New at SWELL: ACACIA Swimwear!
Make a statement with unique designs from ACACIA. Signature crochet detailing and eclectic prints give the line Amazonian appeal, and flirty cuts make for a truly stand-out style. We met with co-owner and designer Noami Newirth, to tell us a little about the brand, her first bikini, and why smaller is better when it comes to bikinis (and why you should give it a try)…

SWELL: Tell us about ACACIA- what does the name stand for? And who is the collection designed for?
NAOMI: ACACIA means endurance, stability, resilience and purity. It is designed for the girl who isn’t afraid to stand out and show a little skin. She is confidant and breaks out of the norm experiencing life, learning about other places and cultures off the beaten path.

SWELL: What inspired the brand, as well as this season’s styles? And what continues to fuel your inspiration?
NAOMI: The world, travel, different cultures, nature, Hawaii. Part of my heritage is Native American which has been a big inspiration as well.

SWELL: What made you want to start designing swim?
NAOMI: I grew up in a very creative household on a tropical island and wearing a swimsuit was the everyday norm. My mother grew up right outside of NYC and was into fashion and interior design. My primary education inspired me to do a lot of artwork. I mostly loved to draw. I also grew up inspired by Native American ways and my father taught me how to beadwork. I built a portfolio in high school for college and learned to sew my own bikinis. And That is where my passion for swimwear stemmed from.

SWELL: How did you get here?
NAOMI: Lyndie and I have been close friends for about 10 years now. We used to live together during winters on the North Shore. I had made a few sample bikinis I think about 5 or 6 years ago, maybe even longer and did a little shoot with Lyndie. This was long before ACACIA was a company. That was when we began collaborating on the idea of becoming partners and starting ACIACA as owning a swim line had been a dream of both of ours.

SWELL: Any advice for aspiring designers/entrepreneurs?
NAOMI: Love what you are designing, believe in it and be prepared to work very hard, it is your baby!

SWELL: Tell us about the first bikini you ever designed…
NAOMI: The first suit I made was maybe 8 years ago. It was a little bandeau bikini in a timeless navy and white stripe. I absolutely loved and lived in it!

SWELL: We know your stance on itty bitty bikinis- what do you tell girls who are on the fence about wearing a more daring cut?
NAOMI: Its a must TRY ON! Smaller coverage bikini bottoms make the bum look so much better….they’ll believe it when they see it. If a suit is too big or covering the shape of your butt will get lost in all the extra fabric actually making it look bigger and shapeless. I feel much more confidant wearing smaller coverage bottoms.

SWELL: What’s in your go-to beach bag?
NAOMI: A few ACACIA’s for options, turkish towel, La Roche Posay sunscreen, my glass bottle of water and my sunnies.

SWELL: What’s the most random thing in your purse right now?
NAOMI: I actually just cleaned out my purse so there is nothing too random. I have a delicious vegan coconut chocolate chip cookie from the health food store I threw in my bag this morning for a treat!

Thanks Noami for taking us behind the brand!
See it here: ACACIA Swimwear

Photo: Naomi Newirth and Lyndie & Axel Irons