Almost one year ago to date, I was approached to collaborate with Anthropologie for bringing my swimwear paintings to life. I was absolutely in shock and overcome with excitement. For as long as I can remember, I would pass the time in classes by sketching swimwear, dresses, and clothing on my notebooks and journals. To actually have the opportunity to create actual pieces in real life was truly a dream come true.   

Are you wondering how exactly this happened? First thing was first, with a team, we went through files of my paintings of bikinis and one pieces to choose several that we felt could be created. A graphic designer then produced a mock-up using my exact patterns, emulating the style found in the painting.

Next, samples were made and sent to me in South Carolina. With the help of the team, we revised until we received a product we were over the moon about!

Once the final products landed in my hand, I called on my friend and talented photographer Amanda Greeley in Charleston, SC to shoot them. With the help of models Venita Aspen and Emily Vaughan, we headed to Sullivan’s Island for a cold afternoon of shooting on the beach.