Nicolita's Nicole Saenz and her Vintage-Styled, Technicolored Swimsuits I'm a nostalgia addict. I love things that look like they were from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Heck, I even collect Audrey Hepburn dolls and have at least five Hepburn coffee table books at home in my living room. I watch classic movies, preferably those in technicolor. So it's no surprise that I would fall in love with Nicolita swimsuits. Even though I met the label's designer over four years ago, I regret that it has taken me this long to publish an interview with her. Nicole Saenz is the brainchild behind Nicolita, which is a swimsuit line with a Latin/Cuban flair and just the right amount of retro "old Hollywood." Her swimsuits flatter the figure and really do justice to the woman with curves. In this issue, Agenda Magazine did a photo shoot featuring some of Nicolita's designs modeled by TV personality Adrianne Curry, and I was able to experience her newest collection firsthand. Nicole, we met each other over four years ago. I am delighted to see that you are doing so well. I always liked the uniqueness of your designs, and still wear that first suit you gave me back then. How would you say that your collections have evolved since you started designing swimsuits? Thank you so much. I, too, am thrilled with the success of Nicolita! Over the past six years I have maintained the uniqueness of my designs and, most importantly, my signature Nicolita branding. What type of woman defines Nicolita? The Nicolita customer is unique and flirtatious. She is classy but wants to show a little skin. How did you come up with the name Nicolita? This was my parents' nickname for me. It means little Nicole. When I started thinking of a name for my company I found that the label for Nicole was taken, but Nicolita was unique and fit my personality. What are your price points? A Nicolita bikini is priced between $120.00 [and] $150.00. Do you only design swimsuits, or do you also do cover-ups, dresses, etc.? When I first started Nicolita, I designed customizable handbags. Then I saw the need for bikinis among the sorority girls and began designing suits to fit that need. I currently focus my attention on swimwear because this is my main product. What was your highest high as the designer for Nicolita, or as a designer in general? I have been blessed with many high moments during the process of starting Nicolita. One that comes to mind was making my very first sales call to Nordstrom and actually booking an appointment with the head swimwear buyer in San Francisco. I presented my designs, and within a week she placed an order. This was only six months after deciding that I wanted to do swimwear. What was your lowest low (if you have had any lows at all)? Having your own business is constantly a roller coaster of high and low emotions. To pinpoint one low point is difficult to say. However, the common thread between every low experience is that it has built me back up stronger and better each time. Where do you see Nicolita in five years? Over the past six years I have seen a tremendous growth in the industry, and the reach on the Internet is so vast. Currently we just expanded to distribution in Europe, which I foresee to be a huge step for Nicolita. The next five years I want it to continue to be a leader in the swimwear industry. Eventually, I would like to expand into other markets. What was your biggest challenge in constantly creating new collections every season? My biggest challenge in creating a new collection each year is trying to figure out the story of where Nicolita is in her travels. There are so many places, that it's hard to decide where she will go next. It is hard to narrow my creativity down, at the same time not get carried away with the endless possibilities. I enjoy visiting the countries first before I design the collection in order to get true inspiration. So far, Nicolita has traveled to Cuba, Morocco, Spain, and Italy. It was exciting to have you as part of Agenda Magazine's editorial shoot for the summer/swimsuit issue in which you dressed Adrianne Curry in suits that will be coming out next season. I liked how they had a vintage feel to them. What made you design in this style, and what inspired this new collection? The shoot was amazing, and Adrianne was so receptive to the vintage glamour that defines Nicolita. The suits fit her perfectly. Adrianne loved the Black and white one-piece with the low v-neck backside. She kept taking sexy pictures on her phone and sending them to her husband. She was great to work with. How long have you been designing, and what is your design background? I have been designing for Nicolita for almost seven years. I have my business degree from the University of Southern California, with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and marketing. All of my fashion sewing and designing background has been self-taught. I understand that you just did a shoot for Janice Dickinson recently. Would you care to share the details of that shoot and Nicolita's specific involvement? Nicolita met with the Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency to find the new NICOLITA model. It was an interesting experience shooting a reality show and shooting for my 2009 Catalog. In addition to your website, where else can your swimsuits be purchased? Yes, besides shopping online at myNicolita.com, our products may be purchased online at our other web partners, Bestswimwear.com, Swimwearboutique.com, Razorreef.com, and BeachBliss.com. For boutique and department store locations where our product is sold, please visit mynicolita.com to search for a store near you. Any last words? Here's your chance. Plug, plug away! We had a unique experience this year finding the new face for Nicolita. While we shot the Nicolita 2009 Catalog Collection, the Janice Dickenson Show documented the whole process for their TV show that will air on Oxygen and Bravo mid-August 2008. On the show, viewers will see how I narrowed down my search for the next Nicolita model. I had a wonderful time on the show. Janice and her models were great to work with. Visit www.mynicolita.com for more information. See the Nicolita Fashion editorial featuring Adrianne Curry. Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples |
As I sit here writing this, I'm wearing my Nicolta swimsuit that Nicole gave me when we first met all those years ago. And excuse my expression, but I do have a little junk in my trunk. As I close my eyes, I like to envision myself as maybe Raquel Welch or Sophia Loren, walking down Saint Tropez or perhaps stranded on a desert island with Carey Grant with one common theme—all cameras on me, the leading lady, wearing Nicolita.
The nature of the fashion business is constantly evolving, and in order to be a successful designer, I must keep up with the ever-evolving industry. Nicolita designs are vintage glamour with modern flair. Our products capture the beauty of the past with today's silhouettes. In my first couple selling seasons, buyers commented that my more intricate pieces wouldn't sell; however, my sales didn't reflect that pessimism. I was delighted to see that Nicolita's vintage flare doesn't have to be toned down in order to be practical and furthermore sellable. Nicolita's collections have evolved by experimenting with new colors and textures while still capturing the beauty of 40s vintage glamour with a twist. 
Another that comes to mind was when I received a phone call from the swimwear buyer for Dillard, wanting to book an appointment in New York City. They wanted to see my showroom, and of course, it being so premature into my career, I had to get creative to make up for my not having a showroom. So I set up a private Cuban lunch with an authentic menu true to my heritage. I had never been to New York City in my life! It is funny, looking back, because I was all alone with no idea how to navigate through the snow-covered city with high hopes of selling my bikinis.
Some of the pieces that Adrianne wore at the photo shoot were mixed from Nicolita's 2008 and 2009 collections. My 2009 collection was inspired by Nicolita's travels through Italy. Each season and new collection for the line, "Nicolita jet sets around the world and falls in love along the way." I design an entire collection around where Nicolita is in her life and where she is traveling to. 
Nicolita's character was inspired by my personal Cuban heritage of my parents' experience living in Cuba during the 40s and 50s. During that time, Cuba was considered the "Tropical Island in the Sea" and the "Land of Romance." I wanted to preserve their memories of when they were there and base my branding time period in the 1940s. That is why I keep consistent my vintage flare in each collection.
