This Women- and Tech-Led Swimwear Line Is Everything
Even if you didn't know it, you've been waiting for Ward Whillas.


When I meet Alicia Whillas, the Coachella-attending (opens in new tab) half of the swimwear brand Ward Whillas (opens in new tab) (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 (opens in new tab) and Opening Ceremony (opens in new tab) 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 F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
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.
-
Sex Toys For Partner Play
If you thought toys were just for me-time, think again.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The Cast of 'Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area': Your Guide
Meet Netflix's new cast of thieves.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Lawmakers, Activists, and Allies Are Reacting With Fury to 'Roe' Being Overturned
Thousands are taking to Twitter to express their grief and anger.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
The 16 Best Linen Suits for Women in 2022
Sophisticated but not stuffy.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 6 Summer 2022 Handbag Trends to Get a Grip On
Logo designs, raffia fabrics, and Y2K silhouettes are front and center this season.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 19 Best Laptop Bags for Women to Take Everywhere
Yes, they exist!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 32 Best Basket Bags for Summer 2022
The Jane Birkin-inspired silhouette has you covered for "French Girl Summer."
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 32 Best Summer Sweaters That Are Basically Wardrobe Staples
If you don't have one of these in your closet already, now's your chance.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
25 Summer Hats That'll Instantly Transform You Into A Hat Person
Shield your face from the sun in style.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The Hot Pink Fashion Trend, Decoded
The color is everywhere in 2022.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 17 Best Linen Pants for Women in 2022
Bring it on, 90-degree weather.
By Julia Marzovilla