Kamari Swim, founded and designed by Madison Martina, is known for inclusive, comfortable, and sexy swimwear for every body type. The label loved by celebrities aim to empower the woman wearing them, and help her exude effortless confidence, style and sophistication – all traits that define Martina herself, who is an accomplished model and businesswoman.
Martina’s entrepreneurial endeavors have created a brand that transcends seasons, as Kamari pieces are universally trendy during the summer, but also during the winter, as jetsetters take off on their luxury holiday getaways with their Kamari Swim as an essential item.
The bold, beautiful, and creatively savvy founder confides in Harper’s Bazaar her path to success and how her business is blooming ahead of the New Year.
The journey of creating Kamari Swim
Madison Martina created Kamari Swim after many years of modelling, and modelling in particular for a swimwear company whose products she found did not fit her body type. “I know how hard it is to find a swimsuit that allows you the freedom to move around while still feeling comfortable and sexy,” she said.
There were many brands that inspired her, but the idea of creating Kamari Swim also started from observing people and things around her. “It’s moments. I get inspired by the photographers I’m working with or the colors on a scarf I see on a woman walking down the street. I get inspired by hard-working people and entrepreneurs. I want to have something on my own and create things no one else has designed,” Martina revealed.
The CEO and founder of Kamari Swim also found inspiration from her interest in Asian fashion and culture. Although she has never been to Asia, visiting this part of the world is a major item on her bucket list. Madison Martina said: “I have heard so many wonderful things about Asia and Asian culture. When I think of fashion originating from Asia, I immediately think of the boldness of its modern color choices and silhouettes. I love the innovative and creative nature of Asian culture, fashion, and food.”
Asian fashion has inspired Martina to make eye-catching, colorful, and daring designs. Her love of Asian fashion was one of the inspirations for Martina to create Kamari’s first collection. The designs are globally inspired, where she blends solid colors, striking patterns and rebellious cuts.
Kamari Swim welcomes all body shapes
In order to create a line in which the designs are inclusive, comfortable, yet simultaneously sexy and flattering, Martina spent a lot of time and work fiercely for research, design, and trials and errors. She even asked her friends and family for help and had them try the swimwear on.
“It wasn’t easy but working in the modeling industry, with successful brands and seeing what they do behind the scenes was very influential on me. These experiences have helped me make Kamari into what it is today,” she explained. The model and founder of Kamari Swim also mentioned: “The industry has changed a lot within the last four years but one thing that is extremely important with all brands and industries today is being more welcoming to all sizes.”
Talking about her feelings as her brand is considered to strike a balance between sexy and classic, while still daring to push the fashion envelope. She said honestly: “That’s where Kamari is unique because we have own fun unique prints and styles. I also wanted to make sure to offer solid color options knowing not everyone would like the bright fun colors when wearing swim!”
What is the ideal Kamari Swim woman? Madison Martina revealed:
“She is fun, confident, loves feeling sexy, and is always down for any adventure. She will push boundaries when it comes to fashion and wants to be a trendsetter.”
Madison Martina’s secret to beauty and confidence
When Harper’s Bazaar asked Martina: “When do you feel most confident and beautiful?” She smiled: “When I am in my most natural state, by the water, in a bikini, with no makeup, with salty hair and golden sun-kissed skin.”
Besides her work, Martina has an undying love for traveling. In addition to destination appropriate clothing, the model has to bring along a comfortable workout set. Because of an inconsistent diet during the holiday, she never forget to have Detox + Debloat pills by JSHealth Vitamins. “And I always have Unsubscribe hair care in my purse to use after I get out of the pool, off the ski mountain, or after working out. I literally never go anywhere without these things !” Martina highlighted.
To maintain a glamorous and confident look, Martina’s best fashion tips, as the way to step up the style during the holiday, are pushing boundaries of style. She is not afraid to try something new or wear something haven’t seen done before. For her:
“All that really matters is that you feel your most confidence in the outfit. I love Mac Duggal gowns paired with jewelry from Camilia Seretti. And if you’re feeling really fancy, custom dresses from Jonathan Marc Stein never disappoint. Don’t be afraid, just go for it!”.
Trust the gut feeling
What’s new for for Kamari Swim in 2023? Madison Martina shared some tidbits: “I am so excited for 2023 because Kamari new collections that are coming. It may be a collection that isn’t just swimwear.” Her goals are continue pushing herself to keep creating new things: “I’m a very creative person visually but I love telling stories too.” The founder of Karima would like to start getting into acting more and star in a series or a movie in 2023.
At the end of the interview, when being asked what her advice for aspiring young designers, she replied:
“Just go for it! And follow your gut. If it’s something you really want to do and have a passion for what you’re selling, you will find a way to make it succeed. Never give up and don’t be discouraged if people tell you no because there is going to be someone who believes in you and your vision. You can do anything you put your mind to “.
**Team Credits**
Muse: Madison Martina @madisonmartina founder of Kamari Swim @kamariswim
Production: Emily Blair Media @emilyblairmedia
Photography: Jesse Allen @burnt_breakfast and Pixi Marlan @pixpop
Creative Direction: Emily Blair Media (@emilyblairmarcus @morgan.hildebrand)
Wardrobe Stylist: Olivia Sendra @oliviasendra
Lead Hairstylist: Laura Rugetti @laurarugetti (@theonly.agency)
Hairstyling Assistant: Sienna Watson @siennawatsonn
Makeup Artist: Samantha Jaene Vaughn @samanthajaene
Jeweler: Sahar Manley/Camilla Seretti @rollsroycesahar @camillaseretti
Film Photography: Livvy List @livvylist
Content Creation/BTS: Galz Media @galzmedia
Lighting Tech: Axel Johannson
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
