Sumarie Success - Odyssey Boutique in Edinburgh

Sumarie Stocked by Odyssey Boutique in Edinburgh

Sumarie London Fashion Week Success 2014

After a very busy couple of months of build up, suddenly the most talked about fashion event in the capital was upon us, London Fashion Week 2014.

 Here at Sumarie we had a hectic but fun Summer with Pop Up stores and launch events, and not to mention the ultimate beach inspired party, Marie's gorgeous Ibiza wedding at the end of August.

With the usual preparations for the annual collection of established and new generation designers, we found ourselves preparing to be the first Swimwear and Lifestyle brand showing at LFW for the second year running. Marie single-handedly showcased as the only Swim & Beachwear designer last year and found herself pioneering the way for fellow likeminded designers in 2014; which she describes as an honour and a privilege. 

Friday started as a quintessentially London morning, grey skies and crowded commutes. However lunchtime brought out a scorching sunshine that only heightened the relaxed and beachy atmosphere in our Designer Showroom. The vibe was buzzing in the courtyard, the consistently impressive wardrobes and media interest emanating through the balcony and the tall windows into the New-Gen Designer Halls in Somerset house. Sumarie was presenting in a perfectly cool and calming room, shared by the incredible duo Anna and Ella; the creative masterminds and silk Pyjama pioneers behind  the printed silk brand, Yolke. 

We were visited by many people over the course of the week, but Fridays crowd seemed to be fuelled by the sunshine and the obligatory Coconut Water. The late Summer vibe was infectious and we got some great shots of our gorgeous in-house model Hannah who wore the Melanie swimsuit in the sunshine on Tom's terrace behind Somerset house. All that was missing were the cocktails and the pool!

On Saturday we had a great day with the constant flow of the press and the SS15 was received extremely well. Visitors were drawn particularly to Marie's award winning 3D Cubed Lycra waistbands on the 'St. Germain' Swimsuits and the show-stopping 'St. Honore' Swimsuit from the 'Glamour Marin' collection. We received amazing feedback from the press and got some more great shots of Hannah using the incredible Somerset House location as an inspiring metropolitan backdrop.

Sunday was an exciting day where we managed to explore the halls and discover some truly incredible up and coming brands. As the new year approaches we are keeping our eyes out for designers and brands to collaborate with to continue nurturing the Sumarie Spirit . Some designers who were seriously inspiring for me were Noritamy - a Jewellery brand who use polymers to recreate Volcanic geological necklaces and bracelets, the supplest Swedish inspired Leather goods bran Gvyn and bundle of embroidered-playfulness Mochi - who like Sumarie, is on a constant journey that reflects perfectly in her designs. 

Sunday evening brought a lovely close to a hectic weekend - Cocktails on Tom's terrace as the sun set behind the London eye and the river. We soaked up the creativity of the surrounding designers and enjoyed the talk of exciting collaborations in the future.   

Monday started with busy traffic of international press and visits from respected buyers and investors alike. It was a hectic day of business card swapping and talks of the future, as our week at Somerset House drew near the end. 

'Beautiful collection, such innovative and forward thinking design.' - Harrods

'Very edgy. This collection would be great for cover shoots. Extremely press-worthy pieces.' - Love Magazine Editor

'Stunning collection & pieces. Great concept for ready to wear. Love it.' - Vogue India

Monday was an exciting day as we received a visit from the team from One & Only resorts and decided to celebrate our London Fashion Week success with some bubbles.

We ended the day in the Esthetica main room where the champagne reception called for swapping success stories with the other designers and continuing possible collaboration leads. It has been a truly honourable privilege representing the Swimwear category with Sumarie's stunning SS15 La Vie Parisienne collection and we can't wait to catch up with everyone we met at London Fashion Week 2014. 

