Social Accounts
Facebook 771K Likes
Instagram 335K Followers
Tumblr 0
Search Site

“My bikinis are named after various places” A talk with swimwear designer Courtney Allegra

At 18, Courtney Allegra has achieved more success in fashion that many designers who have dedicated their whole lives to the field. She designs fun and flirty swimwear in San Diego where she grew up. In her free time she partners with The American Cancer Society, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Never Leave One Behind. Photographed by Lauren Engel, hair styling by Yuhi Kim and makeup by Caitlin Wooters using Make Up For Ever. Lingerie: Perilla Lingerie

 

How did you begin sketching designs?
I’ve been sketching designs since I could draw. My earliest sketches were of ball gowns and “princess stuff.” By the time I was fifteen, my sketches evolved and my favorite staple for every collection was an a-line leather skirt.

Where do you look to for inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration everywhere. My bikinis are named after various places, so travel definitely inspires my designs. I also get inspiration from movies, like my metallic collection of bikinis, which was inspired by one of my favorites–Zoolander.

Was there anyone who inspired you to start designing?
I wasn’t inspired by anyone in particular, but my early designs were inspired by Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana. As far as swimwear goes, I inspired myself to start designing simply because I couldn’t find the “perfect bikini.” I wanted a bikini that showed off all of the right assets while still keeping things on the fun side rather than the sexy side.

Are you completely hands on in your designing from sketching to the manufacture or do you have help?
Although I’m completely hands on, I have lots of help and support from my team. After I sketch a design, I take it to my sample-maker to bring it to life. I’m also the fit model for my line, so I have to adjust the sample suit to my liking while I’m wearing it. It’s a long and sometimes frustrating process, but if I weren’t hands on, my designs wouldn’t portray my vision.

The swimsuit industry is very competitive–brands keep starting every second, what about your brand differentiates from the rest?
My brand is unique from the millions of other brands out there. Courtney Allegra Swim offers youthful and fun prints in super sexy cuts. What’s cool is that my bikinis allow people to be not just sexy, but fun too.

Where do you see your personal brand in five years?
In five years, I see my brand being sold in boutiques and department stores not only across the US, but internationally as well. I also want to collaborate with other designers on special collections!

You mentioned before you do pole dancing and horse riding–when did you start and do you perform?
I’ve been riding horses since before I could walk. I started training in various disciplines from the age of six, and I compete on the international level in show jumping. About two years ago, I started pole dance just to have fun while getting a good workout. It’s turned into another passion of mine, and I hope to start competing in the future!

Other than designing, pole dancing and horse riding, what do you do in your free time?
I have too many hobbies to list. Music is my third passion– I’m a drummer. I’ve been playing for almost 5 years now and if I weren’t a designer I would definitely be in a band!

 

IMG_6677

IMG_6649

IMG_6641

IMG_6771

IMG_6882

IMG_6969

IMG_7063

IMG_7080

Eurasian photographer and I make vids 📍LA

You May Also Like
76 comments

  6. I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website.
    hargatoto

  8. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually realize what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =). We could have a hyperlink change contract between us!
    koitoto

  12. You’ve got some interesting points in this article. I would have never considered any of these if I didn’t come across this. Thanks!.
     koitoto

  29. I really thank you for the valuable info on this great subject and look forward to more great posts. Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty article with me. I am appreciating it very much! Looking forward to another great article. Good luck to the author! All the best!
    NAWATOTO LOGIN

  30. I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike other blogs I have read which are really not that good.Thanks alot!
    nekatwin

  31. I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorites blog site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my site as well and let me know what you think.
    service dog registration

  45. I added it to my favorites blog site list and will be checking back soon. I added it to my favorites blog site list and will be checking back soon.

  52. I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy.
    toto macau

  53. Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I’m happy I found this blog. Thank you for sharing with us,I too always learn something new from your post.
    situs togel

  54. Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article.talaria x3
    Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article.

  59. You have done a great job on this article. It’s very readable and highly intelligent. You have even managed to make it understandable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you.
    sewu88

  61. I am happy to find this post Very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I Always prefer to read The Quality and glad I found this thing in you post. Thanks
     winwin838 login

  64. hello!! Very interesting discussion glad that I came across such informative post. Keep up the good work friend. Glad to be part of your net community.
    bageshwar dham

  65. That appears to be excellent however i am still not too sure that I like it. At any rate will look far more into it and decide personally!
    강남달토

  73. If you are looking for a heating and air conditioning company in the Tulsa County area, Our professional technicians can help you select, install, and maintain equipment to assure efficiency, reliability, and comfort over the lifetime of your products
    Caça Vazamentos

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

C-Heads Volume 38