At just 27-years-old, Karina Irby has reached the type of success some can only dream of. She's already amassed a huge following from her swimwear label, Moana Bikini and continues to expand her offering (including a sister business - Bikini Body Burn). Her vivid prints and cheeky cut bikini bottoms have become a staple for the brand, so much so that girls all over the world are flaunting and LOVING her designs.
Oh gosh, designing bikinis… even designing other products or clothing… was never really a locked in plan for me… it just, kind of, happened! First and foremost, I just love bikinis. I have always lived, travelled to and wanted to be, at the beach. Bikinis are my favourite item of clothing.
image: Semi Formal Dress
Armed with an $800 loan from Dad, I entered the swimwear industry with 20 pairs of bikinis I sourced from overseas in a wholesaling arrangement. That agreement didn’t last long as I wanted to create my own designs and leave my own mark on the swimwear world. And now, seven years on, I guess it wasn’t a one-off thing! Dad has only just let me pay him back three months ago.
While we admire that they’re having a go and following their dreams, the majority of them are doing the exact same thing. It’s very easy these days to find a manufacturer, or purchase bulk, wholesale product online and sell under a new brand you have created.
Plain, neutral colours and simple, skimpy cuts are all the rage and are what the majority of the newer brands sell. This is because it’s easy and without much challenge or riskassociated to it. It also doesn’t take a great deal of talent, to be honest.
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