SWIM
Raj to Make Women’s Swim for Oakley
Raj Manufacturing—which produces swimwear under brands such as Ella Moss, Splendid, Hurley, Nautica and Reef—will add Oakley to its roster of licensed brands.
Alex Bhathal, president of the Tustin, Calif.–based Raj, said that he hopes the women’s swim collection will express Oakley’s commitment to sports performance and fashion through swimwear.
The Oakley swimwear line is scheduled to make its debut in October. The line will be fashionable but sturdy, said a Raj representative. It will offer clothes to women for activities such as beach volleyball and exercising at the gym. A one-piece suit will feature stylish cut-out panels and be sturdy enough to not fall off in the waves. Also featured in the line will be zip-up rash guards, swim leggings and fashion-forward sports bras.
The line will be made out of an eco-friendly performance fabric, which will protect from the sun’s rays.
Retail price points will range from $44 for separates to $168 for some one-piece styles. Raj forecasts that the line will be sold at Oakley shops and Swim Spot swimwear boutiques as well as at select retailers.
Raj’s Oakley line marks the second time it has made a performance women’s swimwear line. Since 2002, it has been manufacturing the performance swimwear line Next. The Oakley line was intended to be worn by a younger woman compared with the Next line.
