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On Our Radar: Ola Swimwear, the Region’s First Swimsuit Brand

Originally from Syria, Ola Kashani was born and raised in the UAE. Her Made in Dubai label, Ola Swimwear, is the region’s first swimsuit brand. Luxurious, with a focus on cut rather than embellishment, and featuring soft colors and earth tones, the suits are deserving of the most sophisticated beach settings at home and abroad. Style.com/Arabia sits down with Kashani to learn more about her take on modesty, swimwear trends, and how to best style your summer suit.

ON DECIDING TO LAUNCH A SWIMWEAR BRAND
I believe every woman is gifted in her own way. Before I reached my late thirties (I’m actually turning 30 soon), I told myself to give it my all. I felt like everyone was doing dresses, garments, jackets, sportswear—you name it, but no one (in the Gulf region) had actually done swimwear.

ON MAKING HER PLAN AND STAYING FOCUSED
I began working towards the end of 2013 and by June 2014, I released my first collection. In my mind, I expected it to take longer but it actually only took six months. I sketched, got everything together, I knew the style and colors I wanted, and the theme that I was aiming for. It was a six-month road trip, going from one place to another—Turkey, Italy…then finally, I got everything settled.

ON MODESTY IN SWIMWEAR
I’ve been trying to understand the conservative market here in the Middle East; people have suggested that I change things and try to cover up the bust area; but it’s swimwear! You can either wear this piece on your own private property or when you travel (because you do have local women who are liberal). Local women travel the world; they go to Monaco, the South of France, Ibiza—but, they will not show that part of their skin in their hometown. When I look at my swimwear pieces, I try to target both the West and the East. I do have some designs that are conservative at the top, and some that are a bit more kinky, fun, and playful on the bottom.

ON SWIMWEAR TRENDS
I feel like we’re going back to the ‘80s and ‘90s. When we used to go to the beach, let’s say for the past ten years, people wore fluorescent bikinis, embellishments, and rock stones in the center—Victoria’s Secret is still doing it. People asked me why my swimsuits lack embellishments, and the reason is because that would be too predictable. I feel like people go for styles because they highlight the femininity of a woman’s body, rather than adding so much exaggeration and color.

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