Bikana Swimwear launched in 2008 when Ana Evelina Peña decided to design her own swimsuits.
With a few fashion courses already underway, she felt ready to begin her work.
The company has humble beginnings. But through its flirty, festive vibe and its website going live in 2010, it has become popular in Aruba, Greece, Chile and Venezuela, where it's based.
A swirl of color and print characterize the 2012 collection named Nature's Colours, and a ranch in Miranda, Venezuela served as the backdrop as Rutciel Cabrera was photographed by Ram Martinez. Taking advantage of the sunlight, a group of six worked from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to create the lookbook.
The result: Pictures tinged with a dreamy quality that perfectly evoke the spirit of summer.
Filed: Chic: Where did the inspiration for this collection come from?
Ana Evelina Peña: I was looking for an idea to relate to nature. I envisioned the prints of the swimwear fabric: colors of nature amid the green of a landscape. The completely natural. Dreams are mixed with the charm and magic of a fresh breeze and bright sunrise. A collection inspired by natural beauty, creating a reflection of the nature's colors.
FC: How long did it take you to put the collection together, and how many pieces are there?
AEP: It was approximately three months to make the designs, choose the swimwear fabrics, make patterns and samples. Initially, I designed 12 pieces for the collection, but we are continually renewing the designs of swimwear with new prints.
FC: What's the most difficult part of putting together a lookbook?
AEP: The most difficult part was definitely finding the place. I had already met with the photographer and discussed the concept of nature for the photos. Everything was planned. I just had to find the place. After finding several places, there was always something that I didn't like. Until, I found this ranch. And then, when I visited the place, I was in love with the landscape. I knew this place was right.
FC: What kind of organization system did you have during the shoot?
AEP: We met before the photos, and we planned. Everyone took care of their part. Ram, the photographer, had already defined the style of the photos. The stylist, Leonardo Blanco, had all possible hairstyles for the model, and I took care of organizing each piece and accessories for each photo.
FC: How much did you have to do with the styling decisions? Did you give the stylist your theme, and then he just ran with it?
AEP: Before the session, I told the stylist that I wanted to make a fresh, natural look. And for the hair, I gave him a few photos with different styles of braids and waves, which we changed with each piece.
AEP: The sneakers were used for the convenience of the model. The floor was grass and dirt, and we had to look after her.
FC: What kind of things were you paying attention to when the pictures were being taken?
AEP: The main thing is that the bathing suit looks perfect on the model to get a good picture. The rest is the photographer.
FC: What did you envision for the pictures before they were taken?
AEP: I did not imagine how they would get the pictures, if I had the same idea. But I had to wait a week for the photographer to hand me the photos. I really loved when I saw they were better than I expected.
FC: What was the most fun part of the shoot?
AEP: Actually, there was no single moment of fun since we met in Caracas very early and started our journey to the ranch. It was so funny when we started the photo shoot, we did not realized that the time passed very quickly. We had to hurry because in Venezuela at 6:30 p.m. begins the night. Really, I cannot wait for the next photo shoot for the 2013 collection.
