HANALEI — You may have already spotted them hanging in shops from Hanalei to Koloa. A new line of stylish, high-quality bikinis has hit Kaua‘i and owner/designer Pamella Cevallos is focused on finding the perfect model to show off her
HANALEI — You may have already spotted them hanging in shops from Hanalei to Koloa. A new line of stylish, high-quality bikinis has hit Kaua‘i and owner/designer Pamella Cevallos is focused on finding the perfect model to show off her upcoming 2014 collection.
Originally from Ecuador, Cevallos moved to Kaua‘i in 2005 and dropped her Waikoko Swimwear line last year.
“I was traveling to New Zealand and one of my friends told me I should go to Kaua‘i … I did and I loved it,” Cevallos said when asked how she ended up here.
Kaua‘i’s North Shore is now Cevallos’ home and she has appropriately named her company after Waikoko Beach, where she lives.
“It’s my favorite place on the island,” she said.
High-quality materials, strict attention to detail and exotic designs are what Cevallos said separate her swimwear from all the rest.
“I’m very proud of it,” she said. “The quality is impeccable. Our artfully created swimwear is made in South America with imported Italian and Brazilian fabrics — all designed with love on the island of Kaua‘i.”
Creating a perfect collection of comfortable, sexy and sophisticated bikinis — made to enhance the feminine figure — has been a long-time goal of Cevallos.
“What better place to do this than on Kaua‘i?,” she writes on her website. “Inspiration came from the stunning beaches, great surf, vibrant and beautiful women, the high spiritual vibe and above all, the warm ‘aloha’ spirit.”
Today, after a successful Kaua‘i-themed 2012 collection, Waikoko Swimwear is preparing for the release of its 2013 “Caribbean Soul” collection, inspired by Cevallos’ recent 5-month sailing trip through the Caribbean — from the east shore of South Carolina to the Bermuda Islands, St. Marteen, Anguilla, the Virgin Islands, St. Bart’s, Dominica and St. Lucia.
“The international influences can easily be seen today within the exciting lifestyles, vibrant music and swimwear fashion found on all the beaches,” Cevallos writes of her adventure.
Cevallos said the best part of her swimwear line is that the styles can easily be mixed and matched to satisfy any woman’s need.
In July, Waikoko Swimwear kicked off its Model Search 2014, which continues through February. Those who think they have what it takes are encouraged to visit Waikoko Swimwear’s website, where they will be asked to enter their information, answer a series of questions and attach three recent photographs, including one head shot and one body shot.
Cevallos said she is looking for that special woman who fits and defines the Waikoko brand — free-spirited, adventurous and exotic.
“There are so many beautiful women here,” she said. “But it has to be the right one.”
Visitors to the Waikoko website and Facebook page will be able to vote for their favorite semi-finalist. The winner will be announced in February or March.
Waikoko is scheduled to launch an online shopping page on its website before summer 2013. However, those who can’t wait or who are looking for a last-minute Christmas gift or stocking stuffer can purchase Cevallos’ bikinis at South Shore Bikinis (Koloa), I Heart Hanalei (Hanalei) and Sweet Bikinis (Kapa‘a and Koloa).
For more information visit www.waikokoswimwear.com or contact Pamella Cevallos at 639-4404 or cevallos@waikokoswimwear.com.
