Miami, FL – June 13, 2017 – Brazilian swimwear designer, Adriana Degreas, opened  her American flagship location at the Shops at Merrick Park with a party for over 150 guests. Hostesses included journalist Danie Gómez Ortigoza; blogger Kelly Saks; TV personality Andrea Minski; and model Johanna Cure, who were all dressed in the designer’s resort-style collection. The new 5,800 square-foot store was packed with VIPs including Karen Martinez, wife of pop star Juanes; Venezuelan TV personality, Camilia Canabal; Douglas Elliman’s Eloy Carmenate; stylist and owner of The Griffen, Lesley Griffith; attorney Maria Beguiristain; LIAISONS’ Susanne Birbragher, and the designer herself, Adriana Degreas. Guests were greeted with glasses of Veuve Cliquot, hors d’oeuvres, a saxophone player and DJ Kika, who playfully rocked an Adriana Degreas two-piece and cover-up from behind the  booth. Attendees socialized and shopped the full line of apparel, which includes swimsuits, dresses, cover-ups, and accessories in the stunning new space. The store was designed by renowned interior designer Juan Camacho and has a clean, modern, tropical vibe, just like Adriana’s line, and. Famous for creating The Webster’s iconic interiors, Camacho brought a mix of elements evoking old Palm Beach and Miami’s mid-century golden age. Design flourishes include banana leaf print wallpaper, velvety French Art Deco furniture, dark wood floors, palm trees, bronze fixtures, design books and plenty of eye-catching object. Degreas, who has four stores in Brazil and opened a small pop-up in South Miami in 2016, chose the Shops at Merrick Park for her permanent store because of the beautiful location and the cross-section of international shoppers that the center draws.

World Red Eye caught up with Adriana Degreas who gave us a closer look into why she picked Miami to open her U.S. flagship and what goes into these stunning designs.

The most important aspect in creating new collections is always to make it better then the previous one. I am always looking for inspiration in the beachwear world while also trying to never lose the vintage DNA of the brand.

Adriana Degreas

WRE: How did you get started designing swimwear?

AD: I started developing the concept and lifestyle of the brand inside my father in law’s beachwear factory in Soa Paulo, which is one of the most traditional ones in the field.

WRE: Has your Brasilian background influenced your designs?

AD: The Golden era in Rio de Janeiro inspires me the most, as well as the beautiful botanical variety our country has.

WRE: What drew you into opening a flagship store in Miami?

AD: The opening of our flagship in Miami is the first step to the internationalize our brand. Since we have a very strong presence in the most high end multi-brand stores around EU like Le Bon Marche and Harrods, it was time to time for this opening which we are all super excited about.

WRE: What do you think are some important aspects to keep in mind when designing swimwear & resort wear?

AD: The most important aspect in creating new collections is always to make it better then the previous one. I am always looking for inspiration in the beachwear world while also trying to never lose the vintage DNA of the brand.

WRE: Describe the kind of woman that is rocking your clothing?  

AD: Strong women with personality who don’t want to pass by unnoticed.

WRE: What do you think is the most important part in building a brand that stands out from the rest?

AD: The most important par in building a brand is to be consistent to our values. We have a very strong lifestyle concept and we are obsessed with quality and innovation. I believe that swimwear should be part of all fashion weeks and not an separate week.  You can wear “beachwear” from day to night.

WRE: Who are your influences?

AD: Old memories mixed with a contemporary look, which results in revisited vintage with personality. I also look a lot into books, as well as social and art movements.

WRE: What material do you find helps make the best swimwear?

AD: I don’t believe in specific materials for swimwear; I like to evaluate its quality and from there we start elaborating the pieces. I also tend to use unexpected fabrics such as velvet.

WRE: Where do you see your brand in 10 years?

AD: I see a growth and international expansion both in US and EU. I am aiming to be one of the top swimwear brands in the world.

I believe that swimwear should be part of all fashion weeks and not a separate week. You can wear “beachwear” from day to night.

Adriana Degreas