GIRLSMUSTHAVE
12 September 2024
It took Alexandra Classen two years to create her swimwear brand: GirlsMustHave.
Born in New York from a Swiss mother and a Mexican father today the designer, who has always been involved in art and fashion and travelled the world, lives in Geneva.
After studying photography in Zurich, she tried her hand at many things, from modeling to selling jeans at Harrods and designing jackets. With her multicultural roots and being accustomed to traveling the globe since childhood, she quickly grasped the importance of deep and meaningful connections between women, both in supporting each other and for promoting sustainability. Her awareness of what an important role clothing can have was heightened when she underwent a breast operation: it was then she realized her garments should be "empathetic" in order to accompany women through life’s trials.
Set on adapting this philosophy to her label, the designer embarked on creating long-lasting swimwear which she hoped would become a woman's “best friend forever" and a precious ally. And this is how GirlsMustHave was initiated! A woman can feel vulnerable revealing her body on the beach, even more so if she has undergone medical surgery scaring and disfiguring her breasts. Alexandra’s goal was to create products with a structure specially designed for breast prostheses which can be inserted in the tops’ internal pockets.
The collection, made entirely in Italy’s Lake Como area, comprises some fifteen items, including one-piece suits with a lining which sculpts the silhouette to make it harmonious, and embellished with large ruffles or giant bows decorating the bosom like a couture dress. GirlsMustHave’s swimwear items are also perfect to be worn on the street as a top or under a jacket extending the after-beach experience! The collection is completed by bikinis, including a ruffled bandeau which can also be tied at the waist as a belt, swim T-shirts and leggings, for protection from the sun or indulging in one’s favorite sport.
Cut in satin, gold Lurex stripes, graphic black and white or diamond jacquard, the shapes are superbly glamorous, featuring interchangeable star or diamond shaped buttons and brooches, resistant to seawater. Inclusive products, created for all women, can be worn with or without prostheses and are available in sizes XS to XXL. Looking to the future, Alexandra plans to introduce designs with bust heights specially aimed at slimmer bodies. Thanks to her knowledge of fashion imagery, the designer devotes great importance to her shoots, working with talented photographers who artistically enhance her brand. GirlsMustHave can be found at Flying Solo, New York's designer collective, and in luxury e-shops such as Net-A-Porter.
PHOTO CREDIT Maurizio Montani
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