Alo Yoga and Tropic of C have officially launched their collaboration with the limited edition pieces presented during last week on their websites.
We’ve partnered with Tropic of C on an exclusive, limited-edition collection, with select styles handmade in Northern Peru in collaboration with female artisans. Learn more about the traditional art form of Andean tramado crochet and the modern, game-changing way these artisans work.
Unlike weaving on a cumbersome backstrap loom, Andean tramado crochet can be conveniently worked on just about anywhere. The earliest examples of this tighter, less bulky variant on traditional crochet dates back over 8000 years — to the earliest period of human occupation in the Americas.
Each piece is made by hand by Quechua and Mochica women across 3 regions of Northern Peru — Pacasmayo, Cajamarca and Huamachuco. Nine individual collectives comprise a team of 120 women, who work in the home or in community centers where they can care for young children and family while generating an income by practicing a traditional art form that’s been passed down from generation to generation.
Working with Tropic of C provides the female artisan collectives with more than just employment — each collective is provided with computer literacy classes, an education on critical production skills that allow them to scale while maintaining size consistency, and guidance on becoming formal organizations, so that these artisans are able to bring their work to craft fairs. Classes in accounting and assistance in opening bank accounts increase economic agency for women at all levels of education.
Meeting increased demand for these stunning designs not only keeps the art form of Andean tramado crochet alive — it’s also elevated the way these textiles are made. Through collaboration and skill sharing, the female artisans have made adaptations that allow for consistent, bulk production of one-of-a-kind textiles — a first of its kind.
The crocheted pieces included in our Alo x Tropic of C capsule collection reflect the values of both brands — to live mindfully, connect with air, land and ocean, and practice humankindness.
Where to shop?
Candice Swanepoel and Alo Yoga are teaming on a collection of elevated swimwear basics.
The model and her Tropic of C brand are partnering with Alo Yoga on a collection that offers bikinis, one-piece bathing suits, woven hats and bandeau tops in red, orange, black and mauve. The pieces are meant to be mixed and matched and paired with other Alo Yoga styles.
“I wanted this collection to be about simplicity, elegance and power,” Swanepoel said. “The pieces are simple with unique colors, which I think will stand out on any summer adventure. Each piece is designed to accentuate the female form, so fit has always been a key part of my designs and you can feel it when you put these pieces on.”
The collection, particularly its woven pieces, were handmade by indigenous female artisans in northern Peru. In addition to employing the artisans, Tropic of C offers the women computer literacy classes and other education to help them grow their own artisan businesses. This kind of philanthropy is engrained in Swanepoel’s brand, which regularly partners with global charities and works with artisans across the world.
Swanepoel explained her favorite pieces from the collection are the red and black swimsuits, as they are classic swimwear staples. She also stated she likes the handmade woven pieces.
“Our design process often starts with a color palette,” she said. “We worked with Alo on what their upcoming color stories look like and built a collection that would complement each other. We want the girl to be able to wear the swimwear together with some of the workout pieces or even as streetwear. We then chose some of our most loved styles that are simple and functional for whatever activities our girls are doing, whether it’s on the beach or beyond.”
The collaboration is not Alo Yoga’s latest foray into swimwear. The brand previously teamed with Frankies Bikinis last summer.
The Alo Yoga x Tropic of C collection will be available through both brands’ websites and at select Alo Yoga stores across the country. The collection ranges in price from $70 to $150.
RELATED LINKS
Tropic of C > Collections > Alo Yoga x Tropic of C
Tropic x of C > Mailing > Alo Yoga x Tropic of C
Tropic of C > Miscellaneous > Miscellaneous Alo Yoga x Tropic of C
Tropic of C announced on their website the next drop of the brand is coming on June 20, 2022 joining forces with Alo Yoga.
Some pieces are now displayed as part of the collaboration on their website:
praia top in raisin.
praia bottom in raisin.
cosmo in red hot summer.
praia top in raisin/papaya chevron.
praia bottom in raisin/papaya chevron.
crochet bandeau in sunset stripe.
praia top in red hot summer.
praia bottom in red hot summer.
cosmo in black.
bucket hat in sunset stripe.
Bookmark the link to be one of the first to see when you can start shopping.
RELATED LINKS
Tropic of C > Collections > Alo Yoga x Tropic of C
Tropic of C > Mailing > Alo Yoga x Tropic of C
Tropic of C > Miscellaneous > Miscellaneous Alo Yoga x Tropic of C
Tropic of C has launched officially their first Pride Month capsule collection featuring the first piece for men of the brand after 4 years since the brand was launched officially.
