Lisa Marie Fernandez has just under 400 swimsuits in her closet. It started with a Chanel triangle bikini, decked out with gold hardware and two embroidered Cs. Then it grew: never-worn vintage bikinis from the ‘60s and ‘70s, other suits picked up from her travels. So, it makes sense that the former Elle market editor would start her own swimwear line of sexy, graphic, neoprene pieces.
“The only way to be really new in swimwear is not to have a good silhouette but it’s through fabrication,” Fernandez told Opening Ceremony. “We were the first brand to do neoprene swimwear when we launched in 2009, other than back in the day.”
Her most recent breakthrough? Terry cloth, the textured cotton that hasn’t been around since the ‘60s. “There used to be a lot of terry cloth swimwear, but it didn’t recover from water—it would just bag out,” Fernandez said. But just as she found a more luxurious form of neoprene, she also gave terry cloth a makeover. In her hands, the cotton, towel-like fabric was developed to hold shape, creating a fabric that might actually—wait for it—look better wet.
Yes, these suits were made for swimming—and lounging by NYC's High Line, or playing beach volleyball, and maybe doing a cannonball or two. "We’re making swimwear to live with. What’s the point of owning it and not using it?” Fernandez said. “They’re not just made to sunbathe under the umbrella by the pool.”
Shop all Lisa Marie Fernandez HERE | View our swim editorial HERE![]()
DEENA HALTER TWIST MAILLOT in taupe/black
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Natalie Flounce Bikini in aqua/white![]()
Jasmine Zip Tank Maillot in taupe
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Poppy bandeau tie bikini in aqua
![]()
Genevieve Bikini in charcoal
“The only way to be really new in swimwear is not to have a good silhouette but it’s through fabrication,” Fernandez told Opening Ceremony. “We were the first brand to do neoprene swimwear when we launched in 2009, other than back in the day.”
Her most recent breakthrough? Terry cloth, the textured cotton that hasn’t been around since the ‘60s. “There used to be a lot of terry cloth swimwear, but it didn’t recover from water—it would just bag out,” Fernandez said. But just as she found a more luxurious form of neoprene, she also gave terry cloth a makeover. In her hands, the cotton, towel-like fabric was developed to hold shape, creating a fabric that might actually—wait for it—look better wet.
Yes, these suits were made for swimming—and lounging by NYC's High Line, or playing beach volleyball, and maybe doing a cannonball or two. "We’re making swimwear to live with. What’s the point of owning it and not using it?” Fernandez said. “They’re not just made to sunbathe under the umbrella by the pool.”
Shop all Lisa Marie Fernandez HERE | View our swim editorial HERE
DEENA HALTER TWIST MAILLOT in taupe/black
Natalie Flounce Bikini in aqua/white
Jasmine Zip Tank Maillot in taupe
Poppy bandeau tie bikini in aqua
Genevieve Bikini in charcoal