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Designing OC
BeachCandy
Nobody does custom swimwear with Swarovski crystal details like Brit Barber. And nobody does luxury hotels like the St. Regis. So it’s only natural that the owner and designer of Corona del Mar’s BeachCandy would join forces with the St. Regis Monarch Beach to bring Orange County residents something truly fabulous. The two iconic and independently glamorous brands have teamed up to create a swimsuit that captures the essence of the five-star, five-diamond resort. “Their clientele really appreciates attention to detail,” says Barber. “And that woman is our woman.”
Barber drew inspiration for the black high-waisted bottoms and gold Swarovski crystaled halter top directly from the resort and its guests. “When I was at the [St. Regis’s] pool, I noticed a really strong sense of sophistication, and I also noticed beautiful architectural lines in the building and in the rooms themselves. There was an understated glamour at the hotel.”
Available only at the St. Regis Monarch Beach, two ready-to-wear versions of the suit (monokini and bikini) can be purchased at the resort’s Spa Gaucin, while the bespoke couture edition of the suit is available by special order to guests, who can be shuttled to BeachCandy for a fitting, or, if desired, Barber will go to them to design a custom suit.
Barber is no stranger to custom swimsuit making. Designing suits since 2007, she says it isn’t her signature Swarovski crystal embellishments that keep people coming back. “The Swarovski crystals are just the icing on the cake. The foundation of why we are successful at BeachCandy is because our suits fit amazingly,” she says. “We are known for a perfect fit.”
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And she knows what Orange County women are looking for in a swimsuit. “Women come in the store every minute of the day saying exactly what they want,” says Barber. “They bring in a concept, maybe a favorite old bra, a favorite old suit, a photo, and we start there. We begin to design their idea of the perfect swimsuit.”
All the pieces in the ever-expanding BeachCandy ready-to-wear collection reflect those requests. “When we bring a suit into the collection, it is based on what women are constantly asking for that they can’t find,” she says. “There is not an underwire bandeau top that is strapless and stays up. Or a one-piece that is really beautiful and doesn’t look matronly.”
And there certainly isn’t a five-star, five-diamond black and gold custom suit anywhere but the St. Regis. “We encourage women to stop in and try it on,” Barber says. “Because when you try it on, that’s when the magic happens.”
949.640.0988 :: beachcandyswimwear.com
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Moving In
Heather Pullis Designs is now open at Newport Mesa Plaza, featuring jewelry and custom hats designed by Pullis, an Orange County native…
The South Coast Collection expands its already impressive culinary spread with the addition of prestigious Laguna Culinary Arts Wine and American bakery SusieCakes. The center also welcomes blinds, shades and custom window treatment retailer The Shade Store.