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Letarte Swimwear Shop in Paia, Maui: Hawaiian designer swimsuits! Skull & leopard print bikinis & beach clothes.


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While in Maui, I had the opportunity to interview the designer of Letarte Swimwear. Read on for skull and animal-print bikinis!

My “tropical explorer” outfit…
Floral printed soirée silk skirt gifted by Nanette Lepore. The same design is sold here
Black and white sunhat: from Hong Kong (similar to this hat by Emma Fielden). I decorated it with a fresh yellow protea flower.
White layered top: vintage
Lace jacket: handmade

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The Maui tourism board generously gave a rental car for the week. My film crew and I drove to Paia, a hippie-ish town filled with coffeeshops and boutiques. Letarte’s interior decor pays tribute to Paia’s title: “World Capital of Windsurfing.”

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I interviewed designer Lisa Letarte Cabrinha, who founded the label with her sister. In addition to swimsuits, Letarte makes cashmere zip-ups, kid’s items, and beach accessories. Can you tell that she loves animal prints?

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I always have a hard time finding swimwear that fits my personality, so I was pleased to see edgy elements like this skull print. It matches my leather wristband from Good Art.

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The swim shop also carries local jewelry and Lisa’s custom-made moisturizers.

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On the walls: artwork by her husband Pete Cabrinha, founder of Cabrinha Kites. This is their daughter, Tahiti.

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Lisa styled me in her clothes, which are remarkably flattering and comfortable. This cotton tunic with neon embroidery matches my hair color. (Pick up this beach coverup here.)

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If you’re an alternative fashionista, you might also like Letarte’s leopard print bikini and black one-piece swimsuit with a dipped neckline. Many of her designs are influenced by Maui’s natural environment, such as shell ornamentation.

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Wait til you see our travel video — there’s a fun “dressing room” montage!

What type of swimsuit do you wear, and which swim brands do you prefer? What do you think of Letarte’s designs?

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Filed Under Fashion, Hawaii
19 Comments

19 Comments

  1. bethany
    Posted August 1, 2012 at 5:44 pm | Permalink

    oh cuteness!

  2. Melissa
    Posted August 1, 2012 at 5:48 pm | Permalink

    Great article!!! That dress from LeTarte looks fab on you!

  3. Craig
    Posted August 1, 2012 at 5:55 pm | Permalink

    cool photos

  4. Deni
    Posted August 1, 2012 at 5:55 pm | Permalink

    I love your story!

  5. andrea
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 4:46 am | Permalink

    love the hat! love the swimsuits!

  6. Genny
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 4:46 am | Permalink

    COOOL

  7. Eric
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 8:09 pm | Permalink

    Love the look!

  8. Mya
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 8:09 pm | Permalink

    it’s a cute outfit ^^

  9. Margie
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 8:09 pm | Permalink

    You look so super cute here, especially how you’re working that fab hat! Fantastic!!

  10. glitch
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 8:16 pm | Permalink

    Kirei. ^^
    A Carmina ready for the summer breeze.

  11. vannyah
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 8:17 pm | Permalink

    You look so cool :]

  12. Greg
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 9:18 pm | Permalink

    Carmina…you are a truly beautiful woman!!!…great summer look!!

  13. Princess
    Posted August 2, 2012 at 9:43 pm | Permalink

    I’m so jealous XD that outfit is way kawaii :D

  14. Jojo
    Posted August 3, 2012 at 1:47 pm | Permalink

    Perfect look for the summer! :D

  15. Maria
    Posted August 3, 2012 at 1:47 pm | Permalink

    very summery. LOVE IT ^_-

  16. Brandt
    Posted August 3, 2012 at 1:47 pm | Permalink

    Beautiful!

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