Our Swininista Journey

ANDRÉA BERNHOLTZ

Inspired by a passion for empowering women and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Andréa Bernholtz founded SWIMINISTA with a mission to instill confidence in women, while simultaneously minimizing the ecological impact of swimwear. Embracing an eco-conscious approach, Andréa utilizes luxurious recycled fabrics in most of the collections, leaving a softer footprint on the planet.

Andréa is no stranger to fashion and has been in the industry for decades. Andréa’s first fashion line, Rock & Republic, was a celebrity-favorite brand that revolutionized the denim industry through innovative fit technology. Transforming it into a comprehensive lifestyle brand, she expanded the brand to include a runway collection, cosmetics, and shoes. Notably, her designs captured the attention of A-list celebrities, including Victoria Beckham, who trusted Rock & Republic to be her first brand collaboration partner. 

Over an impressive 11-year span, Rock & Republic became a global sensation, showcasing biannually in Paris and New York. The brand earned international acclaim, gracing the shelves of prestigious stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks, Harrods, and Galleries Lafayette. Additionally, Rock & Republic boasted standalone stores across the United States, alongside distribution in numerous specialty boutiques.

Swiminista

THE VISION

While vacationing in Mexico, Andréa and her friend Jill found themselves complaining about the same thing - the limited and problematic swimwear options available to them. They agreed that they both grappled with swimsuits that lacked proper support and didn't stay in place, proving unsuitable for activities like chasing children or enjoying sophisticated vacations around the world. 

These frustrations prompted Andréa to delve deeper into the issue by conversing with other women. Through these discussions, she identified a significant gap in the market. It became apparent that she, like many others, had never come across a swimsuit that provided the perfect fit and combined chic and sexy aesthetics with the support comparable to her favorite bra. Andréa's idea was then born, and she went on a quest to design swimwear that solved the most common problems.