Island Life

One last piece of current season love we haven't dished out from our Island Life photo shoot is that slim, neon clutch. In the photo the clutch, by designer Andrea Brueckner, looks bright yellow, but that 'ol Holga Robert Malmberg uses, knows how to keep a few secrets. In truth the clutch is more of the acid green variety and the leather is super soft and buttery. We have to say, the handbag is really well-made, and though we aren't really clutch toting chicsters, we kind of fell for this one. Brueckner, the Canadian beauty who (as far as we can tell) models in all of her own look books, learned her craft from her years working closely with bespoke tailor, Craig Robinson. Brueckner's bags are said to reflect that experience and we have to say, judging by the clutch we received, we can tell she knows a thing or two about making quality products. Below, some of her current season bags from JCMadison.

The thing about swimwear is that, no matter the print, it must fit well. Sure, we can wear harem trousers, oversized vintage frocks, or our boyfriend's t-shirts and the fit doesn't really matter much--the fact that it kind of looks bad, well, kind of makes it look good. The same does not hold true for swimwear. What makes this even more difficult is that it's as close to being naked in public as Westerners ever come (with the exception of gals who strut the MePa catwalks) and so our vulnerability makes the whole process that much more sensitive. We fell in love with JETS with that idea in mind. Her fit, above everything else, is really outstanding. It's the kind of swimwear that gives you generous coverage in the back (when the suit calls for it) and hugs your midsection so that you feel held in and rather flawlessly curvaceous. Our model, being that she was (we will be honest) a mere fourteen years old, definitely benefited from the JETS fit. In mere minutes she was transformed into a proper women and though we sometimes have mixed feelings about making young girls look like old girls, we do think the point is that a good swimsuit is one that has enough power to make us feel extra-woman. No matter our age or body type or nervousness about being so uncovered. We had a quick chance to catch up with a rep for JETS by Jessika Allen who gave us the rundown on the line.


The swimsuits are very flattering and appropriate for women of all ages. How does the Jets by Jessika Allen design process differ to that of a normal swimwear line?
Jets by Jessika Allen understands that every woman is unique. Our approach is to create smooth lines around the body, thereby creating a seamless look. We source luxurious fabrics from all around the world that twist and drape around the body to create the most flattering, sleek shapes. It’s the hidden secrets inside the garments, the ones not visible to the eye. The behind-the-scenes structural detail provides the self assurance of a perfectly cut swimsuit, sitting on the body like a second skin. The Jets by Jessika Allen philosophy is ”To enhance every women’s natural curves to create the most flattering silhouette; each piece becomes a unique creation, which looks as if it has been designed especially for you”


What other Jets by Jessika Allen pieces, aside from swimwear, are available? Are these places for you to grow the brand?
This season’s new range of outerwear is masterfully designed in co coordinating print and plains. Kaftan styles are romantic in floaty silk georgette, silk cotton, must have fluid viscose and lustre cocktail dresses, are luxurious to wear and will ensure the perfect, ultimately stylish outfit from poolside to party. Looking at the appropriate areas for Jets by Jessika Allen™ to expand the brand is something we are always doing.


Can you tell us a little bit about the atmosphere during Miami Swim?
Each year Jets attends the Miami Swim Show. Throughout the four day event we present our collection to department stores and boutiques from all around the world. Even though we work long hour’s everyday, which at times is tiring and a little stressful, we love and look forward to our trip to Miami every year.


One piece or two? What's the JETS pick for the beach?
The one piece is one of Jets signature designs, so it is always an integral part of the collection. The one piece swimming costume is about style & sophistication. Bikinis may be more revealing, but sometimes what you don’t show is far more alluring.

This burgundy number has to be one of the most gorgeous swimsuits we've ever seen. It comes in black and taupe, it is stunning. Layla Pakzad, founder and designer of Salt Swimwear lives in Venice Beach, California where the skies are blue and the need for swimwear, plentiful. For this reason, her suits are so well-made and well-thought out you could wear them goofing around in the water just as easily as you could out to dinner (we mean it, with the right skirt this suit would make a great outfit). In our previous interview with the designer we asked her whether she might design clothing, her response, "We have been cooking up some sexy day to night numbers. I love the idea of having pieces that you can effortlessly wear off the beach and into the sultry night..". We frankly can't wait. To give you a taste of what Pakzad has on her must-have list for summer, check out her picks below. From slinky gold bangles to Missoni blankets to her own designs, her style is what we imagine a Venice Beach gal gravitates towards. Sigh...where life is all jade, waves, and A.P.C. blouses.