"V DEL SOL" translates literally to "V of the Sun." The “V” in V DEL SOL represents such feminine qualities as vixen, voluptuous and venus. According to company co-founder, Véronique de la Cruz, a former international model and the first woman of color to be crowned Miss France: “It stands for the shape of woamn. 'V' is the beach look that I and every woman should strive for while under the sun. I have spent most of my life in the sun, and I am a woman who just adores being seen in the perfect bathing suit that gives me that 'V' shape. V is me, you, and every woman out there. And the fact that my name is Veronique is a bonus.”

Véronique grew up on the island of Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean, surrounded by beauty and beach culture.  The beach was just the same as going out on the town, which meant that she had to look fabulous and make a fashion statement every time. As she explains: "In my Island, being seen twice wearing the same bathing suit was a fashion faux pas.

Véronique saved money to buy different bathing suits and would exchange them with her cousin. They would mix and match them, so it would appear as if they constantly had newer pieces. “I would always find something wrong with them and always wanted to modify them to my taste,” she adds.

This is where Véronique's vision began. Her eventual legacy on the swim industry is that she designs her own swimwear fashions that breathe fresh life into the swimwear by allowing customers to explore their own personal fashion statements.

She continues, “When my husband suggested moving to Costa Rica to create our own bathing suit line I did not hesitate for one minute; I wanted to show the beauty of Costa Rica through the eyes of a fashionista. I also really wanted to add my French flare to the project and that is why we decided to print our own dazzling and original prints in France based on the rich colors of the Flora & Fauna of Costa Rica. I also utilized the same fabric printers as Louis Vuitton and Kenzo.”

The inspiration behind this year’s line was the lush natural beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest. The collection consists of six lines ranging from chic Blade, Rose, and Earth to daring Snake, Ladybug, Ocean and a range of beautiful solids.

“We feature unique reversible bottoms with intricate patterns on one side and artistically rendered icons on the other. This gives women endless mix-and-match possibilities allowing dual fashion statement,” explains Véronique.

V DEL Sol creates its own artwork and prints its own fabric, which has given the brand an edge in the swimwear industry. Along with having the most unique hardware pieces from Paris, Milan, and Germany; the wearer will have the sense of quality and luxury.

  “I’m a mother of 2 children and I want to look sexy in my bathing suit yet feel comfortable enough to be able to run after my kids at the beach. It is all about feeling good in what you are wearing. V DEL SOL offers just that.”

What do you think are the biggest swimwear trends right now?
“It is all about bright and shiny colors and a lot of gold and silver. Woman now want to shine, she wants to be seen, she wants to be sexy and feel comfortable. You also see a lot of botanical prints and braiding done on swimsuits. We have a very good example in our collection- the Blade print which has been a huge success and covered in many magazines. You can see it in the May issue of Vogue!”

What swimwear trends are you seriously tired of?
“Swimwear that feature the same flowery and polka dot pattern year after year! To me wearing a beautiful swimsuit is like making a fashion statement. Each swimwear season should reflect a new, vibrant and absolutely unique look.”

On the horizon is the 2008 collection:
“Our 2008 collection is going to be pure luxury! I continue to be inspired by the Fauna and Flora of Costa Rica with rich and pure colors.” The new collection  is a stylish, sophisticated and chic line that will debut in July at the Miami Swim Show.

Words of wisdom from Veronique of V DEL SOL swimwear:
“Work hard and never give up. It is a tough market, but if you have the passion nothing can stop you.”

V DEL SOL is available at some wonderful and prestigious boutiques throughout the United States (The Beach House of Naples, Sylene of Washington, Girl Shop, California Sunshine,etc.), in Canada (Sandpipers, Sole, Beachy Keen, James & Brio) and in the U.K. (Cassetto, Chameleon & Sayers of Yarn).

It retails from $160-$300.
For more information please visit www.vdelsol.com

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