Cabana Seven: Relaxing in a Resort
After decades of designing swimwear for several big Southern California companies, Kathleen Sampson decided to take the plunge and start her own swimwear line, Cabana Seven.
Her customer is a jet-setting woman, age 25 and up, who enjoys life, works hard and is always busy but ready to take off at the spur of the moment on a three-day trip. And for that trip, she naturally needs a swimsuit and coverup that forms part of a six-pack—those six essential things a woman needs for a short trip and a light suitcase. “There is sportswear that works as a coverup or swimwear that can look like sportswear,” said Sampson of the versatile Resort 2008 collection, made up of swimwear, sportswear and coverups.
Sampson, based in Tustin, Calif., has a varied background as a sportswear, activewear and swimwear designer for labels such as Catalina, Hang Ten, Beach Patrol, Rampage and W Swimwear. Most recently she was working at Apparel Ventures in Gardena, Calif., with longtime colleague Howard Greller. She was the design force behind Rampage and W Swim.
Then last year, she decided to go solo, partnering up with Nancy Earnshaw, another former colleague, who specializes in production and technical design. Most of their suits are manufactured in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
The line debuted in September 2007, selling mostly at boutiques and resorts.
Swimwear silhouettes include bikinis with button bandeaus or halter tops. Bikini bottoms are comfortably cut, sitting on the hips with side-button or button-front accents. A one-piece halter swim dress with a belt can double as a swimsuit or a mini-dress for a night out on the town.
Most of the Resort line uses dark colors, such as deep navy blue and black, and many looks have a wide white stripe throughout the polyamide/nylon and Lycra fabric. Wholesale prices for swimwear vary from $56 to $88. Coverups and sportswear range from $39 to $98.
For more information, call (714) 350-3973. —Deborah Belgum
