I was waiting till summer to post this but then figured, just like “Summer bodies are made in Winter”, “Summer cozzies are also made in Winter!” (Also, I know it's only Spring but I was excited. OK?)
In June this year I got to meet the utter joy that is Loyde Triana. I was looking for a swim suit for our trip to Bali and I’d had a rather desperate moment when I tried on a store-bought swimming costume. There is no end to the number of ways that it was wrong – it pulled up where it should go down, it pulled down where it should go up. Needless to say, I was headed for a burqini when a friend told me about Loyde.
Based in Kalk Bay, Loyde is “Made in Ecuador” but has lived in South Africa since 2011. I was truly nervous about going to see her – nothing quite like someone measuring you top to toe – but I needn’t have worried because she really is so lovely and made me feel at ease.
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| (Monochrome grey/white Protea print with a splash of colour (C) Loyde Triana) |
There are a number of things that are special about Loyde and her beautiful work. Firstly, she understands the female form. Yes, all forms. From strong, tomboy bods to soft, curvy bods – she makes magic for them all. Her tailor-made designs are flattering and you feel wonderful when you put them on.
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| (Oyster Catcher - left, and grey/white Protea print coupled with pops of turquoise and pink - right (C) Loyde Triana) |
Secondly, Loyde trained in Fashion Design but developed her area of expertise through making lingerie and bridal lingerie (which she still does, by the way) and accordingly, her pieces showcase her incredible attention to detail: pleats, tucks and invisible seams. Her sizing is done in SA measurements and her quality of work is PERFECTION.
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| (Unconventional parings - just perfection (C) Loyde Triana) |
Thirdly – but also firstly :) – Loyde commissions her fabric designs from local artists. Her design briefs draw from local inspiration - local flora and fauna - and Loyde’s designs are on point. Whether you prefer understated monochrome or bold colours and quirky motifs, you’ll find something you love. For sure.
Lastly, I’m crazy about Loyde’s design and colour aesthetic. It’s unpredictable and exciting and she manages to pair colours and designs in unconventional ways.
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| (Stylised Dandelion - left, my stunning pleated full costume - right. Sunbirds are my most favourite <3) |
Loyde made two swimsuits for me which fit like a glove. (Hurrah! For the first time EVER!!!!) They have a timeless, vintage feel and she was able to adapt her pattern to suit the junk in my trunk. Love love love!
The passion she has for the garments she creates translates to whoever is lucky enough to own them. Thank you Loyde for making swimwear buying such an exciting, enjoyable experience. You ROCK!
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| (Loyde's genius "corset" system which keeps things up and in!) |
Show Loyde some love by following her on Facebook and Instagram. You can also email her to find out how she works on info@loydetriana.com and please take the time to watch her cute video on her website www.loydetriana.com (it’s only 2 minutes long and it will warm your heart <3).
Till next week nerds,
x :)
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