Do you want to avoid the tan lines from a bikini or swimsuit? Now, it is possible thanks to “Coração Bobo”, the swimwear that minimises tan lines, created by the Técnico architecture alumnae Sara Santos, Rafaela Monteiro and Daniela Francisco.
The idea of creating the swimwear brand came up in Brazil, in 2014, during their student exchange, and was inspired by the Brazilian sandy beaches. The name was inspired from a song by the Brazilian singer/songwriter Alceu Valença.
After some time, the three Técnico alumnae launched “Coração Bobo”, a young and feminine swimwear brand – a breakthrough in Portuguese textile industry by minimising tan lines. The fabric lets the sun’s ray pass through about 5 times more than standard Lycra, minimising the usual tan lines. With a SPF10, the fabric offers sun protection and protects from harmful UV rays. In addition, the fabric is lightweight, breathable and exceptionally quick drying. All products are handmade in Portugal.
Entering the market in 2016 went better than expected, and since then the brand has not stopped growing. Nowadays, Rafaela Monteiro is the only one who remains at the head of “Coração Bobo”. “The brand has followed a very positive path but at the same time very demanding and challenging but we have managed to conquer the female public. Most of our customers are loyal and have been with us since the first collection”.
On a more personal level, the Técnico alumna shares that the path has been challenging. “The fact that it comprises so many topics that I don’t master – as they are not my training area (Architecture) – such as marketing, management and fashion, has made the path increasingly difficult. It’s a constant process of discovery that makes our achievements very special”.
“Sea Roots”, the new Spring/Summer 2021 collection, is inspired by the sea and its elements, and aims to enhance women’s natural beauty: bare feet, salty hair and tan skin. “This vibe, so light, so ‘carioca’, is what we want all women to feel when they wear our swimwear”, stresses Rafaela Monteiro.
There are 16 new models, two bikinis and two swimsuits, each available in four new prints, from S to XL sizes. The patterns are exclusive, all hand-drawn by artist Sofia Alves. “We stay loyal to our artistic principles, therefore colour and movement are once again very important. That is the only way we can achieve the harmony and liveliness that characterises ‘Coração Bobo’”, she adds.
“We are a small-scale family business and all our products are handcrafted in Portugal. We offer quality products and we respect the rights of workers”, says the Técnico alumna. “Furthermore, we consider that it is also important to support national activities and the development of our economy. Our main concern is to value the role of women in society, which has been underestimated for so long”, she adds.
About expanding into new markets Rafaela Monteiro says “we want to take that step, but it’s one of the great challenges we face: how to reach new markets and be responsive to our customers. It is important to choose the right path and have a consolidated structure”.