The piece is called edu, after Eduardo Bravin and it’s available in kingston cat, mystic paralello and sunshine check.
celebrate PRIDE MONTH with us. introducing our men’s capsule collection featuring the edu swim brief in three of our best-selling prints. 10% OF SALES FROM 6/1-6/3 will be DONATED TO THE TREVOR PROJECT, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis. intervention for LGBTQ+ youth.
ALL FOR LOVE LOVE FOR ALL.
RELATED LINKS
Tropic of C > Collections > Love Wins
Tropic of C > Miscellaneous > Miscellaneous Love Wins
Tropic of C‘s last collection, sail away, is also their capsule collection in collaboration with Route App. To launch officially this collection Candice Swanepoel and Route hosted an event at the 1 Hotel South Beach.
What’s Route App?
Route is an app where you can track what you buy and discover new brands, products, and trends, all in one app.
Check out Tropic of C on Route App
RELATED LINKS
Screen Captures > Tropic Of C > Sail Away > Tropic of C via Route App
What’s new with Tropic of C?
There are so many beautiful pieces we’ve added, along with our core styles, which are classics and keep selling well. We added a movement category and recently clothing, so we’ve continued to grow and reach so many beautiful customers all over the globe.
You’ve had the line since 2018. How has it evolved?
It has been growing at a rate I never could have expected. We’ve had some growing pains along the way, as all businesses do, finding the right employees and how to handle the demand and deadlines, but it’s all part of the process, and it’s a good problem to have. I’m constantly brainstorming the next collection for TOC. It’s always challenging and exciting as I put a lot of heart into it.
What have you learned about yourself along the way?
I’ve learned how important it is to stay true to my style and what I believe is beautiful. There can be many different influences and distractions these days. It’s important to stay true to the DNA of the brand. It’s also important for me creatively to have moments to myself where I can let my creativity flow and find new inspiration as we’re constantly making new collections and supplying the demand. When I started this company I knew nothing about business. I’ve enjoyed stepping into my entrepreneurial power.
How would you describe the aesthetic of the brand?
Tropic of C is a brand for a conscious consumer. The general style is inspired by classic shapes and simplicity. These are pieces you can have for a long time, and they never go out of style. I imagine the Tropic of C girl to be an adventurous woman who likes to look chic and feel good on whatever adventure she’s on. I pay close attention to both quality and fit. I think my experience modeling and making a living by making some not-so-beautiful clothing look good has helped me design pieces that do the opposite; they: help make you look good.
You’re involved in every aspect of the business, from design to marketing. What’s your favorite part of the process?
My favorite part of running Tropic of C is the creative side, for sure. I love designing and finding new fabrics and colors, art-directing the shoots, and perfecting post production and marketing. I want the customer to feel a part of my tropical fantasies, to feel something more than just shopping. I want to transport the consumer into the Tropic of C world and almost feel the sun and elements that inspire me so much. My process is that I design with the location and feel of the collection in mind. I envision what environment the pieces will look best in and make the collection come to life.
Does the C In Tropic of C stand for Candice?
The C is for Capricorn or Cancer-the latitudes. I’ve always been ruled by the sun; it inspires me with its incredible colorful sunrises and sunsets and the ability to create life and growth. The sun makes me happy and is also the only way to be in a bikini all the time, which is is when I’m happiest, so it made sense. It was a name for the place in my mind that is TOC, where summer never ends. But it can also be for Candice if you like!
How would you still like to see the brand grow?
I would love to keep adding categories and collaborate with other like-minded brands that I respect. I’m just happy to be reaching so many different countries and beautiful customers around the world who continually come back because they love what we do. It says a lot.
Why was it important be a brand with a purpose, and who have you partnered with over the years to achieve this goal?
It was important for me to have the sustainable aspect as I truly care and am inspired by nature. I think you can see that in most of the projects I do. For me, it’s about. building something with integrity. It was never just about selling a product for me, and I believe if you try your best to give back in some way that life will be good to you. I guess it was about being proud of my business but also being able to sleep at night knowing I’m not doing more damage to the thing that inspires me most. We have partnered with amazing organizations in Peru and Africa that give work and power to women who need it. We’re continually finding new sustainable fabrics and methods to create our products and packaging. Some of the first companies we found, like Econyl and Repreve, were pioneering these methods at the time I started the company, and now many more like them are popping up with new technologies and ways of reducing the environmental impact.
What are some examples of the brand being sustainable?