Swimwear Color Tips

A couple of weeks ago we gave you some detailed advice on how to choose your bikinis depending of your body shape. But another hugely important factor is your skin tone and what colors, among the hundreds of options, make you stand out and look smokin' hot! Here are our tips:

Skin Tone: pale or ivory skin with black or chestnut brown hair
Do: white, black
Don't: beige, orange, gold and pastels

http://www.sumarie.com/spring.php

Skin Tone: medium to dark brown skin with dark eyes and hair
Do: bold colors like turquoise, emerald greens, ruby reds and amethyst purples
Don't: earth tones and pastels

http://www.sumarie.com/high.php

Skin Tone: pale or pinkish skin with natural blonde or light brown hair and light-colored eyes
Do: sorbet (e.g. Fruit colors), cinnamon, silver and baby blue shades
Don't: black and orange

http://www.bluefly.com/Red-Carter-light-blue-solid-hipster-bikini-bottom/p/319056901/detail.fly

Skin Tone: peach or freckled creamy white skin with golden or light red hair and blue or green eyes.
Do: lime or apple greens, mocha or cinnamon browns or melontones
Don't: darker, duller hues.

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/shoshanna-neon-green-halter-bikini-top-neon-green-trim-bikini-bottom?ID=697608

Sumarie at Brown Thomas' Swimwear Event!

A couple of snapshots from last week's swimwear event at Brown Thomas, Dublin. The models in Marie bikini and Chrysler swimsuit look fabulous!!

How to Choose the Perfect Bikini

Marie Su, the creative brains behind SUMARIE couture swimwear has a wealth of fashion knowledge, especially when it comes to bikinis and swimsuits! Here is some advice from Marie Su on finding your perfect swimwear.

Looking fabulous and feeling confident in a bikini is not about having the perfect figure, but having the perfect bikini for your body.

Tip 1: Know your body

1. STRAIGHT- TUBE shape. Okay, you don't have curves. No problem. Choose a bathing suit that adds emphasis to your hip and bust area. A bathing suit with ruffles, ties or other embellishments will work perfectly.
2. HOURGLASS-CURVE shape. You have a curvy upper and lower body. Look for swimsuits with adjustable straps and halter-tops. Wear a bikini with matching top and bottoms or solid colours. One-piece swimwear is also a flattering option.
3. APPLE- BUSTY shape. If you have this body, you have a larger upper-body and fuller breasts. Buy swimwear with straps and patterns. Also consider a halter-top style swimsuit. Make sure the swimsuit provides added breast support.
4. PEAR-BIGGER HIPS shape. In this instance, you carry more weight in the hips, thighs and legs. What you want to do is draw attention above the waist. Buy a swimsuit with a lower neckline. Also look for bright colours on the top of the swimsuit.

Tip 2: Find a bikini or swimsuit that accentuates your best assets

What are your best assets? Do you love your curvaceous hips? Or possibly your slim midriff? How about your large breasts? Be truthful with yourself, although we all find it difficult at times, we should all love our bodies. Which is your favourite part?

Now, do you have a 'problem' area? A tummy that you would rather not have on show, or possibly a bigger bottom than you would like? We all have areas that we are self-conscious of and they need to also be included in the criteria for our swimwear search.

There are many elements to the perfect bikini or swimsuit, the cut and style are both very important, however let's not forget the following key elements:

Colour

Bright colours will draw attention; use these to cover your best assets.

Dark solid colours if you have part of your body you are self-conscious about; then use dark solid colours for this area.

Pattern

Large pattern designs create a fantastic visual illusion making something look larger than it actually is. For example, they would be the perfect solution to if you want to make smaller breasts look larger. Of course, large pattern designs should be avoided if you would like to make something look smaller.

Small pattern designs are very subtle and be used to 'hide' small problem areas by detracting attention from them {such as your midriff}.

Style

Bikini Bras for smaller breasts – padded bikini bras will add volume to your chest area should you wish. Or for a simple look, opt for small bikini bras with less 'coverage' so not to swamp a small chest.

Bikini bras for bigger breasts – a supportive structure and wider straps to ensure that you feel comfortable and secure in your bikini. Avoid string bikinis unless you are sufficiently firm across the chest.

