NOE Garments Launches Swimwear
The lingerie label offers a considered, print-free collection focusing on unique silhouettes and high-performing fabric
Founded by twin sisters, NOE Garments melds function and fashion in their thoughtfully made intimates that find sexiness in non-traditional styles and materials. From supportive zip-back racers to bras with thick, bold straps, NOE pieces encourage women to be creative in layering and styling, and add some confidence and a specialness to the quotidian task of getting dressed. Though the independent label is based in Laguna Beach, California and Hanalei, Kauai (they are no strangers to life by the ocean), this upcoming spring/summer 2016 season marks NOE’s debut foray into swimwear. Dubbed “Water Garments,” the collection eschews prints for “unorthodox silhouettes” in solid colors. It makes use of high-performing Italian Sensitive® fabric with UPF 50+ protection and chlorine-resistant INVISTA’s Xtra Life Lycra. The soft, light material is significantly thinner than traditional swim and sport fabrics, making the swimsuits feel less bulky and more like a second skin. Obviously, much attention has been given to comfort and fit, giving it a more considered look than the carefree nature that the West Coast is known for.
“My sister (and partner with Noe) Shelah Jean and I are both from Kauai, Hawaii. We grew up in bikinis and on the beach,” co-founder Bonnie Rae Boyes tells CH. “Our passion for swimwear has always played a big part in our designs with our undergarments and bodysuits. We knew at some point we would introduce swimwear to our collection and were waiting for the right time. This past year we had numerous retailers tell us that customers were buying some of our sport bras and bodysuits as swimwear and hearing this, we became even more motivated to bring swim category into our collection. It felt the time was right.”
Rayes notes that their inspirational muse for “Water Garments” is a dear friend—surfer, mother (and “amazing role model”) Brittney Valverde Valiere. “She lives in Hanalei, Kauai and is the epitome of the Water Garment women,” says Rayes. “We shot our lookbook on Kauai with Brittney in places we spent days upon days growing up. This collection and everything around it is special for us.”
The “Water Garments” collection launches today on Noe Garments online, where prices range from separate tops and bottoms for $105 to $295 for the one-shoulder full-length catsuit. Their unique lingerie offerings also make thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts, but we’d also purchase them any time of the year.
Images courtesy of Josie Simone for Noe Garments
