Deep Dive into the Mai Underwear & Swim Spring Collection: Featuring Ryan and Jenni Belder
Leave it to one of our favorite swimsuit brands to drop a killer Spring Collection, with new fabrics, prints, and colors. The color palette of this Spring drop is everything, can we talk about the Moss and the Punch Ribbed?
We have been loyally following MAI Underwear & Swim throughout the years and we are proud to be a fan. If you have been following MAI like we have, you know they have changed and adapted through the years, and if you’re anything like us, you want to know more. What better way to take a peek into the genius minds behind the brand than to ask them directly.
For those who are new here, we will catch you up to speed. Jenni and Ryan live in one of the most beautiful places on earth (besides Maui), Banff Canada. And just like us, their hearts belong to the beach and they spend as much time as possible traveling to surf warm, tropical waves. Jenni went to fashion design school and they both come from a background in skateboard/ snowboard/fashion retail.
Their passion for beach life and desire to build the lifestyle they've been dreaming of fueled them to start MAI.
"Our inspiration has stayed true over the past 5 years since we started chasing our dream, but has also grown to embody who we are as dreamers, surfers and happiness enthusiasts."
Tell us about your inspiration for MAI and how that has changed over the years?
MAI was born out of our passion for bikinis, and our desire to wear our favorite pieces every day. We wanted to create intimates that could be worn as swimwear; light, soft pieces that work everyday/all day for swimming, yoga, sleeping, tanning, surfing and whatever else we do, all while making us feel beautiful and comfortable (and sharing that feeling with others).
We are so inspired by our amazing community of women around us and our belief is that everyone deserves to be welcomed, included and loved for who they are, and to feel empowered, confident and inspired… because that is what makes us beautiful. This is at the heart of our brand and we’ve really identified it as our purpose. We’re excited to look forward and think about different ways we can engage with our community at large.
We are so inspired by our amazing community of women around us and our belief is that everyone deserves to be welcomed, included and loved for who they are, and to feel empowered, confident and inspired… because that is what makes us beautiful. This is at the heart of our brand and we’ve really identified it as our purpose. We’re excited to look forward and think about different ways we can engage with our community at large.
What made you want to begin doing collections?
We saw an opportunity to create something that we wanted to wear and live in. Something lighter, more comfortable and buttery soft that worked for the lifestyle and the passions we pursue. Being from Canada we didn't want to have to choose between intimates and swimsuits.
What does the design process look like for your team?
As we chase after our dreams and the lifestyle we want to create for ourselves, we conceptualize pieces that we want to wear and use daily to feel as beautiful and comfortable as we possibly can. We want to provide timeless pieces so everyone can wear them and feel that way! Everyone in our small group brings ideas to the table. But at the end of the day Jenni (Owner/Designer) and Sarah (Designer/Marketing) focus in on what they really want to create and they design it from the ground up. Everything is done in house. There are a lot of steps in the process to perfect the garment patterns, sizing, fits and colors. Once the design process is complete everything is handmade in Bali for you!
What can we expect for the future?
Jenni and Sarah are working on some really fun stuff. We've recently added "Littles" sizing in our best selling Everyday Bodysuit for kids. And we're working on our biggest addition to the line so far which will be a Ready To Wear segment! Light, airy, and of course buttery soft pieces to wear over your MAI intimates or as stand alone pieces to build your outfit around. Beautiful button ups, dresses, shorts, pants etc., and some fun accessories in limited runs as well.
We're super excited about this as we've been getting asked for apparel from tons of MAI girls and from our retail partners. We can't wait to get these out there for you to enjoy. Keep your eyes open for it in a few seasons!
Photographer: Renee Schaefer
Model: Nisha Oliver
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