Surfs up! Meet the designers behind this season's six hottest swimwear brands that are already loved by stars like Kylie Jenner, Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson 

  • Meet the designers behind swim brands: Acacia, Mikoh, Solid & Striped, Mara Hoffman, Jo de Mer and Heidi Klein 
  • Learn what inspires them, what they carry in their beach bag and more 
  • Shop their killer collections 

You probably haven't heard of Oleema Miller, Naomi Newirth, Michelle Copelman, Mara Hoffman, Heidi Gosman and Amalia Spinardi, but you've definitely seen their work! 

They are the designers behind celeb favored swim brands Mikoh, Acacia, Solid & Striped, Mara Hoffman, Heidi Klein, and Jo de Mer respectively - and their trendy designs have been worn by the likes of Beyonce, Kate Bosworth, Jessica Alba, and Kate Hudson, just to name a few!

Here, get to know the designers behind the swimsuit brands celebrities have made famous.

MIKOH 

Clockwise: Osaka one-piece, $218, Paia bikini top, $112, Puka Puka bikini bottom, $112, Barbados bikini top, $112, Bondi bikini bottom, $90, Seychelles one-piece, $218, Topanga one-piece, $304, Sunset bikini top, $112, Miyako bikini bottom, $90, Belize bikini top, $112, Lahaina bikini bottom, $90, Moorea one-piece, $249. Shop these suits designed by Oleema Miller (center) and more at mikoh.com

Clockwise: Osaka one-piece, $218, Paia bikini top, $112, Puka Puka bikini bottom, $112, Barbados bikini top, $112, Bondi bikini bottom, $90, Seychelles one-piece, $218, Topanga one-piece, $304, Sunset bikini top, $112, Miyako bikini bottom, $90, Belize bikini top, $112, Lahaina bikini bottom, $90, Moorea one-piece, $249. Shop these suits designed by Oleema Miller (center) and more at mikoh.com

Brand: Mikoh

Designer: Oleema Miller (Her sister Kalani is her partner in the brand) 

Celebrity Clientele Includes: Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Willow Smith, Rihanna

What made you launch a swimwear collection?

Growing up with the ocean in my backyard and constantly spending days at the beach led to a bikini-filled childhood. I've always taken the path less chosen, and when it came to my career and future, I knew that I wanted to work for myself. Having a deep love affair with the ocean and surf culture, made it an easy decision to start a swimwear company.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I'm fortunate enough to travel year-round, and most of my destinations are tropical and in the South Pacific. I'm constantly inspired by the exotic cultures and landscapes that my many island visits provide.

Favorite beach to visit?

You can never go wrong with any of the beaches on Tavarua. The crystal clear blue waters, shell speckled white sand beaches, and privacy of the island make for a dream-worthy beach day.

Beach bag essentials?

A MIKOH panama hat, two Turkish towels to make the ultimate beach blanket, a Hydro Flask to keep my beverages icy cold, and Shade sunscreen.

Do you prefer to wear a bikini or a one-piece?

I am a bikini girl all the way. One-pieces are fun and I occasionally wear them when I'm surfing, but I love being able to mix and match my separates.

Stylish ladies: Kylie Jenner, 18, is a fan of Mikoh bikinis
Stylish ladies: Willow Smith, 15, is a fan of Mikoh bikinis

Stylish ladies: Kylie Jenner, 18, (left) and pal Willow Smith, 15, (right) are both fans of Mikoh bikinis

Hot mama: Jessica Alba, 35, hits the beach in Hawaii in designs by Mikoh

Hot mama: Jessica Alba, 35, hits the beach in Hawaii in designs by Mikoh

ACACIA 

Clockwise: Shrilanka one-piece, $207, Bikini top, approx $108, High waisted bikini bottom, approx $120, Rashguard, $242, Dubai bikini top, $115, Fiji bikini bottom, $115, Humuhumu bikini top, $110, Waikoloa bikini bottom, 106, Bronx one-piece, $212, Bandou bikini top, approx $115, Baldwin bikini bottom, $110, Africa one-piece, $212. Shop these styles designed by Naomi Newirth and Lyndie Irons (center) and more at acaciaswimwear.com

Clockwise: Shrilanka one-piece, $207, Bikini top, approx $108, High waisted bikini bottom, approx $120, Rashguard, $242, Dubai bikini top, $115, Fiji bikini bottom, $115, Humuhumu bikini top, $110, Waikoloa bikini bottom, 106, Bronx one-piece, $212, Bandou bikini top, approx $115, Baldwin bikini bottom, $110, Africa one-piece, $212. Shop these styles designed by Naomi Newirth and Lyndie Irons (center) and more at acaciaswimwear.com

Brand: Acacia Swimwear

Designer: Naomi Newirth (along with partner Lyndie Irons)

Celebrity Clientele Includes: Khloe Kardashian, Bella Thorne, Kate Hudson, Hailey Baldwin

What made you launch a swimwear collection?

