Drenched in sun, surrounded by sea and covered with lush greenery, Phuket’s natural beauty often serves as the inspiration for luxe local swim and resort wear brand, KAANDA beach life.
Suitable for strolling along the sand or dancing in a beach club, KAANDA’s tailored swimwear caters to the confident fashionista with styles ranging from dynamic floral one-pieces to graceful white bikinis. The flowing cover-ups, with crocheted or sequined detailing, are equally divine. Balancing on the line between elegant comfort and pure glamour, it’s not hard to see why KAANDA maintains a loyal following of Thai celebrities, such as Sonia Couling, Metinee ‘Lukkade’ Kingpayom and Pitchanart ‘May’ Sakakorn.
For the brand’s latest collection, Song of the Sea, CEO and founder Katrina Boner has blended Thailand’s tropical exoticness with influence from Greek mythology’s demigoddesses. Drawing inspiration from these half-mortal deities, the collection honours Boner’s loyal customers from all over the world – a tribute to the sacredness and raw emotion that is encapsulated in all women.
KAANDA’s tailored swimwear caters to the confident fashionista with styles ranging from dynamic floral onepieces to graceful white bikinis
“I wanted to create swimwear for that vibrant creature, those women that have all that [divinity and humanity] within them and are proud of it,” Boner says.
Living on an island where people are constantly dressed for the beach, even at the supermarket, Phuket is the perfect base for the Swedish designer.
“I admit, I’m always checking what people are wearing and how it fits. I see people in bikinis every day.”
Boner began her career in television before swapping Sweden for Antigua and television for the hospitality industry. It wasn’t until after moving to Phuket, however, that she started to dabble in fashion, importing quality swimwear brands such as Sunseeker Australia for department stores, hotels and boutiques. Eventually, the work naturally evolved into creating KAANDA.
“I’m intrigued by fits and shapes and love to find new lines that can complement the female form. The lack of nice quality well-fitting swimwear when we first came to Phuket was what originally led me into the industry but now it’s safe to say I’m as passionate about beachwear as you can get!”
A lucky thing for holiday goers who still want to look hot in the heat.
Photography shot by Anka Fateeva at TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao Noi
Snag the Style
KAANDA boasts six boutiques across Phuket including in a brand new location in Central Festival shopping mall. Find it for yourself at:
• KAANDA beach life – Kata (near The Boathouse)
• KAANDA beach life – Surin
• Catch Beach Club – Bang Tao
• Boat Avenue – Cherngtalay
• Canal Village Laguna – Choeng Thale
• Central Festival Phuket – near Phuket Town
The brand can also be found outside of Phuket in Siam Paragon and Central World in Bangkok, BluPort in Hua Hin and Central Festival in Pattaya.
Guideline prices: Swimwear ranges from 3,400 – 4,100 THB. Coverups from 2,500 – 7,500 THB.
To buy visit one of KAANDA’s shops of buy online at: kaandabeachlife.com