Tina Kunakey on her swimwear collection advocating for more size diversity
It is as co-creative director that Tina Kunakey unveils with Marcella Franklin — the creator of the Brazilian beachwear brand HAIGHT — an inclusive swimwear collection. For the occasion, the model spoke with L'OFFICIEL to talk about the capsule, but also fashion and diversity.
L'OFFICIEL: How did you learn about the HAIGHT brand?
Tina Kunakey: While I was walking the streets of Rio de Janeiro, I came across the HAIGHT store by chance. When I discovered the collections, I was immediately seduced by the identity of the brand. For many years, I introduced the store to my friends. Not finding a model that matched my body shape was quite frustrating for me. So I wrote to the brand on Instagram and proposed a collaboration aimed at promoting more size diversity. The team immediately liked the idea and we met the next day. So it was at the Janeiro Hotel, sharing a Caïpirinha that it all began. (Laughs) It's a very nice collaboration, as well as a beautiful love story between them all.
LO: What values do you share with the brand?
TK: As women, the HAIGHT team and I want to promote love between women, sisterhood, feminism, diversity of bodies.
LO: Getting into swimwear, was it obvious?
TK: It’s a question I’ve always asked myself, yes. I never found a swimsuit brand that sold unmatchable pieces: I wear S on the bottom and XL on the top, and always thought it was a shame not to find what suited me. In addition to this, we have worked on reinforced support for the swimsuit tops, which makes the pieces even more comfortable.
LO: Why was it important to you that this collection be inclusive?
TK: It was not important but essential. This is the very reason for this project and what motivated me to get in touch with HAIGHT. During our first meeting, the team told me that this was precisely a subject they wanted to work on.
LO: Do you have a favorite piece in the collection?
TK: Without hesitation, the Mini collection. My daughter has worn HAIGHT since she was born, from the beach to the pool. She wore my collaboration all summer, I'm in love. I also love the Sarah One Piece . It's the ideal timeless swimsuit. The Nadia Top is inspired by a vintage swimsuit top that my mom wore, and that I stole from her growing up. I love it, that’s why it got its name. I couldn't choose just one model. I imagined them all as if they were for me.
LO: The Tina Kunakey x HAIGHT collaboration in 3 words?
TK: Comfortable, sexy, sunny.
LO: What are your essential everyday fashion pieces?
TK: Good jeans, a white Petit Bateau t-shirt, and a big smile.
LO: What is your best fashion advice?
TK: Feeling comfortable.
Discover the collection on haight.com
