Eco-friendly swimwear to hit runway at LA Fashion Weekend

The sixteen piece collection, created by designer Andrea Abaunza, draws from her native Colombia's diverse ecosystems, landscapes, historic and archeological sites, its people and their cultures.

Her prints were inspired by such natural wonders as the Rainbow Ameiva whose ombre skin is reflected in the line, and the 14,000 butterfly species Colombia has to offer. In addition, there are 90 indigenous groups with a variety of interesting cultures which led to her alluring indigenous print. Colombia’s contrasting seascapes led to the selection of vibrant blues Abaunza has highlighted in this Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

The collection uses only knitted elasticized fabrics (a combination of polyamide and elastane), silk and silk chiffon. The uniting color is turquoise, with accents of blues, lilacs, fuchsia, orange, and red, which evoke an exotic and vibrant atmosphere.

Andrea was born and raised in Colombia and became a California lover in 2000. She always had a deep connection to nature, and a passion for life.  While in Colombia, her mothers’ seamstress saw her unique talent for fashion and persuaded her to start a career in it.  Andrea’s inspirations are drawn from the colors and designs in nature, and the movements associated with dance and music.  She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising on June 2010 with a degree in Fashion Design.

“Amelie is named after my grandmother who is an elegant and talented woman. She has always been a great inspiration to me. One of the most important aspects about this line is making a positive contribution to society through passion and love for fashion. This line was created to embrace different body types with sophisticated designs and the highest possible quality fabrics. I want women to feel beautiful and comfortable while exuding confidence through my labels Feel, Love, Live”.

Abaunza’s collection, Amelie, will be shown on October 19th, 2012, along with Nicolita’s Havana Nights by Christina Milian, Culture Swimwear and Kate Swim. Doors open to media at 5pm, to attendees at 6pm, show at 8pm.

Amelie Swimwear