Meet Cassandra Cabrera Gassmann, the visionary founder behind AQVA Swimwear. With a deep-rooted passion for swimwear and a rebellious spirit, Cassandra has transformed the industry by challenging unrealistic beauty standards and celebrating the diversity of real women.
Inspired by the vibrant coastal lifestyle of Costa Brava, Sitges, and the Balearic Islands, Cassandra infuses every AQVA design with the colors, patterns, and essence of these Mediterranean paradises. Her commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability has not only redefined swimwear fashion but also empowered countless women to embrace their unique beauty and confidence.
Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Cassandra Cabrera Gassmann and the incredible impact of AQVA Swimwear…
Your brand originated from the vibrant coastal lifestyle of Costa Brava, Sitges, and the Balearic Islands. How have these places influenced your design process and brand philosophy?
The vibrant Mediterranean coastal lifestyle of Costa Brava, Sitges, and the Balearic Islands has profoundly influenced my design process and brand philosophy. The natural beauty, lively Spanish culture, and relaxed atmosphere of these places inspire the colors, patterns, and overall feel of our swimwear. The azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, stunning sunsets, and rich cultural heritage are reflected in our designs, celebrating the essence of these coastal paradises.
Can you share a bit about your personal journey and the rebellious desire that led to the creation of your brand?
Growing up, I always had a passion for bikinis and swimwear. However, I noticed that the market was dominated by unrealistic beauty standards and lacked inclusivity. This sparked a rebellious desire within me to challenge and change the industry. I wanted to create a brand that celebrates real women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. This journey led to the creation of AQVA swimwear, where I prioritise authenticity, diversity, and sustainability.
How do you balance your Spanish roots with the modern, innovative designs in your swimwear collection?
Balancing my Spanish roots with modern, innovative designs involves blending traditional influences with contemporary aesthetics. I draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage, vibrant colors, and patterns of Spain while incorporating modern cuts, fabrics, and sustainable practices. This fusion creates unique swimwear that honours our roots while appealing to today’s fashion-forward women.
What does “perfecting the imperfections” mean to you, and how do you incorporate this philosophy into your designs?
“Perfecting the imperfections” means embracing and celebrating the unique qualities that make each woman beautiful. I incorporate this philosophy by designing swimwear that flatters and supports all body types, using high-quality, adaptable materials, and promoting body positivity through all our channels. Each piece is crafted to highlight the natural beauty of every woman, making them feel empowered, confident, and comfortable.
Your brand aims to free women from societal expectations. Can you share a memorable story or feedback from a customer that embodies this mission?
One memorable story comes from a customer who had always felt self-conscious about wearing a bikini due to societal expectations about body image. After trying our swimwear, she shared how our designs made her feel confident and beautiful for the first time in years. She thanked us for creating a brand that celebrates real women and helps them feel empowered, which truly embodies our mission.
How has working as a mother-daughter duo influenced your brand’s development and vision?
Working as a mother-daughter duo has enriched our brand’s development and vision with a blend of experience and fresh perspectives. My mother has been a big part of my inspiration and has participated in the creative aspect. Our close relationship allows for open communication and a shared passion for creating inclusive, high-quality swimwear. This dynamic collaboration ensures that our designs resonate with a wide audience, from younger women to mature customers, reflecting our commitment to diversity and family values.
Sustainability is a core value for AQVA. Can you elaborate on your sustainable practices and how they impact your production process?
Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our production process. We use eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyamide and nylon, ensuring that our swimwear is both durable and environmentally friendly. We also prioritise local manufacturing in Barcelona, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the local economy. Our focus on sustainability extends to our packaging, which is made from recyclable materials, and our efforts to minimise waste during production.
What challenges have you faced in maintaining high-quality, handmade production methods while also keeping your environmental footprint low?
One of the main challenges is balancing the labor-intensive nature of handmade production with the need to minimise our environmental footprint. To address this, we work closely with skilled local artisans who share our commitment to sustainability. We continuously seek innovative methods to reduce waste and energy consumption without compromising on the quality and craftsmanship of our swimwear.
In an industry often focused on the ‘perfect beach body,’ how does AQVA promote individual expression and confidence? AQVA promotes individual expression and confidence by designing swimwear that celebrates all body types and ages. We offer a wide range of sizes and styles, ensuring that every woman can find a piece that makes her feel beautiful and comfortable. Our marketing campaigns feature real women of diverse shapes, sizes, and ages, reinforcing the message that every body is a beach body.
Your brand celebrates the diversity and beauty of all women. How do you ensure inclusivity in your designs and marketing campaigns?
