Bikinis Hechos Con Cariño
Culture — 07.04.24
Photography: Arianna Pozo
Designer: Ana Ramos for Con Cariño
Models: Jaden Tripodi, Arianna Pozo, Ana Ramos
Writing: Hannah Lee George
Copy Editing: Skyli Alvarez, Nastasia Rozenberg
Launched in SS23, swimwear brand Con Cariño showcases Puerto Rican designer Ana Ramos’ approach to body-inclusive, Caribbean-inspired bikinis that are slow-made with love.
Growing up in the Sunshine State and being of Puerto Rican descent, swimwear is a core part of Ana’s wardrobe at home, as it is sold year-round to serve those who get to endlessly soak up the sun. When she’s not meticulously constructing pieces in Athens or spending time with friends in Ocala, you can find her in Puerto Rico reconnecting with its culture and spending time with family. “In the Caribbean, everyone wears bathing suits,” Ana says, “so it’s a sentimental reference to my heritage.” The influence of her roots is just one of the things that inspires her brand. Ana’s eye-catching yet everyday style makes her stand out. She’s even said that her favorite part of waking up is deciding what to wear.
“When I was younger, my parents used to discipline me by taking away my favorite shoes so that I had to wear ugly shoes when I got in trouble,” Ana Ramos reveals, laughing as she reminisces on her beginning roots in fashion. “I get a lot of my inspiration from my grandma. She’s originally from Spain and now lives in Puerto Rico, so she has a lot of surrealist fashion in her collection, which I now incorporate into my own designs.”
When asked what inspired her to start her own swim brand, Ana gives a reminiscent account of her time abroad with family.
“I was seeing the cutest bathing suits in Spain that would all be falling apart. They weren’t very good quality or interesting, but I really liked the cuts. That inspired me to start this brand for me and my friends. We have free range of whatever cut and style we want. That’s why I’m so open to other people’s opinions of what they want to see. I collaborate with people and make their ideas my own with embellishments and designs. I felt like there wasn’t a market that offered interesting and different bathing suits that offered beautiful designs with the cuts that I want.”
On top of finding inspiration from her time abroad, she recognizes the struggles women face in terms of sizing. It can be difficult ordering bikinis in sets, which is why Ana places great emphasis on customization.
“Sizing is hard, especially in bathing suits. I try to sell the bottoms and tops separately because people have different sizes. There’s a place where you can put in your measurements and send them to me. I try to be inclusive to size by providing options and guidance to people who may be in-between sizes so that they can find what fits them.”
Ana launched her made-to-order swimwear brand Con Cariño in July of 2023, a sentimental capsule of her Puerto Rican heritage that celebrates every individual who purchases a bikini by providing pieces specific to consumers’ sizes and needs. She single-handedly runs her brand, including apparel design, web and social media management, creative direction for campaigns, and material sourcing, and aims to provide an inclusive space for her customers. Shoppers are able to input silhouette preferences and sizing information to receive timeless products.
“It’s all handmade, made with love, made to order. That’s special; every bathing suit is made different. Made slow,” she says with pride, con orgullo.
Made with sustainable fabrics that withstand saltwater, UV, and chlorine, each piece is hand-patterned and sewn to fit each client and makes them feel confident in and out of the water. Carefully curating fabrics based on mood, sizing based on need, and advertising based on want, Ana Ramos is a true innovator in the fashion sphere.