A few months ago, I reached out to Lulu, the owner of Portland’s beloved swimwear brand Popina, to purchase some fabric for my next swimwear collection. I’d heard she had some leftover rolls of high-quality swimwear material, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to incorporate them into my designs. What I didn’t expect was that this simple connection would grow into coffee dates where she’s now mentoring me through the ins and outs of production and selling.

Deadstock and Sustainability in My Spring 2025 Line

The fabric I bought from Lulu will be the foundation of my upcoming Spring 2025 swimwear line. It’s all deadstock fabric - I also call it sustainably sourced - beautiful, high-quality nylon/Spandex that would’ve otherwise gone to waste. Using deadstock has been a core part of my design philosophy because it aligns perfectly with my values: sustainability, creativity, and making the most of what we already have. Every swimsuit in this line will carry that story forward.

The Mentorship I Didn’t See Coming

When I first reached out to Lulu, I thought it would just be about fabric. But after we met in person, it was clear we had a lot in common—not just as designers but in how much we care about creating something meaningful and local. Now, we meet occasionally for coffee, and she’s been so generous in sharing her experience and advice.

We talk about everything:

- How to make sure my designs fit and function perfectly (because let’s face it, fit is everything in swimwear).

- Balancing the challenges of local production with scaling a business.

- Navigating sales, from connecting with retailers to pricing my products in a way that reflects the craftsmanship and story behind them.

Her mentorship has been a huge confidence boost. It’s rare to find someone who’s been through it all and is willing to help you find your own way.

What This Means for My Swimwear

Working with Lulu and using this deadstock fabric isn’t just about creating swimsuits—it’s about making something that feels truly intentional. This Spring 2025 line is a reflection of my love for sustainability, local craftsmanship, and high-quality design. And knowing it’s tied to Popina’s legacy makes it even more meaningful.

Looking Ahead

I can’t wait to share my Spring 2025 collection with you. Every piece tells a story—not just about the fabric or the design, but about community, mentorship, and sustainability. Until then, I’ll be keeping my head down, learning everything I can, and bringing this vision to life.

Stay tuned for sneak peeks of the line and updates on my journey. If you’re as excited about sustainable fashion as I am, let’s connect! Follow along on Instagram or sign up for my email list to get the latest news.