where Vintage Goes Modern
In the world of swimwear, small is often beautiful.
But for designer Jessica Rey, bigger is better. Her motto is: “Who says it has to be itsy-bitsy?”
Rey is a relative newcomer to the world of swimwear. Most of her professional career has centered on acting. For nearly two years, she starred on the “Power Rangers Wild Force” TV series as White Tiger, one of five Power Rangers. Most recently, she appeared on an episode of TV’s “Rules of Engagement,” headlined by David Spade.
But with a fair amount of downtime in the entertainment industry, the 30-something Rey decided to create a swim collection. The idea came to her after she searched for a suit that was modern but not too revealing.
“I was really looking for a vintage-style swimsuit, and I was having a hard time finding one that would hold up in the water,” said the petite actress, who happened upon acting while getting her master’s degree in business administration at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. “I found a lot of real vintage stuff was too big and you couldn’t wear it in the water because the material wasn’t water-friendly.”
With the help of a roommate studying at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, she fashioned her own suit. When neighbors and friends saw her in it, they wanted one, too.
So in the summer of 2008, Rey started Rey Swimwear, designing bathing suits with a vintage flair but a youthful appeal.
The line consists of mostly tankinis with fuller bottoms paired with mix-and-match tops. Tops range from strapless styles to ’50s-style halters. One top is created with detachable cap sleeves. The line has one swim dress with an empire waistline.
Colors for the upcoming season are black, blue, pink and aqua teal. Tops retail for around $49, and bottoms go for $21.
The swimwear has been selling at boutiques in Hawaii, Georgia and New York, but the bulk of sales have been on Rey’s Web site.
For more information, go to www.reyswimwear.com. —Deborah Belgum
