Mel, once a bridal gown designer, walked away from the world of weddings and found her true calling in swimwear, inspired by her life as an avid surfer. Frustrated by bikini bottoms that wouldn’t stay put during wipeouts, she decided to create her own. That moment of necessity sparked the birth of Sol & Ocean.
Hi Mel, could you tell us more about Sol and Ocean?
After fourteen years leading a team crafting bespoke wedding gowns, I was burnt out and swore off designing forever. I closed my wedding dress business and pursued my passion for surfing instead. But that embarrassing moment in the ocean sparked an idea: functional, surf-centric swimwear designs. Just like that, my love of design and surfing came together in a match made in heaven. Sol and Ocean was born.
With all women’s body types in mind, Sol & Ocean aims to create original, functional designs with a unique brand identity. As a designer and mom, I’ve always believed in showcasing designs on real, diverse people rather than solely on models. After my pregnancies, I found it hard to find bikinis that is flattering, hence Sol & Ocean is created to help every woman feel beautiful and confident in swimwear and surfwear.
Sol & Ocean is more than just a swimwear business; it is about empowerment and also a community.
Was there a personal experience or gap in the market that motivated you to create this brand?
I had a couple of bikini malfunctions before, but the last straw was when I was surfing in Shipwrecks. I was wearing Ripcurl when my bikini bottom literally came down to my thighs during a wipeout. I was trying to pull it back up while in the impact zone and took a few hits and washing machines. By the time I managed to pull the bikini bottom up, I nearly hit a rock. After this, I knew I NEEDED to design my own wipeout-proof bikinis.
How does your bikini line reflect your personal style or lifestyle?
Sol & Ocean definitely reflects my lifestyle and passion for chasing waves. It’s made to be functional yet still cute.
Why did you choose swimwear specifically as your entry point into fashion?
Actually, swimwear wasn’t my entry point into fashion. Prior to designing swimwear, I was a bespoke gown designer and maker for fourteen years before I “retired” from it after a severe burnout.
At first, I didn’t think I would design again. However, because I can’t find swimwear that stays well in wipeouts, I am in desperation and had to make my own. I thought with my years of experience in designing and tailoring, one does it better than myself. It was supposed to be a private project until I got several requests from friends and clients asking me to make my designs available to them. That’s when I decided to start a fashion brand.
Were there any frustrations with existing bikini designs that pushed you to create your own?
Of course, they are not secure enough, and those that are high-performance look too sterile. I want high-performance swimwear that looks chic.
What challenges did you face when turning the idea into a real fashion business?
Before this, I was in bespoke business for fourteen years. I charged a premium to produce quality and not quantity. However, the swimwear business is different. It’s more of a “mass” market (although I make them in smaller quantities). I’ll need to sell at a much lower price range compared to my previous rates. I am a perfectionist and do not want to compromise on quality, so I’ve spent quite a fair bit of money on product sampling and making sure the swimwear are perfect before launching them. This is the reason why the cost price for production can be pretty high. Plus, surfing is a niche sport here in Singapore, hence it is challenging finding the right price for the right crowd. I’m still searching for my tribe. Building a brand is never easy and quick.
Given the limited number of local beaches, how can a surf-inspired bikini brand sustainably thrive in Singapore? Is the core audience primarily Singaporean?
Basically, since Sol & Ocean is wipeout-proof, it can be worn for every other water activity, like beach volleyball, sailing, SUP, sailing, or even water parks. So I think there’s definitely a market for Sol & Ocean, maybe not huge, but women and men (boardshorts coming soon) who go to the beach or participate in water sports will need good swimwear.
Currently, the core audience is primarily Singaporean. I do have stockists in Malaysia’s two main surf towns.
Has designing bikinis or swimwear ever crossed your mind?
Yes, while I was in fashion design school, I’ve designed bikinis and had experience with making them for a senior who needed help with her final year project. It’s something I’ve been interested in.
Have there been any major milestones for the brand yet?
Hmm, for me, when surf shops reach out to have my brand stocked in their shops.
As a designer yourself, what would you advise someone who is keen to start their own fashion brand?
Wow, it’s a tough business to be in at this time and age when fast fashion is easily accessible. However, if you have a strong concept and are not afraid to fail, go for it. You never know if you don’t try. Not everyone succeeds the first time! I don’t have the best advice now because Sol & Ocean is still a work in progress.
Interview with Mel of Sol And Ocean by Sophie Medina.
Image courtesy of Sol And Ocean.
A Suave Cartel Media original series, “BEHIND THE BRAND”
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