RED CARTER 2006

Written by Yvette N. Coleman

Red has always been an entertainer at heart, whether it was competing in water polo, swimming, sprinting or filming commercials and voiceovers.  The love for sports and entertainment lead him to a path of creating something unique and beautiful to share with the world.

Red Carter started a career in swimwear fashion in Los Angeles after graduating Otis/Parson School of Art and Design. In 1996 he was contacted by a large swimwear manufacturer Authentic Fitness and asked to join their team of designers and to create a new junior collection.

He soon after traveled to San Francisco, where he worked at Esprit under the direction of Suzy Tompkins.   With a strong background in junior sportswear on the way he then moved to Southern California and held positions with Guess Jeans, the Marciano Brothers, Rampage, Mossimo, Victoria's Secret, Linda Wachner, and eventually Oscar de la Renta.

His experiences and knowledge gained were priceless as all of these brands are know for the fit, form, and detail.  His use of these skills set him apart from other swim companies.   From California he moved to South beach FL, were he felt there was something g missing from the beaches. It’s not easy being RED. His father called the natural born redhead red everyday; and now the brand that bares his moniker has become a mainstay within the swimwear community.  At the first glance Red Carter captures everything about Miami; from rich colors, bold prints, and shaping of each garment.  With Miami cultural mix; Red’s inspirations are forever evolving.

What was the inspiration for Red Carter South beach 2006 collection?  “The people who live here,” says Carter.  The inspiration of 2006 pays homage to Miami with art deco and the idea that Bridgett Bardo visits Miami in the 1960’s. “Miami is a beautifully painted lady by day, a wild neon glam rock star at night.  Thus, my collection this season represents both sides of what Miami has to offer, Historic days and hot sexy nights.”

He uses pastel tones and geometric cut out shapes that set the tone and emphasis’ the shape and curves of a woman.  For the nightlife of Miami, he chooses bold animal and ethnic prints.  Red says  “By placing the motifs in strategic places it creates a feeling that you are the animal. And after living here in Miami for a few years I have met my share of wild animals. I also used amazing jewelry to accent the pieces as if you were planning on wearing the suit out on the town. I feel that Miami is the one place that your swimwear can travel from the pool to the party.”

“My collection stands out for a few reasons. First of all I have chosen to not to try to follow market trends but to make swimwear based on authentic vintage fashions. I scour the Miami Beach second hand stores to find inspiration, where better to get inspiration about Miami Beach than in the discarded vintage left by every little old lady that has retired here. Secondly, I chose fabrications that are top quality. And last but not least, I brand every item that I make with a little red button on the back to let people know that it is an original Red Carter design.”