THE SECRET GARDEN OF
OLAYA
Clio Olaya was born in Esmeraldas, a small beach town in the Northern part of Ecuador. At the age of 17, she won the title of Miss Ecuador to represent her country in the Miss World Pageant, THAN moved to Italy where she worked as a model for top Italian designers. Clio pursued studies in design and graduated as a Fashion Designer at the International Academy of Fashion in Toronto Canada. HER background in design was vital to her vision of pattern making, fabric cuttings and choice of textiles when starting her swimwear line. She currently lives in Los Angeles, and has been focusing on creating her swimwear line OLAYA BEACH, inspired by the exotic beaches of her country, the sultry smiles and sun kissed skin of her people. Her designs conjure simplicity executed in high quality fabrics and styles such as romantic ruffles, twisted bandeaus, adorned buckles, branded cord ends, lacing and beading. It is Olaya Beachâs bouquet of design choices and quality fabrics that make her line unique and suitable for all beautiful women of size, shape, and age. We were lucky enough to sit with Olaya and ask her a few questions about her amazingly creative brand and new collection: What was the inspiration behind your latest collection? The vibrancy and richness of culture in South American countries was definitely the biggest source of inspiration. I, especially, love the colors of the Brazilian flag; the brightness of the yellow
that represents the sun and the green, representing the lush terrain. Weâre excited to be hosting an event next year in Brazil, in celebration of the World Cup. Do you find that your background and upbringing influence your creative process? My background constantly inspires me. Growing up in a beach town that had such diversity in people and nature, it really helped my creativity to flow. I always look back to the wonderful things I have experienced - the people Iâve met, the food, the drinks, my surroundings and travels. I really take inspiration from everything and transform it into an idea or a design, but always referencing my upbringing. What are some of the big trends that are in this season for swimwear? I think sporty meets fashion is really big this season. Bikinis and one pieces that may have a sportier cut but still has detailing that make it current and fashion-forward. What are your predictions for next season? As far as colors, some earthy and sunbaked hues. Prints and patterns are sure to be a trend for the following season with flora and fauna designs. And of course, my own design with the sunglasses pattern! * About Olaya Beach Inspired by the endless beaches of Esmeraldas, Olaya Beach brings you a new line, where shape, feel and sensuality are superlative in every collection. Using only innovative and comfortable fabrics, along with attention to high quality finishes and hardware, Olaya Beach exemplifies the true luxury swimwear collection that is simple, yet elegant, and always classic. * ECOSYSTEM FRIENDLY And most important of all Eurojersey the company from where Olaya buys fabrics is part of the WORLD LAND TRUST a non-profit organization set up with the aim of transforming areas with habitats showing exceptional levels of biodiversity that are at risk into protected nature reserves. This partnership with the World Land Trust and Eurojersey guarantees that for every meter of fabric sold they will save a meter of the rainforest in Argentina. BELLO