There are different sustainable. fabrics we use. Most are made by regenerated nylon fiber made from recycled materials like fishing nets fabric scraps, and industrial plastics. rescued from landfills and oceans all over the world. The liners, hand tags, and packaging were carefully picked to be 100 percent renewable and biodegradable.
Where do you find inspiration when designing for the line?
I find inspiration everywhere! It could be a woman on the street; it could be the shape of a leaf or flower. Culture and attitudes influence me, too-African culture and its beautiful prints and colors. Vintage fashion also inspires the shapes of my designs. I’m someone who sees beauty in everything and everyone, even in the most simple day-to-day moments that most people may not even pay attention to.
How does it feel to see other women wearing the brand?
It’s the most gratifying part of it all. To see women feeling empowered and beautiful and enjoying their lives in my pieces makes me happy, knowing hard work is paying off.
Tell us a little bit about the team behind Tropic of C.
Our office is based in New York. My incredible partner holds down the fort while sometimes work remotely when traveling and shooting. One of my oldest and dearest friends handles our wholesale. She’s based in London, and we have wonderful creative women collaborating on our marketing and digital, helping my vision come to life. There’s also our business team, which works remotely tracking our progress and setting goals The TOC team is still quite small considering, and it’s mostly working mothers. I’m very particular about the energy we allow into our little tropical bubble.
You live in Miami now! What do you love about the area?
I loved living in New York: I lived there for almost 14 years, so I really got the best out of it, but being able to swim in the ocean year-round is a huge plus for me. I thrive in a tropical place! It’s also somewhere I don’t need to wear shoes. Miami is close enough for me to be productive in New York when I need to be. But the main reason I live in Miami is that my children love the open spaces and water. It’s a lovely balance for me.
Now that you’re a local, what’s your favorite restaurant in Miami?
I love Mandolin Bistro. It’s the most amazing Greek food, and the place is outdoors and feels like Europe. Good luck getting a reservation!
We hear that you’re working with the Route app. What appealed to you about it?
Tropic of C has benefited greatly since we started using Route. It’s an amazing service to our TOC customers that provides protection in case packages are lost in the mail. Route has a unique approach to online shopping, rethinking the consumer experience from discovery of brands to delivery of products. We’re also. launching our black and white capsule collection with Route during Basel.
The holidays are coming up. What’s on your wish list this year?
To take a week or two to block. out a lot of the constant noise. 1 definitely need some time. to recharge my batteries. This past year has been quite intense. for everyone, and life seems to : be back on full speed ahead. It’s important not to forget the lessons we learned through the pandemic. I’d love to go somewhere beautiful in naturel and just be. Finding balance and peace is an important part of being able to handle and juggle everything in my life.
What’s something you really don’t want or need this year?
Drama, fake people in my life, or unnecessary stress
What do you typically do during the holidays?
Go somewhere that inspires me or calms me, usually a place that is rich naturally, like Africa, Brazil, or Costa Rica. I enjoy watching my children be with my family and make memories.
What are you looking forward to in 2022?
I’d like to continue seeing my business flourish and whatever interesting, exciting things that may come my way. I’m very much an “in the moment type of person. I’m extremely present, so I don’t really stop and think about the future unless I’m forced to. Life is all about learning and evolving, so I’m looking forward to what lessons 2022 has in store for me, both professionally and personally.
RELATED LINKS
Magazine Scans > 2021 > Daily Front Row – December
Tropic of C announced on their Instagram shop the launch of the new collection on December 1.
The name of the drop will be Sail Away and it has a photo as cover where Candice appears on a boat wearing three pieces of the new drop that appear listed as rio top in black and white ($85) rio bottom in black and white ($85) and bax top in black ($85)
The drop, according to the full information of the store will be available on Wednesday.
Sorry for the delay on the blog posts compared to our social media activity!
On Friday, October 15 Candice Swanepoel launched their resort 2022 of her swim line, Tropic of C under the name “the new new” which you can shop at Tropic of C
Check out our gallery to view the collection photos, social media updates from their Instagram and mailing photos sent to the newsletter of the people who signed up.
This collection has new prints like rose water, ocean stripe or serpentine, and also has the returns of best seller pieces like bianca, the C bralette, the C one piece or south pacific top.
RELATED LINKS
Tropic of C > Collections > Resort 2022
Tropic of C released their new movement campaign on Friday September 24. The shooting took place in Puglia, Italy with Eduardo Bravin as photographer and Sandy Armeni as stylist.
To check out the collection and promotional photos released by Tropic of C‘s Instagram take a look at our gallery.
RELATED LINKS
Tropic of C > Movement > Movement 2021
Tropic of C > Movement > Miscellaneous Movement 2021
