Photo: Riviera Magazine / Edward Duarte
TAVIK Swimwear designer, Nicole HanriotA few things stood out from the recent Coachella festival - none more so than some swanky-looking ladies wearing TAVIK Swimwear. Spearheaded by lead designer Nicole Hanriot / founded in early 2009, TAVIK Swimwear manufactures cutting-edge bikinis and one-pieces that turn heads.

Well the streets are talking...no, SHOUTING, about TAVIK Swimwear's sophomore line and it's officially pool season, so I hit up Nicole to give me the inside scoop. Just a little something-something for the ladies. Enjoy!

- Danny Spyra

Photo: TAVIK Swimwear
The Jennifer one-piece

BNQT - I FEEL TAVIK SWIMWEAR IS REALLY DIVING HEADFIRST INTO THE WATER WITH ITS 2010 SUMMER LINE. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THIS UPCOMING LINE?

Nicole - TAVIK swimwear's Summer 2010 collection pays homage to all things rock n' roll. Think hair bands, acid wash, and Aquanet, with a healthy dose of classic Americana. Each grouping consists of styles inspired by the greats: Poison, Motley Crue, and Guns N' Roses. There is something for everyone, whether it be electro-charged neon solids, faded faux denim, or an artfully zigzagged American flag pattern. The implementation of oversize bows, side ties, and zippers keeps each suit fashion-forward and impeccably girly.

Photo: TAVIK Swimwear
Sixx top with Lee bottom

BNQT - WITH ALL THE BRIGHT NEONS AND FUN PRINTS, IS IT SAFE TO SAY YOU'RE TARGETING THE FASHIONABLE GIRLS WITH ATTITUDE?

Nicole - Yes definitely, we design for the girl who loves fashion with an edge and who's looking to stand out in a crowd. The Tavik It Girl is someone who's roots come from beach culture but has a fashionable edge to contemporary fashion.

Photo: TAVIK Swimwear
Bond-inspired one-piece, The Duff

BNQT - THE DUFF ONE-PIECE REMINDS ME OF A VINTAGE BOND-GIRL SWIMSUIT. WERE YOU WATCHING FOR YOUR EYES ONLY WHEN YOU DESIGNED THIS PIECE?

Nicole - Sort of, I definitely had those 80's neoprene style suits in my mind when I was designing. I wanted to reinvent that style with a fashion forward look but with fabrics and trims that are comfortable and wearable. The cut outs and backless features make the suit more up to date with today's fashions. It is definitely one of our favorites for this season.
Photo: TAVIK Swimwear
For the active ladies...the Stradlin top with Dizzy
bottoms

BNQT - MOST TAVIK SUITS TARGET FASHIONISTAS. ARE THERE CERTAIN PIECES THAT CAN BE WORN BY ACTIVE WOMEN AS WELL?

Nicole - The fit of the Stradlin top and Dizzy bottoms would be great whether you want to stand out in the water or lounge poolside. It has a great fit for all types of girls. We also created a cheeky boy short called the Amanda, (named after my good friend), that has been popular around the surf shops for the active surfer girl.

Photo: TAVIK Swimwear
Britt top with Lyss bottoms
BNQT - SOMETHING TELLS ME THE FEMALES WILL BE FLOCKING TO CHECK OUT THE SUMMER 2010 LINE AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE. WHERE CAN THEY FIND IT ONLINE?

Nicole - Our Summer line will come out May 15th and some of our top online retailers include:
www.swell.com
www.80spurple.com
www.revolveclothing.com
www.asos.com
www.freepeople.com
www.karmaloop.com

Photo: TAVIK Swimwear
Bret bottom with Bobby top...as modeled by my future
wife
BNQT - FINALLY...THE SUMMER 2010 COLLECTION IS INSPIRED BY POISON, MOTLEY CRUE AND GUNS N' ROSES. CAN THE NEXT COLLECTION PLEASE DRAW INSPIRATION FROM RICK ASTLEY?

Nicole - While he and the Tavik girl don't exactly have the most in common, we wouldn't want to disappoint our followers and would be happy to make a special Rick inspired suit just for BNQT.

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