I began sewing my own suits in high school because I couldn't find the perfect fit. That is where the Acacia dream began. Lyndie had modeled the first samples I had made while overseas in Indonesia. She loved them and asked to be my partner. That is the simple version of how we got started

Where do you get inspiration from?

Most of my inspiration comes from our home Hawaii, with it's neutral/natural earth tones and pops of color, as well as our home away from home, Bali. I also pull a lot of inspiration from our travels and my heritage being Native American and being brought up in the Native American church.

Favorite beach to visit? 

Ho'okipa beach in Maui, Pine Trees beach in Kauai, Hana beach in Maui,  Balangan beach in Bali, any beach in Fiji, and Waikiki beach in Oahu.   

Beach bag essentials? 

ACACIA Kuau pareo coverup, ACACIA slippers, Hydro flask full of ice water, our sunscreen that we collaborated with Epicuren on, a good pair of sunnies, and Da Fins to work the booty out while swimming!

Do you prefer to wear a bikini or a one-piece?

I like both for different reasons. If its not super sunny out, a one-piece is perfect for a quick dip in the ocean or an exercise walk on the beach. For bronzing or surfing purposes I prefer a two-piece so I can get a good tan 

Work it: Kate Hudson, 37, shared a snap of herself rocking designs by Acacia swimwear
Work it: Bella Thorne, 18, shared a snap of herself rocking designs by Acacia swimwear

Work it: Kate Hudson, 37, (left) and Bella Thorne, 18, (right) both shared snaps of themselves rocking designs by Acacia swimwear

Selfie time: Khloe Kardashian, 31, made sure to snap a photo of herself in an Acaica swimsuit

Selfie time: Khloe Kardashian, 31, made sure to snap a photo of herself in an Acaica swimsuit

SOLID & STRIPED 

Clockwise: Grace bikini top, $78, Grace bikini bottom, $78, Alexandra one-piece, $148, Poppy wrap one-piece, $158, Ballerina one-piece, $158, Julia one-piece, $148, Belle bikini top, $88, Bridget bikini bottom, $88, Poppy tie bikini top, $78, Poppy tie bottom, 78, Anne-Maire one-piece, $158. Shop these suits designed by Michelle Copelman (center) and more at solidandstriped.com

Clockwise: Grace bikini top, $78, Grace bikini bottom, $78, Alexandra one-piece, $148, Poppy wrap one-piece, $158, Ballerina one-piece, $158, Julia one-piece, $148, Belle bikini top, $88, Bridget bikini bottom, $88, Poppy tie bikini top, $78, Poppy tie bottom, 78, Anne-Maire one-piece, $158. Shop these suits designed by Michelle Copelman (center) and more at solidandstriped.com

Brand: Solid & Striped 

Designer: Michelle Copelman

Celebrity Clientele Includes: Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Poppy Delevingne, Hilary Duff  

What made you want to design swimwear?

I grew up on Long Island close to the water and so every summer I basically lived in a swimsuit. When I joined the Solid & Striped team I wanted to create swimsuits for the feminine, active woman. The fondness of my summers as a child is a constant inspiration. I think about my parents friends sitting by the pool and the effortlessness they embodied. Solid & Striped’s collection is clean and modern in its simplicity, but also a nod to the nostalgic days of summers past. 

Where do you get inspiration from? 

I visit galleries quite often, especially for color inspiration. It is so inspiring to see all types of art and be able to apply it to my everyday life. There are so many interesting galleries right around the corner from the Solid & Striped offices.

Favorite beach to visit? 

The beaches in Greece are my favorite, the calming clear blue waters feel so intimate with the landscape. If I can't make it to Europe, the Far Rockaways are pretty awesome - I love watching the surfers and then going roller blading to get tacos.

Beach bag essentials? 

I bought a little straw tote in Mexico recently, so you must start with the perfect bag. Inside is a good book, snacks of course, and a cover up that's also an instant outfit (I like to travel light). I love the Solid & Striped boyfriend shirts & rompers.

Do you prefer to wear a bikini or a one-piece?

Definitely a one-piece, it’s so classic and so feminine. Our Poppy Wrap One-Piece and Tie One-Piece are so comfortable, I love lounging in them all day and they are an outfit on their own. I think this summer will be all about the one-piece.

