ANDREA IYAMAH: Adventurous, High-Fashion Swimwear with an African Flair
By ESTELLE PULESTON
When it comes to swimwear, few brands are as visually impressive or have such as impressive founder as ANDREA IYAMAH, the luxury resort wear label founded by Nigerian fashion designer Andrea Dumebi Iyamah when she was just 17 years old.
Growing up immersed in the world of luxury fashion thanks to her mother’s boutique store, a teenage Iyamah began sketching and hand-sewing clothing, which she shared online. Realizing that people really wanted to buy her creations, she soon after launched a full debut collection and began juggling her fledgling brand with her university studies.
Though she initially started out with dresses, in 2013, a travel-loving Iyamah introduced her first swimwear designs after being unable to find striking, fashion-forward swim looks that worked for her curvy figure. She felt inspired to create a range that would not only bring her flair for bold, adventurous style to the swimwear industry, but which would do it in a way that would fit and flatter a variety of body types.
Today, each piece is shown on models of different sizes on the brand’s website, and many items are designed with wide, sculptural straps that can be worn in multiple configurations to highlight different areas and switch up the silhouette of the garment.
Take the signature Mulan bikini top for example – its leafy, 3-dimensional straps can be worn off shoulder, above or below the bust, around the neck, or diagonally across the body. Or see this season’s new Ando swimsuit, which has oversized fabric ties that can be styled for more or less coverage and can even be arranged so that it resembles a two-piece bikini set.
Made for strong, adventurous women, Andrea Iyamah swimwear is bold in both shape and color. Drawing inspiration from her African roots and from nature, Iyamah has shown herself to be a master of avant-garde silhouettes, and works in a palette that ranges from earthy brown and green tones through to zesty pops of citrus and sunset colors. Unsurprisingly, her unique take on swim fashion has been a major hit. Now a central focus for the company, alongside its resort wear and ready-to-wear, the swim range has been spotted on the likes of Michelle Obama and Kate Hudson as well as featured in Vogue.
The brand is headquartered in Canada and operates a beautifully-modern storefront in Lagos, Nigeria. Late last year, it also opened a second retail location in the heart of New York City, something which Iyamah says has been one of her favorite moments so far in the company’s journey. She describes the shop as “not just a space to showcase our collections but a tangible representation of our growth and our deep connection with the fashion-forward community.”
Looking ahead to the future, she has her sights set on developing an all-encompassing lifestyle brand. “Our aim is not just to dress a woman but to be a part of her life in meaningful ways, enhancing her everyday experiences with a touch of our distinctive aesthetic”, she says, describing a vision of Andrea Iyamah that includes not just clothing but also everything from beauty products to home décor.
Andrea Iyamah swimwear is available in sizes XS to 2XL and is priced from $170 to $237.50 / higher for cover-ups.
Contact information:
Website: https://www.andreaiyamah.com/
Instagram: @andreaiyamah
Email: press@andreaiyamah.com
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