When I meet Alicia Whillas, the Coachella-attending half of the swimwear brand Ward Whillas (cofounder Rosie Ward stayed behind in New York), what was meant to be a run-of-the-mill, kiss-kiss fashion-y meet-and-greet turns out to be not standard at all. For one, we're poolside at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs. (The usual place is a conference room four feet from your desk you've begged a colleague to vacate.) For another, our conversation stretches into an hours-long epic spanning 12 years, Sydney and New York, and, of all things, high-frequency sound.
But it's not just the peculiar setting and the duration of my introduction that set the young brand apart—it's the construction of the suits Whillas brings with her. This is the thinking girl's bikini. The new Eres.
Like the wardrobe straight out of a Slim Aarons shoot, everything's in jewel tones and reversible and athletically, conscientiously cut. The rickrack "W" edges of the tape trimming stand for Ward Whillas. Sometimes, when something's this good, you don't have to ask why, but the lifelong friends and FIT grads did, and Olympic-level tech answered. Guys—the sculpting, quick-dry, chlorine-resistant (Italian-made!) fabric is bonded with ultrasonic welding. Noise.
Net-a-Porter and Opening Ceremony both carry the line, which is already enough of an endorsement, but take it from me: If a bikini can survive a weekend of all-day pool hangs *and* a Guns N' Roses concert (as a top LOL), it can definitely last any beach weekend. Trust.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Must-Visit Hair Colorists in New York City
I trust these talented colorists implicitly.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published