Rocking bod: Emily Ratajkowski, 24, shows off her enviable figure in a Solid & Striped swimsuit
Rocking bod: Poppy Delevingne, 30, shows off her enviable figure in a Solid & Striped swimsuit

Rocking bods: Emily Ratajkowski, 24, (left) and Poppy Delevingne, 30, (right) both show off their enviable figures in Solid & Striped swimsuits

Birthday suit: Gigi Hadid, 21, rocked a gingham Solid & Striped swimsuit during her 21st birthday celebrations

Birthday suit: Gigi Hadid, 21, rocked a gingham Solid & Striped swimsuit during her 21st birthday celebrations

MARA HOFFMAN 

Clockwise: Twist front one-piece, $238, Scoop neck bikini top, $128 & High waisted bikini bottom, $137, Wrap around bikini top, $126, Low rise bikini bottom, $106, Lattice one-piece, $254, Triangle bikini top, $117, Lace up bikini bottom, $137, Rashgaurd, $278, Crochet bikini top, $90, crochet bikini bottom, $117, Lattice cami bikini top, $141, classic bikini bottom, $106. Shop these suits designed by Mara Hoffman (center) and more at marahoffman.com

Clockwise: Twist front one-piece, $238, Scoop neck bikini top, $128 & High waisted bikini bottom, $137, Wrap around bikini top, $126, Low rise bikini bottom, $106, Lattice one-piece, $254, Triangle bikini top, $117, Lace up bikini bottom, $137, Rashgaurd, $278, Crochet bikini top, $90, crochet bikini bottom, $117, Lattice cami bikini top, $141, classic bikini bottom, $106. Shop these suits designed by Mara Hoffman (center) and more at marahoffman.com

Brand: Mara Hoffman

Designer: Mara Hoffman

Celebrity Clientele Includes: Kourtney Kardashian, Mindy Kaling, Anne Hathaway, Beyonce

What made you launch a swimwear collection? 

I've always been really drawn to women's bodies and I understood how to work with a body - I grew up dancing ballet and got into yoga at a young age​. I love the emotional connection women have to choosing a swimsuit because for most people, it’s the closest they’ll be to naked in a public setting. When it comes to swim, women tend to be a little bit more fearless and experimental - they will play with color and print in a different way than they would in they’re everyday dressing.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I find inspiration throughout all aspects of travels - various cultures, people, textiles, and landscapes. To build a full collection, I like to spend at least one week away to really dive in and immerse myself.

Favorite beach to visit?

There are so many - I am a real beach lover. The beaches of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica are some of my favorites. When I need a quick fix, Miami’s typically my go-to.

Beach bag essentials?

Water, La Mer’s Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid, coconut oil for my hair, a beach blanket that triples as a turban and a sarong, Illesteva sunglasses, a book and headphones.

Do you prefer to wear a bikini or a one-piece?

I don’t really prefer one over the other - I love both and wear whatever I think I’ll feel good and comfortable in that day.

Pretty prints: Kourtney Kardashian, 37, sported a playful printed swimsuit by Mara Hoffman
Pretty prints: Mindy Kaling, 36, sported a playful printed swimsuit by Mara Hoffman

Pretty prints: Kourtney Kardashian, 37, (left) and Mindy Kaling, 36, (right) both sported playful printed swimsuits by Mara Hoffman

Queen Bee: Beyonce, 34, looked regal in her Mara Hoffman cut-out bathing suit

Queen Bee: Beyonce, 34, looked regal in her Mara Hoffman cut-out bathing suit

HEIDI KLEIN

Clockwise: Manhattan V bar one-piece, $254.90, Honolulu bikini set, $230.62, St. Kitts bikini set, $194.20, Sardinia one-piece, $254.90, Long Island scallop one-piece, $230.62, Key West bikini set, $194.20, Tahiti bikini set, $230.62, Venice Beach one-piece, $236.69. Shop these suits designed by Heidi Gosman (center) and more at heidiklein.com 

Clockwise: Manhattan V bar one-piece, $254.90, Honolulu bikini set, $230.62, St. Kitts bikini set, $194.20, Sardinia one-piece, $254.90, Long Island scallop one-piece, $230.62, Key West bikini set, $194.20, Tahiti bikini set, $230.62, Venice Beach one-piece, $236.69. Shop these suits designed by Heidi Gosman (center) and more at heidiklein.com 

Brand: Heidi Klein

Designer: Heidi Gosman (Her business partner is Penny Klein)

Celebrity Clientele Includes: Olivia Palermo, Kate Bosworth, Kate Moss, Liya Kebede 

What made you launch a swimwear collection?

Penny Klein and I worked together in marketing and business then became good friends. We had great business chemistry and complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses perfectly. We were working on a project for a client about vacations and noticed that most department stores were not stocking a lot of swimwear out of season. We saw this gap and launched the one-stop beachwear shop concept.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from everywhere; from my constant travels for work and pleasure to listening to what shoppers at our stores have to say. I love to hear what our customers think and keep this in mind when designing new styles and prints. I have a fabulous design team and we design all the collections in my studio in the London head office.

