29-year-old local bathing suit designer, Marysia, is going national. In 2009, with only one line completed she won Charleston Fashion Week and then was accepted into Mecedes Benz Fashion Week in Miami soon after. This season, her designs have been picked up by Anthropologie and Urban Outfi tters. We interviewed her to fi nd out how she started and how Charleston works for her.
You’ve had such quick success, what is your background?
I graduated from FIDM fashion school in Los Angeles.
When did you start designing suits?
October 2007 is when I decided to take it really seriously. I got a space downtown, I hired a PR fi rm and I produced my fi rst line without any orders.
bathing suits?
I just love fashion in general. I was a ballerina growing up and I lifeguarded. I was always in a bathing suits so it just seemed natural. I love summer, I don’t ever see myself designing winter coats, but, also I thought there was room in the industry for bathing suits.
Your fabric is so beautiful and one ofthe things that makes your suits so special, how did you source that?
I knew what I wanted so I was looking for the fabric for a couple of years. Something very soft and comfortable. I searched and searched and searched and found the fabric in Italy.
You grew up in Poland. How did you come to the U.S.?
My mom is a physical therapist and she got a job so, my parents came to Delaware for what was supposed to be one year. I actually stayed in Warsaw, in ballerina boarding school. After 4 years, my parents still had not returned, so I decided to come over and join them. I was 14 then.
So, how did you end up in Charleston?
My husband came here when he was little and he brought me here a couple of times, I just fell in love with it. It’ been great…if I was starting in New York, it would be easier to give up.
Now you have been picked up by Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters?
Yes its great exposure, they each ordered about 300 pieces total and they both sold out.
Do you have any influences?
My mother was big infl uence she was a very stylish lady that is where I got the bug I suppose.
Marysia swimwear is available locally at Sally Bettes Resort Shop and Thera M. on Daniel Island.
Bikinis start at around $200 for a set ; 1 pieces cost around $160. Cover ups from $160 to $329.
