BTS: the design process of the new Soleil Surf Suits!

AUGUST 2025: 1st step: moodboard! 

I compiled a moodboard of what I wanted the collection to feel like, and then condensed it into a guide PDF that I sent to our designer.

For this collection, we knew we were doing our same long-sleeve best-selling one pieces from our après surf collection in a new print, plus adding on another ‘body’ (i.e. a different type of suit)

SEPTEMBER 2025: print design & mockups

Our designer got back to me with one print (the Soleil!) which I loved, but we ended up removing the text. Then we decided to take one of the hand-drawn suns and turn it into a second print. So each style of suit would have their own print. We decided on a buttery micro fabric which is made from recycled fish nets! Once we finished the final edits to the prints, we got the ‘strike offs’ (which are pieces of sample fabric with the prints so you can see how it actually looks on the fabric).  Every suit is made from recycled materials!

OCTOBER 2025: sample fitting

I live in Mexico, so our designer Shana (she’s the best!) sent me photos from the Los Angeles factory during the process, before sending me final samples for in-person approval. 

NOVEMBER 2025: receive + test samples

I received the samples in-person to get my friend’s feedback and test them in the water! I started wearing the suits to surf everyday myself- they’re truly the best)

DECEMBER 2025/JANUARY 2026: production

The pieces getting sewn takes around 8 weeks. Once finished, they get packaged, hang tags put on, and delivered to our warehouse in California so they can be shipped out!

FEBRUARY 2026: shoot more content & update website

FEBRUARY 11, 2026: launch!

Funds from this collection will be going to support ocean conservation initiatives in Sayulita, Mexico! This is the town i live in, and where the collection photos were shot!