Bikinis for a smaller bottom – a Brazilian cut bikini bottom is a fabulous option for a smaller bottom. They cut higher across the bottoms giving you more shape. Horizontal stripes are also a good option to give the visual illusion of width and depth to your bottom.

Bikinis for a larger bottom – a stylish and chic look, opt for French knicker cut bottoms which offer coverage without drawing attention to the area. Please do not opt for bottoms with attached skirts as the extra fabric adds inches.

Other things to consider

Embellishments, bows and brooches will draw attention to the area that they are place. A beautiful bow at the centre of a bikini top will highlight your stunning cleavage, or maybe you are proud of your slim hips? A bow placed on the hip with draw attention to them.

Still not sure if a bikini is for you? SUMARIE offers an exciting range of swimsuits and monokinis, all of which offer you the subtle coverage you wish for, whilst ensuring that you remain irresistibly chic beside the pool.

The joy of finding your perfect bikini or swimsuit; is choosing a few key accessories to enhance it. This may be a beautiful beach bag to hold your lotion and books, or possibly a fashionable kaftan that will see you move from the beach to the beach bar with stylish ease.

Sumarie Displays: Exhibits

After all, books are always partly judged by their covers... Sumarie, as a high-end fashion brand, cares equally about the excellent quality of their products and the flawless image that conveys it. This week, a range of pictures from the Mode City Paris, London Fashion Week and many other exhibits!

Window Dressing: Behind-the-scenes

When sun sets and the shutters of the shops are pulled down, that's when the job of window dressers begins! With the change of season Marie decided that it was time to refresh the looks of Sumarie's showroom and get into a more springy mood. Some thread, flowers, pearls and lots of creativity were enough for a beautiful result!

Sumarie at Dolci Follie and Petits Bisous

Spring is slowly getting close and swimwear is finally taking over London's shops, including Sumarie SS14 and Classic Collection! Last week I paid a visit to two of our favourite stores: Dolci Follie in Notting Hill and Petits Bisous in South Kensigton, and I had the pleasure to find all the Sumarie pieces in the spotlight, beautifully hanged. 

Check out the super-stylish mannequin Petits Bisous dedicated to Sumarie Jane Push Up Top and Belinda Bottoms!

You can find Sumarie on sale online by following these links http://dolcifollie.co.uk/ http://www.petitsbisous.com/

Alessandra 

SS14: Off You Go!

Busy days at the Sumarie showroom! Our boss Marie and her team are working hard to give the final touches, pack and send the SS14 pieces to all Sumarie’s stockists. The season has officially started; we’re so thrilled to see Sumarie couture swimwear in the windows of so many great stores!

Catwalk Event at Petits Bisous Boutique

The Sumarie Cruise Collection pieces displayed at the recent catwalk event, hosted by the luxurious boutique Petits Bisous, were stunning. Sumarie's glamorous vintage bikinis and elegant one-pieces captivated the audience.

Have a look in this short behind-the-scenes video!

SS14 Sneak Peek Pics

Classy swimsuit or sexy bikini? You have until next Spring to decide which will suit you best! Marie’s refined design stands out in both of these fabulous nude-effect pieces.

Showroom Sneak Peek

Doesn’t our model Hannah look gorgeous in this shiny and classy swimsuit? It’s one of the pieces of the Sumarie Haute Couture line that will be presented at next Fashion Week… 

Life in the Showroom: High summer is around the corner for us!

Yesterday was a very exiting day, the entire team was in the showroom to get ready for our High Summer SS14 Shoot  happening next week.

With the lovely Hannah we put together, under Marie's eyes, the looks that we will shoot in a very special location...Of course I won't show you all... but we thought you might like our behind the scene's shots!!

Meet Lovely Hannah! The model

Marie and Lisa review every details in order to sell the collection to the right buyers.

Another clue this piece is gone be a hit... and I want to take it far away with me !

Your Honeymoon - Barcelona Issue - Spring 2013

Barcelona: Filled with art, fashion, food and fine wine, we love this colourful and quirky city! 

