Get ready for some serious travel inspiration as you browse our interview with Anna-Maria, the designer and founder of iconic swimwear brand @sommer.swim. From the most beautiful beaches in the world that you shouldn't miss to the ultimate swimwear care tips and the models she'd love to shoot next, keep on reading to get all the gossip!

Are you still in need of the ultimate holiday essentials from handmade straw bags, high quality swim wear and shell jewellery? Click here to browse the bare sea collection and take a sneaky 10% off your first order with SOMMER10! 

tbs | What made you start Sommer Swim and what was your intention behind it?

To be honest it was almost accidental. I started making swim samples for myself to wear - pieces that resonated with my own personal style that could be worn both on holiday in Europe or while lounging by the pool at home. My goal has always been to create pieces that were different and added a level of glamour to the swim market, while still offering comfort and making the wearer feel confident and sexy.

tbs | Bikini or swimsuit? And why!

Bikini. I think a two piece is the essence of Sommer Swim, especially when you can mix and match our prints and block colours to create a unique look. Have you seen the Riviera paired with Hot Mustard? Hot!

tbs | What sets Sommer Swim apart from other swimwear brands?

I think staying true to our brand identity and visual aesthetic has allowed us to grow while keeping our original followers and day one customers on board. While our brand is evolving, I think the key elements such as shiny Italian lycra, high cut bottoms and daring but classic cuts have helped shape Sommer Swim to become a recognisable brand in the swimwear industry.

tbs | What are your favorite beaches all over the world?

Tulum beaches are hard to beat. Clifton 2 in Cape Town is definitely worth a mention and Cala D’Hort in Ibiza - dreamy!

tbs | What are the next swimwear trends you cannot miss?

We can’t give any trade serets away, but rest assured we have some very exciting must-have colours and styles launching soon... we can’t wait for the reveal – stay tuned!

tbs | Hand-wash or washing machine? What are your top 3 care tips for swimwear?

Hand-wash is definitely the go! We always recommend a quick rinse in the shower after wear then hanging to air-dry, but if stuck for time a delicate cold handwash will do the trick.

tbs | Who are the top 3 models you’d love to see in a Sommer campaign & why?

Elsa Hosk – She was snapped in California wearing our Brinkley Top & Caprice Bottom in Riva and looked incredible. We’re releasing a new colourway soon we know she would look insane in!

Cindy Crawford, can we please bring back the original supermodels?!

Imaan Hammam, love her cool girl exotic look and the most recent Chloe campaign she featured in.

tbs | What are your best travel spots for 2019?

Recently visited Marrakech - I highly recommend visiting the exotic spices and treasures to be found in the Medina are unique. You can’t go past the Amalfi Coast in Italy for food and lifestyle, Mykonos is also a favourite for obvious reasons. We have just launched our travel blog Sommer Wanders (www.sommerwanders.com) which features Sommer Swim shot in stunning locations across the globe.

tbs | Travel smart: What are your beach essentials and why?

A Sommer set of course, followed closely by a good SPF and tanning oil i've been using beautiful products from The Skin Co. line, turkish towel from Summah, sunglasses (I’m wearing Valentinos at the moment), and a the bare sea hat or silk headscarf.

tbs | What’s your latest Insta find?

Lifestyle brand @azar.thestory - check them out for cool content and luxe accessories!

tbs | Your favorite Netflix series right now?

YOU. Watch it but be prepared for nightmares!

tbs | Favorite sun blocker?

I usually have a silk throw on hand which becomes a makeshift headscarf – we’re releasing new colour ways soon alongside our leopard luxe Moa Headscarf which is already online.

Are you still in need of the ultimate holiday essentials from handmade straw bags, high quality swim wear and shell jewellery? Click here to browse the bare sea collection and take a sneaky 10% off your first order with CANGGU10!