5 Emerging Brands Defining My 2023 Resort Aesthetic
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@rachaelkirkconnellI love a good trip to the mountains, but being near a beach and laying out in the sun with a frozen cocktail in hand is where I really thrive. The spring and summer vacation season is also coincidentally when my wardrobe thrives. Thinking up outfits when coats are in the picture is not my forte, so when the time comes, I relish in two-piece linen sets and breezy maxi dresses. Plus, breaking out the crochet, raffia, and juicy, saturated colors just does something to my senses.
All of this is to say that I know most resortwear-focused brands from A to Z. When Louisa Ballou made big waves with her graphic tropical prints, it was something that caught my attention pretty early on. In a similar vein, other indie brands with a vacation focus are emerging as names to know ahead of the summer season. It is always nice to shake things up, so if you're looking to add some zest to your warm-weather looks, these brands should be priority on your shopping list.
From New York to Bali, these five brands are proving to be heavy hitters in my vacation wardrobe for 2023. Keep scrolling for an introduction to them all.
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@niathomas.coNia Thomas is a master of cool crochet, but she's also one designer that I'm most excited about this year. Her palette consists mostly of flattering neutrals, but where the colors are muted, the designs take flight with statement details and eye-catching construction. All of the pieces are easily coordinated and mix and matched, so its perfect if you don't like to think too hard about looking sophisticated.
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@siedresBoasting radical prints and endorphin-boosting colors, Siedrés was founded by Ceylin Türkkan Bilge and Emir Bilge in 2019. Still relatively new on the scene, the brand has already emerged as a fashion-person favorite, and its printed two-piece sets are a particular standout. Everything about Siedrés makes me feel happy when I'm wearing it. From its flower-shaped crochet bras to its soft ruffle dresses, the pieces are so cheerful and lighthearted.
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@akoiaswimSummer is when crochet truly shines, and Akoia Swim does it best. While Akoia serves up netted cover-ups and dresses, crochet bikinis are the brand's signature. All of its garments are made by artisans in Bali with organic, renewable fabrics, and in the future, Akoia aims to cut out chemical dyes and further reduce its carbon footprint.
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@bettinalooneyIt seems like Asta Resort popped up out of nowhere to be the go-to brand for It girls jetting out to tropical locations. Asta Resort is a complete brand in the sense that you can go from the pool with its vibrant bikinis to a fancy dinner in its elegant sequin dresses. Releasing two resort ready-to-wear and two swim collections each year, Asta Resort prides itself on being a "summer all year round" type of brand. And it's true—Asta Resort's shimmering sequin dresses and high-intensity palettes make it hard to pack its pieces away come winter.
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@diotima.worldThe brainchild of Jamaican-born designer Rachel Scott, Diotima is a rising star, especially among editors worldwide. Inspired by the Caribbean and its culture, Diotima makes use of crochet in elaborate designs and details along with crisp tailoring. This year, Scott was announced as an LVMH Prize finalist, so the brand is just getting started.