Image Credit ~ Typofile

Are you short on time? Barcelona is ideal for a weekend break or a ‘mini-moon’. A little more time to spend? Enjoy exploring the City and then stretch your legs in the beautiful Catalan countryside.  

BEFORE YOU FLY

Language: Spanish & CatalanAirport: Barcelona El Prat Airport is located 7.5 miles southwest of the centre of the City

Currency: Euro 

WHEN TO VISIT

With a Mediterranean climate, Barcelona is an excellent year-round honeymoon or holiday destination. The summer months {June – August} are hot and dry and as such a great option for beach-goers. Whereas, the surrounding months are perfect for a sunshine-filled trip taking in all the fantastic sights.

 

Why choose barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalan and is a bustling city filled with lively markets, outdoor cafes, laid-back rooftop bars and the most unbelievable buildings in Europe. One of the joys of the city is that it sits on the beautiful Mediterranean sea which means that alongside your cultural city break, you will give to indulge in the sunshine, sand and sangria too.

Image Credit ~ Pinterest

WHERE TO STAY 

From luxurious hotels and boutique B&B’s to intimate townhouses and 5 star spa resorts, Barcelona has it all!

Our pick of the bunch?

MurMuri in the chic Eixample district with stylish rooms, an Asian-inspired restaurant and a wonderful 70s-inspired cocktail bar, the Marfil. It is the perfect place to call home whilst you are honeymooning in Barcelona.

Rambla de Catalunya 104 (0034 93 550 0600, murmuri.com) doubles from €119

WHAT TO SEE {via timeout.com}

Barcelona's love of Modernista has been a passionate affair and the evidence is scattered across the city. In the Dreta area of Eixample, there are some masterpieces. The fairest of them is Gaudí's luminous Casa Batlló, built for textile tycoon. Nearby, you can gaze at his rivals' architecture: the shiny Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch, and the decadent Casa Lleó Morera (on the corner of C/Consell de Cent at No.35) by Domènech i Muntaner. Nearby, you'll find his Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, whose city gardens offer a pleasant oasis amid the bustling city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 20 pavilions.

Image Credit ~ Fotopedia

WHERE TO EAT

Barcelona is known for its seafood, and no honeymoon would be complete without enjoying a meal at one of the fun and fantastic Galician restaurants. Our top tip?

Drolma "For a special night out, Drolma’s dramatic decor is matched by Fermí Puig’s famed cuisine."  {Elle Decor}

Dromla is the perfect place to celebrate your honeymoon, a true treat in hip & stylish surroundings.

Drolma, Passeig de Gracia, 70

EXPLORING The NIGHT LIFE

Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps, from evening strolls around the city’s incredible museums, to tapas and sangria in one of the hidden bars on Barcelona’s gorgeous avenues, there are so many options!

Top tip for Tapas? In March 2011, a Town & Country insider calls Tapaç 24, "the trendiest tapas restaurant in Barcelona." Elle Decor also recommends it.  The FT names it, "the top tapas bar in Barcelona."  "In the middle of town, this quirky bar is run by an ex-Bulli chef."   

Tapaç 24 is a savvy-insider, cool place to eat in Barcelona.

Diputacio 269, off Passeig de Gracia

Our favourite place for pre-dinner drinks? It would have to be the roof-top bar at the fashion-consious Hotel Pulitzer. The Balinese-inspired rooftop is popular with trendy hotel guests, honeymooners and young locals, this great mix of people ensures a proper party atmosphere.

Enjoy their signature cocktail ~ Cocktail Pulitzer~ whilst taking in the rooftop views, filled with the turrets and cupolas of the nearby Modernista buildings. Open Mid-May to end September, 6pm - midnight (2am Friday and Saturday)

C/Bergara 8 (00 34 93 481 6767; www.hotelpulitzer.es)  

Is Barcelona on your list of 'must visits'? Or maybe you have a few top tips of your own you would like to share? We would love to hear from you! 

Happy travels x