Marysia Swimwear 2010
Words - Julie Bobek, Photos - Bobby Mozumder/FutureClaw
With her debut swimsuit show, designer Maria Dobrzanska Reeves, took center stage at the Oasis tent in the Raleigh Hotel on Thursday with confidence, attitude and a little retro style from the 1940-50’s era. The stunning collection of swimsuits, tutu, skirts, tops and cover ups highlighted this Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim Week. The punk and yet sexy swimsuits are designed with quality fabrics and craftsmanship, and this designer seeks more than just skimpy bikini’s to sell to the stores. Maria takes her experience of dance and incorporates into the swimwear; the soft ruffles and yet stiff tutu’s complemented each other. The colors seemed to follow the same soft and youthful pattern, from the pale neutrals and pinks to rich reds and earthy green pieces. A plaid fabric swimsuit and skirt added just another twist to this glamorous collection. Maria is not afraid to take risks that will allow her to reach new heights in her career as a fashion designer. I am quite impressed, and will be anxiously awaiting her next collection. In the mean time, I was able to ask Maria a few questions.
Explain to me in your words your inspiration for this collection?
Since it was my very first time showing in Miami, I wanted the collection to reflect who I am. I went to my youth of professional ballet and paired it with the contrasting details to show my interest in fashion. On my way to school I longed to be able to funk up my look and wear my hair messed up instead of the tightly pulled back bun-we could not have one hair sticking out.
So the collection is a mix of soft and hard and neutral and neon.
What were a few of the challenges/changes in this season's collection?
Buyers wanted a bigger bottom so I went all out and gave them high waits and much more coverage. I'm some what of an extremest-i can't do a normal average bikini-it's either all or none
Are there any new fabrics, technologies or design techniques used in this season’s collection?
My plaid fabric is new this year-its like tiny little bubbles that stretch-i love it. My fabrics are also sensitive to the environment and I use a clean finish at the seams for an easier, more flattering fit .
When did you decided to start designing clothing and why swim wear?
While is Fashion school I started thinking where I should start and swim seamed like a natural progression from the ballet leotards I grew up wearing. I love the summer-it's so much more exciting then the many layers of winter. I always want to stay in the resort wear.
How did your career start in the fashion industry?
I must say I didn't quite know how much work it was going to be to start your own brand. My husband and I really wanted to stay in Charleston and so I said I'll give it a and here I am today-i never thought it would happen so fast-but I still have a long way to go!
What advice would you give to a new young fashion designer?
Don't give up! Stick to your vision and hope for the best-being positive never hurt anyone.
Where would you like to be in the next year?
I would love to show here again and one day New York, maybe not quite next year but who knows?
Explain your customer?
My customer is a boutique shopper. She loves to find new designers who are doing things a little bit differently. It's someone who appreciates attention to detail and USA made product! My customer loves to put her own twist on style and will love to mix and match my pieces. She likes to get noticed:)
What new plans do you have for Marysia?
Right now I want to concentrate on sales and brand development. I want everything to be perfect and yummy-from the hang tag to the hanger and everything else in between. And in the future I would love to add accessories.
As I understand it, you are located in South Carolina. Why South Carolina? Is South Carolina better than California, New York or Miami?
If you never been to Charleston you might not understand, but it's a magical place and one falls in love at first sight. It's the history and the people who live in Charleston. It's the air you breathe and the restaurants and fantastic! We travel very often but my favorite restaurants are in Charleston.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to go to the beach with my family. Our vacations are always to another beach-we cannot get enough to it-often it's a surfing beach because my husband and I love to surf together. I love having girls nights and going to the movies. I'm also a big Yoga fan-we have a private yoga teacher come to our house 3 times a week-it's the best luxury and a way to start your day.
What fashion designer and/or collection do you love, idol and Aspire to be like?
Chloe-the understated beauty and luxury is what I would love my company to grow to one day-i say I want to be Chloe at the beach, but more affordable like Philip Lim.