We ensure inclusivity by showcasing women with different body types and ages in our design and marketing processes. We conduct thorough research and gather feedback from a diverse group of women to understand their needs and preferences. Our marketing campaigns showcase real, un-retouched images of women from various walks of life, promoting a realistic and inclusive representation of beauty.
Can you discuss the importance of local artisans in your production process and how they contribute to the unique quality of your swimwear?
I am very proud to say that AQVA is a “Made in Spain” brand and that all our designs are handmade in Barcelona. By collaborating with skilled artisans in Barcelona, we ensure that every item is made with care, attention to detail, and the highest quality. Their traditional techniques, combined with modern sustainable practices, result in high-quality, unique swimwear that stands out in the market.
What are some of the most precious moments or experiences you’ve had since launching AQVA that affirm your brand’s mission?
Our SS24 photoshoot was a truly magical moment. Seeing how a diverse group of women work together and help me in my project was very moving and once again affirmed the purpose of AQVA. Hearing and seeing how our designs helped them embrace their bodies and feel beautiful is incredibly rewarding. Another memorable experience was seeing a diverse group of women proudly wearing AQVA swimwear at a beach event, embodying the inclusivity and authenticity we strive for.
How do you stay inspired and creative, particularly when designing new collections?
I stay inspired and creative by immersing myself in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of coastal Spain. Regular visits to the beaches of Costa Brava, Sitges, and the Balearic Islands provide endless inspiration. Additionally, I keep up with global fashion trends, attend industry events, and gather feedback from our customers to continually evolve and innovate our designs.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs looking to break into the fashion industry?
My advice to women entrepreneurs is to stay true to your vision and values. The fashion industry can be challenging, but authenticity and passion will set you apart. Embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and quality in your products, and build a strong connection with your audience. Don’t be afraid to take risks and innovate, and always seek feedback to improve and grow.
How has the Mediterranean town of Sitges shaped your brand’s identity and values?
Sitges has significantly shaped our brand’s identity and values with its vibrant, inclusive, and artistic community. The town’s relaxed atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery inspire the colors, patterns, and carefree spirit of our designs. Sitges’ emphasis on diversity and acceptance aligns perfectly with our brand’s commitment to celebrating real women and promoting body positivity.
Can you share a bit about the materials you use and why they are important for your brand’s sustainability goals?
We use materials like recycled polyamide and nylon, which are both durable and eco-friendly. These materials are important for our sustainability goals because they reduce waste and minimise our environmental impact. By choosing high-quality, sustainable fabrics, we ensure that the swimwear is long-lasting and gentle on the planet, aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility.
What future goals do you have for AQVA, both in terms of design innovation and environmental impact?
AQVA’s future goals include continuing to research flattering patterns adaptable to diverse body types and to innovate in my designs by exploring new sustainable materials and techniques. I aim to expand our size range, market size, and introduce more adaptive and customisable options. In terms of environmental impact, I plan to further reduce our carbon footprint, enhance our recycling programs, and increase our support for environmental initiatives and ocean conservation projects.
How do you address and overcome any insecurities or challenges that come with running a fashion brand?
I would like to give a special thank you to my coach for this one. She continuously helps me embrace a mindset of growth and resilience, which helps me navigate obstacles and stay motivated without giving up. To address and overcome these insecurities and challenges, I focus on the love I have and receive for my brand and the positive impact I strive to make in the fashion industry.
Can you discuss a specific piece from your collection that holds special meaning for you and why?
One specific piece that holds special meaning for me is our classic high-waisted bikini. This design is inspired by vintage styles and embodies our commitment to blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. It’s a versatile piece that flatters various body types, and it represents our mission to make every woman feel confident and beautiful.
What legacy do you hope AQVA leaves in the fashion industry and for women around the world?
I hope AQVA leaves a legacy of inclusivity, authenticity, and sustainability in the fashion industry. I want my brand to be remembered for challenging unrealistic beauty standards and promoting body positivity. For all the women around the world, I hope AQVA inspires empowerment, self-love, and a commitment to protecting our environment.
Our readers love to travel. What destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I love traveling too. I cannot conceive of spending several months in one place without traveling. At the top of my bucket list is French Polynesia – it is my absolute dream. Hopefully, one day I can swim in those turquoise waters wearing one of my AQVA pieces.
Where can people follow you and find out more?
People can follow us on Instagram at @AQVA_swimwear for dreamy summer vibes, behind-the-scenes content, and more. They can also visit our website at www.aqvaswimwear.com to explore our launch collections, learn about our sustainable practices, and shop our swimwear.
If you enjoyed learning about the journey and vision behind AQVA Swimwear, we invite you to explore more inspiring stories on House of Coco. Discover the passion, creativity, and resilience of entrepreneurs and creators from around the world who are making a positive impact.
