Inspired by the beautiful sunny skies, crystal blue waters and idyllic weather of Islamorada, Florida, Morada Blue Swimwear incorporates the best of the best creating the perfect suit for every woman. The swimwear line's creator, Kathryn Johann describes the innovative line as flirty and fun with a flattering fit. Consisting of both bikinis and one-pieces, the one word I would use to describe her swimsuits is "original". Bright-hued colors, flattering, moderate cuts and high-end fabrics with smart design make Morada Blue one of the standouts for swimwear today. The line debuted in 2009 at the Mercedes Benz Swim Show in Miami; an enormous event in the industry!

What's interesting about Morada Blue is the story about it. After her sister was married at her husband's family home in sunny Islamorada, Florida, the family started spending more time down in the Keys. Kathryn's vision to create the ideal swimsuit(s) came from her own frustration. She couldn't find swimwear that she was happy with. She could never find "the one". The perfect-fitting bikini did not exist. She scoured shops and online stores, always sending the ill-fitting suits back. Always wanting to pursue design, Kathryn was determined to solve the problem and spent countless hours researching better materials, thicker, stronger fabrics, perfectly molded bra cups and the strongest elastics. None of the bikinis she designed have the infamous "hook" in the back. Making the fit flattering for different women's shapes was the most important of all the details that Kathryn wanted to institute in the swimwear line. She took a look at her favorite every day shirts, dresses and necklines and translated the design into unique fun in the sun wear. The cuts are modest and elegant. Everything related to the suits is made in the USA. (I love that!) The "rings" in some of the designs are never plastic, but actual shell. The tops and bottoms are made of thicker, UV protective fabrics and are sold separately, ensuring the perfect fit. The high quality fabrics are 80% Spandex 20% Nylon; Milliskin four way stretch 95% Polyester 5% Spandex Lining.

With the invaluable help of her sister, brother-in-law (as well as the rest of the family!) and a team of dedicated and knowledgeable support staff and consultants, Kathryn is currently working to unveil an online store to supplement the showroom in Michigan. She is planning for the line to be available internationally and would love her designs to be sold at specialty boutiques throughout the USA and Canada. Her plans this 2010 season include attending various trunk shows and runway events, promoting Morada Blue. Kathryn told me that the most amazing thing about finally getting to pursue her dream of designing is seeing her designs worn on the runway. The spring collection should be available to order online in March and the summer collection should be launching around May. Morada Blue's price range is a reasonable $140-$165 (total) for Bikinis, Full Pieces are $140-$160, and Cover-ups are $65.

I think a couple neat things about this special line are that every swim piece is named after one of her family members or friends, and her business is also doing something near and dear to my heart: helping defend and preserve the local Florida Wildlife.

These suits are so cute! Who wouldn't want one (or 2 or 3??!) to go lounge on the gorgeous sunny beaches of the Florida Keys in Morada Blue? Congrats and best of luck to Morada Blue from the Suntan Crew!

~CA Suntan [more...]