SF fashion powerhouse Kamperett unveils a swimwear collection in time for spring and summer.
Kamperett’s design team considered height, curves, coverage and functionality so its new suits would fit most women comfortably.
A few summers ago, Anna Chiu couldn’t find a swimsuit she loved: classic design with a great cut and well-crafted with sustainable materials. “I wanted just the right amount of coverage, not too much, not too little—where I would feel comfortable running around with my kids at the beach but not too conservative either,” says Chiu, the co-founder of beloved SF fashion house Kamperett (@kamperett). “I talked to other women who felt the same way, so I thought there might be a reason for this to exist.”
And now it does. Here, Chiu discusses the new collection and how she views Kamperett as a lifestyle brand, with plans to add more categories to fit clients’ needs.
How does your design philosophy for swimwear align with or differ from your approach to your dresses?
We follow the same design philosophy for everything we create: high-quality materials (natural and organic if possible or a sustainable alternative), timeless design and versatility. We want things to last, both in time and aesthetics.
Can you tell me about the creative process behind this new swimwear collection?
Developing swimwear was incredibly challenging. A great fit is imperative, and it’s simply impossible to fit every body type perfectly. We constantly considered height, curves, coverage, functionality and how to balance all these aspects to fit most women. Swimwear is very individual so it won’t fit everyone’s needs and bodies, but hopefully, it will work for those who were also looking for this type of swimwear.
Your dresses are celebrated for their timeless elegance. How did you translate that aesthetic into swimwear?
This is just our inherent personal aesthetic, so it came naturally.
Kamperett’s new swimwear line is made with Oeko Tex-certified fabric from Italy.
What fabrics or materials did you choose for this swimwear line, and why? How do they reflect Kamperett’s ethos?
We chose an Oeko Tex-certified fabric from Italy made of recycled polyamide and elastane. With swimwear, the fabric needs to be functional and have good stretch and memory. We chose this fabric because it was the highest-quality option we could find that utilized recycled materials and was produced by a company that shared our values.
How has being based in San Francisco influenced the style and sensibility of Kamperett’s collections, including your swimwear?
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has a rich history, diversity, culture and endless places to discover and explore. The proximity to the ocean, mountains, vineyards and rolling hills offers an active outdoor lifestyle that we love. A perfect day would include seeing an exhibit at the Legion of Honor (famsf.org), de Young (@deyoungmuseum) or SFMOMA (sfmoma.org), eating out at one of our favorite local spots and going on a hike in the woods or along the coast. This combination of exposure to the best nature, art and food sets the bar high and inspires us to create at that level.
Who is the Kamperett woman you design for, and how does the swimwear line enhance her wardrobe?
The woman we design for values a particular aesthetic with an old soul and a modern spirit. She chooses quality over quantity. She cares about how things are produced, protects the environment and makes choices based on these values. Our swimwear is just an extension of our brand offering that reflects this ethos.
What trends in fashion or customer feedback pushed you toward expanding into swimwear now?
It started with a personal journey of wanting to make the swimsuit that I wanted and couldn’t find and hoping it might also appeal to other women.
Photography by: RENEE FRIEDRICH
