Wildfox Couture: Swimwear for the Cowgirl in All of Us
Wildfox Couture is known for its American vintage-inspired collections that are hip and rich in graphic designs.
The company, launched in 2007, started out concentrating on T-shirts and sweaters and other tops. It only seemed natural the Los Angeles–based label would eventually expand into swimwear for its core customer in her 20s and 30s. “It is another way to promote the total package of the Wildfox experience,” said Wildfox Chief Executive Jimmy Sommers, who also happens to be an accomplished saxophonist with a few recordings under his belt.
The creative forces behind Wildfox Couture, childhood friends Emily Faulstich and Kimberly Gordon, decided to go with a cowgirl theme for their inaugural collection. But knowing that fit is oh so important when it comes to bathing suits, they employed swimwear designer Leilani Shimoda to finesse the collection’s look and silhouette.
The result is a line whose Western sensibility is seen in the nylon/spandex and polyester/spandex fabrics bearing images of horses or cowgirls on horseback. Silhouettes vary from a vintage-looking high-waisted bottom paired with a structured bikini top to barely there bikinis with ruffle accents. One-piece bathing suits play up the curves on a woman’s body with plunging V-necklines, open backs and cutout waists.
Playing along with the Western theme, Wildfox injected denim into some of its pieces, which can be risky because swimwear is all about being light and drying fast. “It’s a little scary to add denim to swimwear,” Sommers admitted. “But some of these suits are going to be for hanging around pool parties.”
The suits retail from $98 to $230. For more information, call the Wildfox Couture showroom at (213) 239-0166.—Deborah Belgum
