Custom swimwear to Suit Yourself
By Nadine Kam
Nadine Kam photos
Suit Yourself Bikinis adorable designer Kathleen Bruening, right, with her model, Mrs. Hawaii Kristina Lum, who wears a Gabriella monokini, about $175.
Last weekend I received a call from hyper-energetic fellow fashion enthusiast Julie Aragaki. She was thrilled by having met Maui swimwear designer Kathleen Bruening of Suit Yourself Bikinis and was excited to be bringing her to the Zensation event at Bonsai on July 1 for a trunk show with informal modeling.
I was really impressed by the work of the 21-year-old designer as well. Her work is creative and original, and her workmanship — yup, she sews all the pieces in her custom collection — is exceptional. Any wearer would feel confident that these suits would hold up in water without sagging or gapping anywhere it matters.
Among the details in this Suit Yourself Bikini top is a braided tie of fabric wrapped around elastic to allow stretch and body movement, while ensuring the pieces don’t ride around the body.
Those in need of a custom suit can select from a wide array of fabric, styles and fit, at a cost of about $90 for bikini tops, $110 for bottoms, and $160 to $270 and up for monokini and one-piece creations.
Some of her suits make use of a lot of strips of fabrics and braided ties that give them a bondage look. Others have obi midriffs or a cascade of ruffles. You can check out Bruening’s Web site at http://www.suityourselfbikinis.com/ which works if you have Adobe Flash Player 10.
Also, head to the Valerie Joseph boutique at Ala Moana Center, where Suits Yourself will be presenting some informal modeling in the windows as part of the boutique’s steak-fueled 4th of July celebration, “Bikinis & BBQ.” The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on the 4th.
Kehau Raines models one of Kathleen Bruening’s Suit Yourself Bikinis at Zensation.
A model wears Kathleen Bruening’s Alyssa bikini above, and Lexi bikini below.
Suit Yourself photo
Suit Yourself Contessa one-piece, about $155.
