WHO NEEDS A "SUMMER BODY" WHEN YOU CAN HAVE "GYV ME BODY"
Miami Swim Week has always been known for setting swimsuit trends, but this year's highlight was an inclusive collection from a groundbreaking fashion designer. Designed with every body type in mind, the new line showcased a stunning array of swimwear from sleek one-pieces to vibrant bikinis. Embracing diversity, the collection featured models of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones, making a powerful statement on the runway. The designer emphasized comfort and style, utilizing stretchy, high-quality fabrics that move with the wearer's body. Attention to detail was evident in the adjustable straps and supportive underbands, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. Bold prints, bright colors, and innovative cuts added flair, proving that functional swimwear can be fashionable. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, appreciating the designer's commitment to inclusivity. Beyond aesthetics, the collection aimed to boost confidence, making everyone feel beautiful at the beach or poolside. This inclusive approach marks a significant shift in the fashion industry's representation standards. The Royal Court Collection during Miami Swim Week 2024 will be remembered as a milestone for its celebration of creativity, diversity and body positivity in swimwear fashion. How about we meet the innovator behind all of this royal fire, to learn what makes this all come together.
(above) Photo credits: Arun Nevader
Meet Nyki of Gyv Me Body, as she shares a little with us on her recent Royal Court Collection debut during Miami Swimweek 2024.
Photo credit: Mark Gunter
Inspiration
QSM: What inspired the designs in your latest swimwear collection released during Miami Fashion Week?
Nyki: I was inspired by two things, the Bridgerton Series and Bridal for the Royal Court collection.
Target Audience
QSM: Who is your target audience, and how do you cater to their specific needs and preferences?
Nyki: My target audience are Women over 35, professionals, moms, single or married who love luxury things, travel, restaurants, tastings, social and business mixers. I am that woman; therefore I usually meet like-minded women in social gatherings, on trips, dining out or at professional business events and of course, social media.
Trend Influences
QSM: How do current fashion trends influence your swimwear designs?
Nyki: I get inspiration from evening wear and nature.
Sustainability Practices
QSM: What steps are you taking to ensure your swimwear is sustainable and environmentally friendly?
Nyki: Our fabrics and craftsmanship are top tier therefore, we’ve heard from long-time clients that our swimwear has lasted many users 10 years, which definitely represents sustainability. However, I feel like we could do better in this area.
Unique Elements
QSM: What sets your swimwear apart from other brands in the market?
Nyki: Our brand is fully transitional. We intentionally design pieces that can coordinate with other pieces from your wardrobe. Our Pieces are designed to go from the pool to brunch to date night to the bedroom. Our pieces are an investment that you can use throughout the year, not just in the summer or on vacation. No other brand is doing that.
Material Selection
QSM: How do you select the materials used in your swimwear, and why?
Nyki: Selecting fabrics for me comes from a few personal preferences:
1) It must feel delicious on the skin.
2) It must sustain unlimited wear and care.
3) It must be interchangeable with other ready to wear fabrics
(above) Photo credits: Julio Rodriguez
Testing Process
QSM: Can you walk us through the process of testing your swimwear for durability and comfort?
Nyki: Fabrics are washed multiple times to test durability, color transfer, sun resistance and chlorine resistance. Because we do use delicate fabrics, we make sure to give precise directions about care. For example, our lace fabrics should be delicate washed in a laundry bag or hand washed and flat dry avoiding dryers or irons due to beading and embellishments.
Feedback Integration
QSM: How does customer feedback influence your design process?
Nyki: Customer feedback is super important. We need to know what you love and also how we can improve. We do recognize that every woman is not our client, but we want to continue to grow and thrive as a business. We take the good with the constructive criticism as an opportunity to advance.
Future Trends
QSM: What trends do you foresee in the swimwear industry in the next few years?
Nyki: Although there is a craze for fast-fashion, we are hearing many of our customers say that they are tired of throwing away their clothes. They would like for their money to last longer. We feel like the love for quality will return. This will change the dynamic of a lot of brands. I also see more Plus size swimwear. Although the fit could still be improved, I feel like that will also get better. Most brands are trying to put full figures in cheap fabrics with no structure. That doesn't work for most women.
Challenges
QSM: What are some challenges you face as a swimwear designer in Miami and just in general, and how do you overcome them?
Nyki: Miami is super expensive. You have to prepare. Although we were prepared, I feel like we should’ve started in December instead of February.
Also seeing quality curve models IN Miami. There were more curves, but the walks were bad or ladies simply were not well groomed, which for my brand is a huge turn-off. I want Models to put in the work, training and care if they are serious about modeling. Being cute is not enough.
Looking Ahead
QSM: What’s next for the brand and let us know where we can find and get more of all things Gyv Me Body:
Nyki: We are marketing the Royal Court to our clients and potential clients throughout the summer season. Although we have too many invitations to show all over the world, we want to see what the universe has aligned with our vision, which is to make women look and feel beautiful in quality swimwear that supports and accentuates their beautiful bodies.
Follow us @gyvmebody on all social platforms and www.gyvmebody.net
