Summer in September with Makai!

Contributed photo
Contributed photo

SUMMER might be over but with Makai Swimwear, September could still be the best time to enjoy the beach!

If you have been looking for a pair of swimwear that feels extremely comfortable while basking in the sun, the Davao City-based entrepreneur will gladly extend a hand.

Rem Ortiz-Humangit, the woman behind the brand, shared that Makai is a Hawaiian word which means “towards the ocean.” Its advocacy, however, is beyond the meaning of its name. The swimwear line speaks of beauty, strength and confidence.

“Makai Swimwear embodies those three things. We want our clients to feel that they are beautiful, strong and confident whenever they wear our swimwear because that's how it should be, regardless of what size, age, and shape we have,” she said.

Rem added that “diversity” is what makes Makai Swimwear unique.

“We wanted to change the perception of individuals. Swimwear/swimsuits should not be only for slim/toned individuals. It’s for everyone,” she said, thus, her pieces are made according to one’s uniqueness.

“We are the first business in the city that offers custom-made swimwear, though clients are slow in accepting the made-to-order scheme because it takes time, especially that it takes 10 to 15 days waiting time including disinfection, shipment and delivery,” she said, adding that this has changed already considering the growing orders.

Rem loves the beach. That is a fact. Nevertheless, wearing swimwear somehow influenced her not to enjoy the water in the past.

“Swimwear is one apparel I'm scared of wearing the most just because I am personally not confident enough to show some skin. Though, I admire and envy people who can pull it off, me on the other hand, is the opposite,” she said. “The swimwear idea came to mind after having a good result of my fitness journey. I became confident! The conceptualization of the product was made before the pandemic. The Philippines is a tropical country, we celebrate summer all year round and I believe that it is one feasible business.”

With utmost excitement, Rem jump-started the business and created her own designs, drawing inspiration from “real people who live under the scrutiny of the society. They are the people who are being criticized by their physical appearances specifically the weight, shape and size.”

As the business grows, Makai Swimwear is slowly introducing new products to complete the summer ensemble. They have summer blouses that look “preppy, summery, and chic” that can be worn to any special or social events (formal or casual). The summer kimonos (cover-ups) are a must-have, too.

“We need to have a variety and I think that these additions will complete the whole look for our swimwear line,” Rem explained.

Meanwhile, she gave a piece of worthy advice for everyone: “The number one rule in fashion is to be comfortable with what you put on to your body. If you are not yet comfortable enough to wear swimwear then don't force yourself. There is always the right timing for everything. Confidence is when you are ready.”

Currently, Makai Swimwear products are for women and girls. But, who knows, the homegrown brand would introduce something for the guys and boys soon, right?

(Rem would like to thank Kristina Elchico for the earrings and headpiece used in the photos.)

***

If you have special events and fashion tips to share, or just want to discuss any fashion-related concerns with me, you are always free to reach me at mendoza.jennygrace@gmail.com. You may also follow Purple’s Nook on Facebook for more updates.

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