| What does the name mean or where did it come from?
Carolina: Brasil is a country known for its sexy beaches, beautiful bodies and great weather and most importantly it’s the country where I was raised, so I thought it would be appropiate to include it with my name, and together it would symbolize upscale swimsuit fashion, with my personal touch. Brasil is a stronger name when the subject is summer, beach, and bikinis, so I decided used my name combined with my country name.
How did you get started in the swimwear fashion industry?
Carolina: Well, I consider myself a very creative person, my style has always been different from what everyone else is doing. When purchasing bathing suits for myself I never was satisfied with the usual designs, so I used to change or modify them, by cutting and adding accessories. Before I knew it, girls were comiing up to me and asking me where I bought my bathing suits, and I just said, I made them.
What was your inspiration for your spring 2006 collection?
Carolina: I noticed that a lot of clients [were] expressing interest in the styles dating back to the 60s, when pocka dots were very trendy. I decided to create my line based on these types of styles. More specifically, I wanted the 2006 collection to represent the sensual side of a woman as well as their playful side, dressing her as a Barbie doll, without losing the sex appeal. With these concepts applied, I thought that a candy shop theme would be perfect. These bathing suits incorporate more feminine colors like pink and light blue, using flowers as the trim.
Where can your collection be purchased and what are the average prices of your swimwear?
Carolina: My bathing suits can be found in many different stores in Japan, Venezuela (Franco Vareze), as well as here in Miami, located in the Mint Store in Dolphin Mall, and DC 10 in the heart of Coconut Grove. Clients can also go to my website www.CarolinaBrasil.com - - The average price of my suits ranges from $89.00 - $155.00.
Seems that most design houses advertise on billboards, in magazines, etc. How do swimwear brands bring awareness to their collections?
Carolina: There are different types of marketing that designers use, but I believe the most affective is the word of mouth.
The swimwear market is so huge! How does Carolina Brasil stand out amongst so much competition?
Carolina: I believe my swimsuits have a lot of character and my clients can easily identify them.
Swimwear is more of a seasonal thing correct? So does the swimwear industry go on hiatus during the winter off-season? Carolina: My sales are consistant throughout the year, due to my clients various locations around the world.
What's next for Carolina Brasil? Do you see a lingerie collection in your future?
Carolina: No, however I am looking into the possibility of starting a clothing line.
We always offer designers a chance to extend some of their wisdom to those people interested in doing what they do. What sage words would you offer?
Carolina: This business like any other is very competitive and if you want to be successful, there will be many obstacles, but it’s very important to never give up and keep your passion. Also, it’s very important to have your own style.
Carolina Brasil has won public recognition and has obtained a very loyal clientele, which grows everyday. Magazines such as Loft Magazine, Ocean Drive, VIP Miami Guide, Brasilian Paper and many more have come out with great editorials on the brand.
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