Where do you go for creative inspiration?

My design team and I look at old magazines, movies, attend runway shows and look at past style icons such as Grace Kelly. Then we sit down and decide on names, styles and prints for each story.

Favorite beach to visit?

I adore the Amalfi Coast. My husband and I went for the first time on our honeymoon and we've been back every year since. We instantly fell in love with the breathtaking views and crystal clear waters. It has become a special place for me and full of wonderful memories.

Beach bag essentials?

I always carry the Heidi Klein raffia wide brim hat because it's so important to protect your face in the sun. I also wear the Heidi Klein oversized white shirt. It's a versatile summer essential that I don over my swimsuit during the day and dress up at night. I also make sure I have the Sisley Super Soin Solaire Sun Care with me. It gives my skin a gorgeous sheen.

Do you prefer to wear a bikini or a one-piece?

I think a well-fitted chic one-piece, like our Manhattan V-Bar One Piece, is flattering on all body shapes. The detail at the bust adds dimension and elongates the silhouette while the textured fabric ensures a perfect fit. It is such a timeless piece.

Work it: Olivia Palermo, 30, hit the beach in a skimpy Heidi Klein bikini
Work it: Liya Kebede, 38 hit the beach in a skimpy Heidi Klein bikini

Work it: Olivia Palermo, 30, (right) and Liya Kebede, 38 (right) hit the beach in skimpy Heidi Klein bikinis

Hit the beach in style: Kate Bosworth, 33, showed off her trim figure in a Heidi Klein string bikini

Hit the beach in style: Kate Bosworth, 33, showed off her trim figure in a Heidi Klein string bikini

JO DE MER

Clockwise: Capri one-piece, $405,  Bardot  high waisted bikini set, approx $245,  Bardot bikini set, Now $234.50, Cut out one-piece, approx $275, Feline one-piece, approx $295, High-waisted bikini set, approx $290, String bikini set, approx $185, Chain One-piece, Approx $400.  Shop these suits designed by Amalia Spinardi (center) and more at jodemer.com

Clockwise: Capri one-piece, $405,  Bardot  high waisted bikini set, approx $245,  Bardot bikini set, Now $234.50, Cut out one-piece, approx $275, Feline one-piece, approx $295, High-waisted bikini set, approx $290, String bikini set, approx $185, Chain One-piece, Approx $400. Shop these suits designed by Amalia Spinardi (center) and more at jodemer.com

Brand: Jo de Mer

Designer: Amalia Spinardi

Celebrity Clientele Includes: Alessandra Ambrosio, Gisele Bundchen, Behati Prinsloo, Anne Hathaway

What made you launch a swimwear collection?

I have always been a bikini addict. I am also the kind of person who needs the sun to boost my energy. When I was pregnant fifteen years ago, I started to put a plan together for a bikini line and decided that this was what I was going to work on. So when my son Joseph was born, I wanted to name the line after him, because I think he had a lot to do with my new project.

Where do you get inspiration from?

The bright colors of my country, Brazil. The beautiful bronzed bodies you can see on our beaches and the effortless swing of women here are always a great source of inspiration for creating bikinis.

I have always taken into consideration how tricky this road could be since the line between being sexy and being vulgar is a very thin one, especially when the swimsuit is the smallest article of clothing the human being can wear.

In the end, women at the beach need to feel charming but also comfortable in a two piece just like she would when wearing a gown. So I focus on how to make a sensual piece still feel safe to the body. Our swimsuits are 100% water proof. Nothing is made for fashion shoots or catwalks.

Favorite beach to visit?

Paraty area on Rio de Janeiro state. This is where I have a beach house. There is a strong natural atmosphere of Atlantic Forest and the best clean green water for swimming.

Beach bag essentials?

A range of solar protection creams from Dior, La Roche and Lancaster; along with Aerin beach cream and Kerastase hairspray. I also always carry a colorful hair brush, some magazines and my iPad.

Do you prefer to wear a bikini or a one-piece?

I change my beachwear twice a day when vacationing. I opt for a bikini to start the day and a maillot from lunch on. This is very common in Brazil.

Make a splash: Alessandra Ambrosio, 35, donned a printed Jo de Mer bikini
Make a splash: Anne Hathaway, 33, donned a printed Jo de Mer bikini

Make a splash: Alessandra Ambrosio, 35, (left) and Anne Hathaway, 33, (right) both donned printed Jo de Mer bikinis 

Happy customer: Behati Prinsloo, 27, was photographed happily shopping for some Jo de Mer pieces

Happy customer: Behati Prinsloo, 27, was photographed happily shopping for some Jo de Mer pieces

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